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St Peter’s: The Turning of the Year

St Peter’s will be transformed into a monumental canvas of light, with vines, embers and autumnal textures appearing to grow across its architecture. The experience draws audiences into the turning of the seasons, moving from the warmth and abundance of harvest towards the mystery and darkness of Samhain.

Across the façade, a series of scenes explores the rituals and symbols associated with this transition. The Wheel of the Year moves through spring, summer, harvest and winter, while Bread & Survival evokes the warmth of the hearth and the importance of food, fire and community.

The story grows darker with Turnip & Fire, where the traditional carved turnip lantern emerges from the architecture, illuminated from within by flickering light. The sequence culminates in Into Samhain, as St Peter’s becomes a spectacular threshold between worlds, with streams of light flowing through its arches, windows and towers before the entire building transforms into a living portal.

St Laurence’s Gate: The Dagda & Brigid

At the historic St Laurence’s Gate, audiences will encounter The Dagda & Brigid, a four-minute story inspired by two powerful figures associated with Ireland’s ancient traditions. Beginning at Samhain, the story introduces the Dagda as guardian of the Celtic year, a figure of abundance, protection and balance who watches over the land as it enters the darker half of the year.

From the darkness emerges Brigid and her sacred flame, representing creativity, craftsmanship, poetry and hope. Her light carries the story from Samhain towards Imbolc and the first signs of spring, creating a journey from darkness into renewal and connecting the ancient cycle of the seasons with Brigid’s enduring legacy.

The Old Abbey: Lugh & Balor

The Old Abbey becomes the setting for the dramatic story of Lugh & Balor, a battle between darkness and light, destruction and creation. The story begins with a prophecy foretelling the downfall of Balor, king of the Fomorians, whose destructive eye casts the land into shadow and holds back the changing seasons.

Against him rises Lugh, the many-skilled hero, poet, craftsman, healer and leader. Their confrontation builds towards the Battle of Mag Tuireadh, where Lugh’s spear of light shatters Balor’s eye and releases the land from darkness. Rather than presenting a simple victory of light over darkness, the story restores the natural balance between the two and the turning of the seasons.

In a striking final transformation, fragments from Balor’s shattered eye rise to become the moon, sky and stars, turning destruction into creation and leaving audiences with the image of an eternal cycle continuing.

Dominican Church, Markets, Music & Festival Atmosphere

The Dominican Church will welcome the  ever popular Drogheda Cottage Market for Lú Festival of Light, bringing together independent traders and offering visitors the chance to browse, discover something special and support local businesses.

Outside, there will be additional food traders at the entrance to the Dominican House, complemented by an outdoor marquee and music area, will create a lively gathering place. We advise you to make it part of your festival route, a welcoming spot to explore the stalls, enjoy the music and soak up the atmosphere.

Methodist Church: Fallen

The Methodist Church will host Fallen, an atmospheric kinetic light installation exploring the connection between the night sky, ancient constellations and mythology.

Highlanes Gallery: Pulse of the Ancients

Highlanes Gallery will host Pulse of the Ancients, an immersive installation combining rhythmic pulsing light.