Longford Late-Evening Café Initiative Expression of Interest 2026

Cafe-Lates-2026---EOI

Longford Late-Evening Café Pilot Initiative

Longford Town, actively developing a vibrant night-time economy as part of its Night-Time Economy Action Plan, is inviting Expressions of Interest from local cafés to participate in a pilot initiative that supports extended evening opening and curated after-hours programming. This initiative responds to local consultation feedback on the need for more diverse, inclusive, non-alcohol-focused activity in the town on weekday evenings.

Aim of the Longford Late-Evening Café Pilot

The pilot aims to:

  • Expand evening activity opportunities with a strong focus on non-alcohol-centred offerings.
  • Support participating cafés to trial extended opening hours.
  • Increase footfall and stimulate local economic activity.
  • Encourage a welcoming, dynamic evening café culture in Longford.

Call for Expressions of Interest

Cafés within Longford Town Centre are invited to submit Expressions of Interest to host a series of evening events, beginning from 6.00pm onwards.

Proposals may include:

  • A weekly programme delivered on a chosen weekday evening over consecutive weeks; or
  • A monthly “Late-Evening Café” event taking place on a designated evening once a month for at least five months.

Expressions of Interest are welcome from cafés located within the defined town centre area.

Pilot Timeframe

The pilot will operate during the following periods in 2026:

  • 1 May – 31 July, and
  • 1 August – 3 December.

Applicants are encouraged to consider periods when evening footfall is likely to be most beneficial to their business. Programming that appeals to a broad range of age groups from 14 years upwards is encouraged.

Event Requirements

  • All events should take place on a specified weekday evening.
  • Events should commence no earlier than 6.00pm.

Key Considerations for Applicants

Successful applicants will be expected to:

  • Promote and market their evening programme actively.
  • Provide event information at least 4 weeks in advance to Longford County Council’s Night-Time Economy Advisor to support coordinated promotion.
  • Where programming includes workshops or ticketed elements, maintain space for regular walk-in customers.

Definition of a Café

For the purposes of this initiative, a café is defined as a premises that:

  • Primarily supplies coffee, tea and similar beverages;
  • Offers seating for customers; and
  • Has adequate space for the proposed activity.

This initiative does not apply to shops or convenience stores that serve hot beverages as an ancillary activity.

How to Apply

Fill out the Café Lates Expression of Interest Form

Completed Expressions of Interest forms should be submitted by email to:

For queries, contact Karen Reilly the Night-Time Economy Advisor at Longford County Council.
Email: kreilly@longfordcoco.ie

Expression of Interest Deadline: 27th March 2026

Additional Forms:

Appendix 1: Longford Café Lates 2026