Dáil bill could see an increase of murals around Dundalk

A BILL was introduced to the Dáil last week that aims to modernise laws governing murals and protect public art which should see plenty more murals popping up around the town over the coming months and years. If and when that happens local historian and SEEK walking guide Liam Gaynor will most likely need to extend his tours around town which take place on the first Friday of every month.

There are currently 18 murals in Dundalk, according to SEEK walking tour guide, Liam, who is originally from Hill Street.

“We visit 13 murals on the tour which takes one hour and 20 minutes. Along the way, I talk about local history and architects,” said Liam.

The SEEK walking tours are held on the first Friday of every month at 11.30am. The starting point is the Dundalk Tourist Office at the Market Square.

The tour lasts for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Tickets cost €6 per person and can be booked via Dundalk Tourist Office.

liam Gaynor

“This is the fifth year of the SEEK walking tours. Originally they were held only during the SEEK Festival but they have become very popular so now we do one tour per month,” said Liam.

“In between we are doing all sorts of group tours. Last november we did 11 tours for groups such as schools or the

Dundalk men’s Shed for example.

“We have been doing a lot of tours for Ukrainian refugees at the minute. I work with an interpreter.”

He added: “The Ukrainian refugees are lovely people. The murals have been an incredible success for Dundalk.

“Dundalk has never looked so well. We didn’t expect the walking tours to take off but they are very popular now.

“People can discover the history and stories behind the murals. I love it. When you love Dundalk, it comes across on the tours.”

Liam continued: “I know a lot about the town. I’ve been interested in local history since I was 12. There are so many interesting things about the town that people don’t notice. People don’t look up.

“People have great pride in the town. They always have. The streets never looked so good. We started off with four murals and now we have 18 in the town that all have a connection to the place.”