After months of searching, dreaming, bidding, and planning, we’re thrilled to share that Arklow has emerged as the front-runner for the home of the LEGO Museum.
While we had our hearts set on the original vision of The Forge at the Meetings of the Waters, unfortunately that plan didn’t quite click into place. The auction process was less than ideal, and the cost of restoring the forge, though deeply romantic, would have added years (and euros!) to the project timeline. It deserved to be rescued, but not at the expense of the museum ever opening its doors.
Meanwhile, our backup plan in Rathnew has been stalling, with complications in getting the deal across the line. It’s felt a bit like trying to outbid myself in a room full of echoes with the seller. So we’ve decided not to force what clearly doesn’t want to happen.
And then… Arklow appeared.
🧱 A Blank Canvas – 107 Square Metres of Possibility
The space is a well-proportioned 107 m² rectangle, full of potential, with great access, natural light from its roof panels, and a layout that feels meant for a LEGO City. It’s close to the coast, giving us even more reason to believe this might be the perfect new base.
We’ve already begun imagining the museum wall with its UCS Star Wars displays, the heart of the space filled with a bustling LEGO City layout, and a play zone for the next generation of brick builders.
🛍️ And That’s Not All – Tinahely Unit Secured for Retail
In even more exciting news, we’ve agreed the purchase of a retail unit in the centre of Tinahely, ideal for the buy-sell-trade part of the LEGO business. While the contracts haven’t been signed yet, the deal is agreed and on track. It’s a smaller, community-focused space, the perfect spot to rotate stock, meet fellow collectors, and build the Redmond’s Forge community from the ground up.
🚦Ready to Go
So now we wait. Just the ink drying on a few legal documents, and we’re ready to move in, roll up our sleeves, and start laying bricks, literally and figuratively.
Keep watching this space. The LEGO Museum is coming.
