Hawk’s Well Theatre Expands into Historic Art Deco Theatre in Ballymote

We at Hawk’s Well Theatre, in partnership with Sligo County Council, are proud to announce our expansion into the iconic Art Deco Theatre in Ballymote - a landmark moment for arts and culture in County Sligo.

After extensive collaboration with Sligo County Council, we officially signed a licence agreement today, Thursday 2 October 2025, confirming Hawk’s Well as the principal tenant and operator of the Art Deco. This exciting development marks the beginning of a new chapter for this historic venue, and we are thrilled to unveil our first production there tomorrow, Friday 3 October.

The Art Deco Theatre will play a central role in our ambitious vision to create a Creative Village for Sligo - a network of spaces dedicated to performance, rehearsal, learning, and community engagement. As one of Ireland’s leading regional theatres, we are expanding our footprint to ensure that every community across the county, from Sligo town to its rural heartlands, can connect with creativity.

Kieran Griffiths, Director of Hawk’s Well Theatre, said:
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. The Art Deco allows us to extend our reach and bring the best of theatre, music, and the performing arts to a wider audience. We’re excited to engage with the community of Ballymote and its surrounding areas, to spark ideas and foster access to the arts for all. This expansion is a natural evolution of our role as a cultural lighthouse for the region.”

Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Dónal Gilroy, added:
“We are thrilled to see the beautiful Art Deco Theatre, first built in 1947, come alive once again under the stewardship of Hawk’s Well. This venue has deep historical and architectural significance, and its revival by a professional and visionary team is a hugely positive development for Ballymote and for Sligo. Hawk’s Well has a strong track record of artistic excellence and community engagement, and we are proud to support this exciting new chapter.”

By breathing new life into the Art Deco, we at Hawk’s Well will honour its rich legacy while opening its doors to a new era of performance and participation - strengthening Sligo’s position as a vibrant hub for the arts.