Dramatic decline in county town residency: Once home to 300 residents, now only 17 inhabit this street in Ireland.
In the heart of Sligo town, Ireland, lies a county town steeped in history and tradition. Sligo, with its vibrant past, has been a bustling hub of trade and commerce for centuries.
The Garavogue river, flowing through the town, has been a witness to the ebb and flow of goods since the 12th century when Sligo harbor first began its operation. Over the years, Sligo traded goods such as oats, barley, potatoes, gin, wine, spices, and casks of sherry with various European ports.
The harbor master of Sligo port, John Carton, grew up around the area and inherited a love for the sea from his father. His role has been instrumental in maintaining the records of all ships that come in and out of Sligo, a tradition that dates back to the 1800s.
During the 1970s, Sligo was not just a port of entry for goods but also for livestock. Surprising destinations like Glasgow, Liverpool, and even Libya received Sligo's exports of cattle.
One of the most enduring establishments in Sligo is the Lyons Café, which opened its doors in 1926. The café, located upstairs, seating 135 people, is a testament to the town's commercial heritage. It is historically connected to the Lyons department store, which dates back to the 1850s.
The original maple floor in the Lyons Cafe is sprung for dancing and is sanded back every four or five years. The chairs in the café are original and were imported from Czechoslovakia before the second World War. The café's walls are adorned with a framed photograph of Leonard Cohen and a framed playlist of his songs, adding a unique charm to the establishment.
The Lyons Cafe has been a significant communal gathering place over the years, reflecting the evolution of local commerce and social life from the mid-19th century through to the modern day. However, there is no further detailed public record emphasizing its broader role in Sligo’s history.
Sligo port continues to be a working port, exporting fish meal, logs to make paper, and importing goods from Norway, Greece, the UK, Scotland, Germany, and Belgium. There are plans to build a marina at Rosses Point to further enhance the port's capabilities.
In recent years, the average number of ships into harbor has been 20 a year, but in early July of the year, it had already been exceeded, with an estimated 40 ships expected for the year.
The town's commercial landscape is also home to Michael Cosgrove's delicatessen on Market Square. The delicatessen sells a wide variety of preserves, food in jars, tins, and packets. The best-sellers at the delicatessen are mostly fresh items from the cold counter.
Another notable establishment in Sligo is the Yeats Society, which occupies a former bank building in Sligo town. The society is celebrating the 66th anniversary of the Yeats Summer School, a significant cultural event in Ireland.
Sligo's rich history is a testament to its resilience and adaptability. From its humble beginnings as a trading port to its current status as a vibrant hub of commerce and culture, Sligo continues to captivate and inspire those who visit or call it home.
The Lyons Café, established in 1926, mirrors Sligo's commercial heritage, offering food-and-drink and serving as a gathering place for the local community, reflecting the evolution of both life-style and social interactions within the town. Sligo's port also caters to home-and-garden necessities, exporting logs for paper-making and importing goods from various countries such as Norway, Greece, the UK, Scotland, Germany, and Belgium, making it possible for residents to maintain their homes and enjoy a variety of food-and-drink products. Furthermore, travelers are drawn to Sligo's cultural events, such as the Yeats Summer School organized by the Yeats Society, adding a layer of vibrancy and attraction to the county town's rich history and lifestyle.
