Lú Festival bursts into light this weekend

Expecting approximately 40,000 over the Bank Holiday weekend, Lú Festival of Light opens today, Friday 24 October and runs until Bank Holiday Monday, turning Drogheda into a live theatre of light and sound, telling stories of Ireland’s mythological past.

Opening with the annual Drogheda Credit Union Spooks Parade weaving through the streets, the festival will animate Drogheda in new and exciting ways, including the first peek into the Dominican Church, as it will be transformed into a lively market before the disused church is renovated into a library.

A key event in the Nighttime Economy Strategy for Drogheda, there are events taking place in venues across the town, including a nightly Street Party with Drogheda Groove Movement and Showaddywaddy in TLT.

Featuring four shows per hour from 7-9.30pm daily between 24th-27th October, key sites for animations include St Peter’s Church, Laurence’s Gate and The Old Abbey.

Part of the national Home of Halloween celebrations, Lú Festival of Light is delivered in partnership by Love Drogheda BID, produced by Visual Spectrum, and proudly funded by Louth County Council and Fáilte Ireland. 

Cllr Michelle Hall, Mayor of Drogheda, encourages locals and visitors alike to attend the festival saying: “This October, Drogheda will once again shine as the heart of Ireland’s storytelling tradition. From the legends of Cú Chulainn to the magic of the Morrigan, our streets will come alive with light, sound, and myth.

"I invite everyone to experience the wonder, walk the illuminated trail, and be part of something truly unforgettable. Drogheda is ready to welcome you with open arms and glowing streets.”

“We’re thrilled to invite locals and visitors alike to experience the magic and meaning of Lú, to bring the excitement and energy to the town this October” said Trevor Connolly of Love Drogheda BID.

“This festival is more than just light, it is storytelling using our built heritage as a canvas to tell the stories of our hero's and heroines of Irelands Ancient East in a hugely intriguing and creative way. We are proud to be home to Irelands best Urban Animation Festival and one that should not be missed”

David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council commented on the impact of the festival, which is now in its fourth year, saying: “Each year the Lú Festival of Light brings thousands of visitors to Drogheda, energising our local economy, supporting businesses, and showcasing the town as a vibrant cultural destination.

"The festival fosters pride, inspires creativity, and strengthens bonds through shared storytelling and experiences. Its impact is felt long after the lights dim, and we are proud to support an initiative that continues to illuminate the heart of Louth.”

Lú Festival of Light 2025 is set to be the premier urban animation and lighting event in Ireland this year and will deliver dazzling displays, rich storytelling, extraordinary street performance and immersive atmosphere within the town.

Inspired by the myths and legends of Ireland, and part of Home of Halloween, the 2025 festival will bring to life powerful stories from Cú Chulainn & Ferdia, The Morrigan, and Queen Maeve’s Tain march, alongside a shining tribute to the remarkable people and achievements of Drogheda. Through breathtaking light displays, immersive installations, and captivating light and sound performances, Drogheda’s streets will be transformed into a living canvas of story and spectacle.

The Abbey will become a portal, telling the tale of The Morrigan – Goddess of War, death, of fate and fury, she is not merely one goddess, but sometimes three. A shapeshifter, a harbinger, a sovereign of strife.

Against its medieval face of St Laurence’s Gate, the story of Cú Chulainn and Ferdia will unfold the gate which once stood between war and peace, now framing the legendary duel that tore apart two brothers in arms.

The Lú Festival of Light is delivered in partnership by Love Drogheda Business Improvement District (BID), produced by Visual Spectrum, and proudly funded by Louth County Council, Love Drogheda BID, Drogheda Councillors and supported by Failte Ireland.

For more information, updates, and event schedules, please visit www.lufestivaloflight.com