Anyone for chess? Drogheda pilot shows how a classic game could transform Louth nightlife
Chess has moved from a niche, nerdy pastime to a trendy social activity — and Drogheda’s nightlife is benefiting from the trend, Louth councillors were told this week.
The surge in popularity follows the global success of Netflix’s hit series The Queen’s Gambit, which helped transform the game during Covid lockdowns.
The game’s new image has also made it a draw for younger audiences looking for alternative night‑time entertainment.
Speaking at the latest meeting of Louth County Council, Cllr Emma Coffey said it was “fantastic to see chess brought into the modern era” through events organised under the pilot Night Time Economy scheme in Drogheda.
She described the initiative as “very innovative” and said its success should be replicated in other towns. With the recent rise in fuel prices, she added, people are more likely to stay local for social activities — making it an ideal time to extend the programme to Dundalk and Ardee.
Senior Executive Officer Olivia McCormack told councillors that “fantastic work” had been delivered through the Drogheda project. While the scheme is currently a pilot operating solely in the town, she said the council could consider expanding it elsewhere.
Although the programme remains a “test case,” McCormack said it provides a useful model for what could be achieved in other parts of the county.