Laois County Council “Café Evening Opening,” grant initiative Portlaoise: Aodha Griffin, Emily Conroy, Matthew O'Rourke and Mia O'Malley , at Square Coffee, Portlaoise . Photo: Michael Scully - no reproduction fee.
Two cafés on Main Street Portlaoise – Square Coffee and LemonNick Café – availed of Laois County Council’s ‘Café Late Opening Grant Initiative’ and opened their doors until late recently.
The Square Coffee hosted local band Byro with The Coffee House Session. The band packed the café, as well as the street outside.
LemonNick Café hosted DJ General and the café was transformed into a relaxing evening lounge.
Following on from the success of this event on July 31, this initiative will be advertised again in September.
This grant initiative was launched in a bid to boost the evening economy and support local businesses, offering financial support to cafes looking to trial or establish later opening times.
Funding could be used for events, entertainment or partnerships with local artists and performers to help attract evening footfall, with the aim of:
Diversifying Nightlife: expanding evening options, offering an enhanced experience for residents, workers, and visitors alike.
Stimulate the Economy: increasing dwell time, encouraging additional footfall, and increasing revenue streams for cafés during evening hours.
Angela McEvoy, Director of Services at Laois County Council said: “Laois County Council is delighted to see the success of this initiative and we would love to see more businesses getting involved and applying for the next round of funding.
“Our aim is to enhance the experiences of locals and visitors but also boost the local economy.
“These events bring together residents, local businesses and entertainers and they are key to a thriving and diverse nightlife.”
Photographer Michael Scully was present at both venues and captured some great images.
Check them out below:
Laois County Council “Café Evening Opening,” grant initiative Portlaoise: DJ – John Whelan at LemoNick Cafe, Main Street. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Laois County Council “Café Evening Opening,” grant initiative Portlaoise: Aine-Sadhbh and Aurelie at LemoNick Cafe, Main Street. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Laois County Council “Café Evening Opening,” grant initiative Portlaoise: Local band ” Byro” – Fionn Devoy, Tadgh O’Dwyer and Alex Power playing at Square Coffee, Portlaoise . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Laois County Council “Café Evening Opening,” grant initiative Portlaoise: Grace Coyne and Kurt Kavanagh , at Square Coffee, Portlaoise . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Laois County Council “Café Evening Opening,” grant initiative Portlaoise: Scott Booth, Tyler Kelly, Chloe and Emma Bergin, SaraHewitt and Tiarna Kavanagh , at Square Coffee, Portlaoise . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Laois County Council “Café Evening Opening,” grant initiative Portlaoise: Kayla Daly, Scott Duffy, Amy Kennedy, Caoimhe Murphy, Gromo Grygiel and Nathan Dewing., at Square Coffee, Portlaoise . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Laois County Council “Café Evening Opening,” grant initiative Portlaoise: Jack Keyes and Luca Cullen serving at Square Coffee, Portlaoise . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Laois County Council “Café Evening Opening,” grant initiative Portlaoise: Kara Naughton, Alison Dalton, Dara Byrne and Hazel Dalton , at Square Coffee, Portlaoise . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Laois County Council “Café Evening Opening,” grant initiative Portlaoise: Ryan Moore, Finn O’Mahoney, Keith Kelly, Jack Keyes and Lennon O’Mahoney , at Square Coffee, Portlaoise . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Laois County Council “Café Evening Opening,” grant initiative Portlaoise: Aodha Griffin, Emily Conroy, Matthew O’Rourke and Mia O’Malley , at Square Coffee, Portlaoise . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Laois County Council “Café Evening Opening,” grant initiative Portlaoise: Dylan Breen, Sophie Ryan and Bronwyn Farrell , at Square Coffee, Portlaoise . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Laois County Council “Café Evening Opening,” grant initiative Portlaoise: Lorraine Devoy, Sinead O’Dwyer and Erin O’Dwyer, at Square Coffee, Portlaoise . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.
