Future of Leitrim Gathering discussed amid calls for annual event

Following the success of the Leitrim Gathering, which featured a wide range of events across the county from May 23 to May 25, there have been calls to make it an annual fixture.

At a recent meeting of the Manorhamilton Municipal District, Cllr Felim Gurn proposed that the Leitrim Gathering be held every year, and that it receive dedicated funding through the Council’s annual tourism budget.

“In regards to the Leitrim Gathering, there was a huge successful diaspora showcasing our county towns. I have a suggestion here that it is an annual event, as no other county has taken to doing something like this,” he said.

A reply from the Economic Development team raised concerns about the feasibility of holding the event annually due to the significant planning, effort, and financial resources required. 

In response, Cllr Gurn suggested a rotating approach, where the event could be hosted in the main Municipal Districts – Carrick-on-Shannon, Manorhamilton, and Ballinamore each year, and later extended to smaller towns that wish to participate.

READ NEXT: Successful Leitrim event looks to close gender gap in local decision making

“A lot of the work is done by the communities themselves organising the events. I think if we lose the momentum then we’ve lost the concept of this,” he added.

Cllr Gurn’s motion received widespread backing from councillors, who praised the success and positive energy the Gathering brought to the county.

“The Gathering was a wonderful occasion,” said Cllr James Gilmartin. “It brought a lot of energy to a lot of places around the county. To roll it out every year may not be a runner but we can build for next year.”

Cllr Gurn also noted the economic benefits, pointing out that the Gathering boosted footfall in towns across Leitrim.

In a response, the Economic Development team acknowledged the Gathering’s impact but reiterated that a large-scale event is not sustainable on an annual basis because of high costs and the level of planning involved. 

Preparation for the Leitrim Gathering began in early 2024 and involved extensive coordination across multiple stakeholders.

READ NEXT: Over €114,000 in Local Enhancement Funding announced for Leitrim community groups

Despite this, the Council remains committed to the spirit of the initiative. 

The Economic Development and Tourism team is “keen to build on the success” of key events and is exploring ways to support local communities in developing a broader programme of events. 

Rather than concentrating everything into one weekend, the goal is to extend activities across the county over a longer period from March to October 2026.