Drogheda Tidy Towns commissioned artist Breda Marron to create two landmark sculptures to serve as a symbolic gateway to Southgate, Drogheda, and the Boyne Valley. The aim is to enhance this area of East Meath and its surroundings with eye-catching installations that warmly welcome locals, visitors, and passers-by, while proudly celebrating the region’s rich heritage, mythical legends, and strong sense of community pride.
Boann, Goddess of the Boyne, embodies the power of transformation through creativity, love and connection. The boat holds space for people to come together to enjoy all that the Boyne has to offer, as Boann holds them under the guiding light of the sun, moon and stars.
Boann, Goddess of the Boyne
The symbol of the sun, the moon and the star relates to our ancient ancestors who were guided by the sun, moon and stars, when aligning the many sacred sites in the Boyne Valley, such as Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth.
The spiral in ‘The Well of Wisdom’ symbolises the flow of energy and wisdom within the Well of Segais. The spiral also represents the connection between all things, seen and unseen, myths and legends, history and heritage.
The spiral design features strongly in many of the stone carvings found at the heritage sites within the Boyne Valley.
The swan is deeply connected to the many myths and legends associated with these heritage sites. Swans are a symbol of light, purity and transformation. The love and connection between the swans also symbolise the people who have nestled into East Meath and Drogheda and made it their home.
The boat and the lighthouse elements within the sculptures, link to the history of Drogheda Port. The boat represents a holding vessel to protect people, as they navigate their way through challenging times, under the guidance of the lighthouse.
The sculptures were created as a welcoming beacon of light for the many people working, visiting and living in the area and as a reminder for people to shine bright and have pride in where they live and what they have to offer.
The sculptures were fabricated by Metalmadespecial. Part funded by Louth Leader and supported by Meath County Council.
Press
04/07/2025 RTE Sculptures Inspired by Irish Mythology installed in County Meath
04/07/2025 Drogheda Independent Drogheda Tidy Towns install two iconic new sculptures transforming welcome to town
04/07/2025 Drogheda Life New Sculptures at Southgate a Welcome to Drogheda, gateway to the Boyne Valley
12/06/2025 Meath Chronicle Landmark sculptures planned for the gateway to Drogheda
Radio
03/07/2025 LMFM Radio interview - preinstallation (listen here and click play)