North West Tourism acknowledges that Sligo lacks night activities for visitors. To rectify this, and to take full advantage of the town's links with a Nobel Prizewinning poet, a "Yeats supper" has been inaugurated.
The candle-lit suppers started this week and are held in the historic Yeats Memorial Building, which was recently refurbished. Some 55 diners can be accommodated in the "banking hall".
The life of Yeats is presented dramatically by local actors, whose lively performance includes some of his best-known works. Details of his entangled and unconventional love life and his links with Sligo are incorporated, with a harpist providing fitting music.
The night is geared towards a general audience rather than a Yeats expert. Striking postersized photographs of leading figures in his life help bring the performance alive. Many candles are placed around the room, creating an almost seance-like atmosphere.
The supper, to be held nightly from Tuesday to Saturday until the end of September, is the brainchild of John Greene, the manager of North West Tourism.
"Up until now, if people came for the Yeats experience, they could visit his grave and other places associated with him, but they couldn't actually hear his work. We felt it wasn't tangible enough and we are now trying to mould it into a more solid product."
He is hoping that other historic buildings in the region could also be used for similar evenings.
The evening, which includes a three-course dinner, costs £22.50 per person and includes wine. The venue does not have a full-size kitchen, however, so only starters and desserts which are cold can be served and there is a set menu.
Bookings for the supper can be made through North West Tourism on (071) 61201.