Celebrations as Carlingford Outdoor Dining Scheme launched

Louth County Council celebrated the launch of a new outdoor dining area in scenic Carlingford, County Louth.

The outdoor facility is located in the green area of the picturesque north Louth town, and is already being enjoyed by local people and visitors.

The official launch, which took place on 22nd November 2023, followed a Fáilte Ireland investment of €118,175 towards the outdoor dining area in 2021.

Fáilte Ireland launched an Outdoor Dining Enhancement Investment Scheme, in partnership with Local Authorities, to support upgrading and enhancing streets and public spaces and implementing weather-proofing solutions which will facilitate year-round outdoor dining. 

This investment scheme is being delivered under the Fáilte Ireland ‘Opening the Outdoors’ strategic pillar which aims to capitalise our outdoor assets and re-imagine our urban spaces.

Brian O’Flynn, Head of Ireland’s Ancient East at Fáilte Ireland said: “Carlingford is a key destination within Ireland’s Ancient East and we’re so pleased to further enhance this destination with Carlingford’s outdoor dining infrastructure, which was funded by Fáilte Ireland’s Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme and developed in partnership with Louth County Council. Outdoor dining is now a permanent feature of our tourism and hospitality offering post-COVID, and facilities like these allow visitors to access outdoor dining options for longer periods of the year, supporting local businesses to sustainably develop and adding to the atmosphere in the town.”

The project has been widely supported by the local traders in Carlingford, Carlingford Tidy Towns and the ‘Carlingford 31 Vision Committee’.

OCSC (O’Conor Sutton Cronin) completed the detailed design and tender for the project.

James Oliver Hearty and Sons carried out the construction works and installed the benches. Construction and installation were completed in October 2023.

Louth County Council Chief Executive, Joan Martin spoke at the launch, saying: “I am delighted to unveil the new permanent outdoor dining facility in Carlingford. It is wonderful to see the successful installation of this project. We received approval from Fáilte Ireland of €118,175 back in 2021 for this project, but to have the final installation finished and ready for use is a great achievement and reflects our continuous efforts to create a vibrant and welcoming environment for residents and tourists.

The support of Fáilte Ireland has been key to delivering this facility, and Louth County Council will continue our partnership with Fáilte to work towards delivering greater capacity in outdoor dining across the county and implement weather proofing solutions which will facilitate year-round dining.”

The Chief Executive added: “Another crucial element of this project has been the support for it by local traders in Carlingford, Carlingford Tidy Towns and Carlingford Vision Committee. I want to thank all who gave support for it and assisting us in delivering the final work.

The new benches will offer visitors outdoor dining options for longer periods of the year, support the sustainability of local businesses and add to the atmosphere of the town.”

Carlingford Outdoor dining launch