Our History
The Avalon Centre began in 1961, when a parish priest saw the need for a girls' club and opened one in a disused old primary school building. Run at first by a voluntary committee, it has grown steadily over more than sixty years into one of Sligo's most important community resources — supporting children, young people, older people, and people with additional needs.
1961
A parish priest sees the need for a girls' club and opens one in a disused old primary school, giving local girls a place to come together, run by a voluntary committee.
Early 1970s
The centre opens its doors to boys and becomes St Anne's Youth Centre, run by the Mercy Sisters with local volunteers.
Early 1980s
A voluntary management committee is appointed to support the centre's growth and meet rising demand for services.
1986–1991
EU funding (PETRA Scheme) brings the centre's first paid staff and launches the Summer Camp programme; FÁS support follows in 1991, funding further employment programmes.
1996
A full-time Project Coordinator is funded to support children at risk of leaving school early, and a major building extension adds a new project room, conference room and renovated sports hall.
1999–2002
Music Skills Project offers FETAC-accredited training in music and recording. The Social Day Centre for Older People launches, alongside HSE-funded programmes for children and young people with learning disabilities.
2003–2007
HSE funding takes over staffing for the Social Day Centre, which grows to four days a week. The centre also secures two full-time coordinator posts to support this growth.
2007
The organisation is re-incorporated as The Avalon Centre Limited, a name better reflecting the full range of work now carried out there.
Today
30 Years of Community Employment
30 years of community employment
Celebrating 30 years of growth, support and opportunity
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For three decades, the Avalon Centre Sligo has proudly hosted the Community Employment (CE) Scheme, supported by vital funding from the Department of Social Protection. Since its beginning, the CE scheme has been a cornerstone of the centre's work — supporting the centre, its participants, and the wider community.
Without the dedicated commitment of CE participants, and the ongoing support of the Department, the Avalon Centre could not continue to deliver the wide range of programmes and services that benefit people across Sligo and beyond.
Why CE Matters at Avalon
● Supports the Centre — CE participants help run daily programmes, workshops, and community initiatives.
● Supports Participants — CE offers training, skills development, and meaningful work experience to help participants return to the workforce.
● Supports the Community — by keeping Avalon thriving, CE strengthens Sligo's cultural, social, and community life.
The Avalon Centre Sligo
Community ■ Employment ■ Growth