Dundalk Market Square

Market Square has been at the heart of Dundalk’s civic and commercial life since at least the late 18th Century. In 2010 Dundalk Town Council won €1.9m in funding to go towards the redevelopment of the square from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Nicholas de Jong Associates (Urban Design) were commissioned by Dundalk Town Council to design the scheme. Following an extensive public consultation exercise, proposals were finalised and the contract to build was awarded to John Cradock Construction Ltd. (Co. Kildare). The resulting design is a success on many levels; it recognises the need that the space be capable of functioning as a trading space, it embraces modern design while incorporating the history of the town and beyond, it offers a functional space for townsfolk and visitors to meet, sit and interact but most of all it ties of these facets together to produce an environment that is both beautiful and inviting. For Omos, this project represented an opportunity to engage with the Architect and Contractor at an early stage to ensure that his vision could be realised in an uncompromising yet economical way. Nicholas De Jong chose from our standard range for much of the furniture as well as adapting some products to fit the project’s specific needs. One of the key elements of the project is The Táin Sculptures by the Sculptor John Behan. The sculptures were originally commissioned by Mrs Irene Quinn and displayed in the Imperial Hotel. In 1989 the sculptures were donated to Dundalk Town Council. They were subsequently attached to the exterior of the Tourism Office on the Market Square, where they remained until 2011. Based on the Architect’s concept Omos produced eight illuminated cabinets just short of 3m tall to house the restored pieces. On the reverse of each cabinet etched on the glass are excerpts from The Táin telling the mythical story of Cúchulainn.