Support Cork’s fantastic local markets
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Mayor O’Flynn is pictured meeting local producers at Blackwater Valley Makers, a treasure trove of unique craft, art and design from the Fermoy and surrounding Blackwater hinterland. Pictured are Suzette Denicoli, Maria Dowling, Leon Nelligan, Mayor O’Flynn, Valerie O’Sullivan (CE of Cork County Council), Pat Murphy, Siobhain Steele and John O’Shea who are all members of the of the Blackwater Valley Makers.Image 2 of 2
Pictured are Maria Dowling (Blackwater Valley Makers), Mayor O’Flynn, Valerie O’Sullivan (CE of Cork County Council) and Siobhain Steele (Blackwater Valley Makers). Photos: Colm LougheedPeople are being encouraged to soak up the festive atmosphere in towns and villages across the county with several pop-up Christmas markets and special events planned over the coming weeks designed to support local businesses, jobs and communities.
There will be several festive markets featuring unique crafts, gifts and local produce taking place at Mallow Castle, Fermoy, Macroom, Bandon, Dunmanway, Ballineen/Enniskeane, Bantry and Castletownbere among others.
The markets will run at various times and locations throughout the month of December. Final touches are also well underway with Christmas lights being switched on and special Christmas events planned to make sure there really is something for everyone to be found in county Cork.
The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank O’Flynn said: “Cork County Council is proud to support a number of Christmas markets that are taking place throughout the county. They are a wonderful way to experience the very best of what county Cork has to offer. Make a day of it, enjoy a hot chocolate, and browse the stalls and the local shops where you will find that one-of-a-kind gift and quality local produce.
“I would encourage everyone to explore our towns and village and please support the incredible retailers and businesses that you’ll find on every main street. When you buy local, you are reinvesting in your local community and the families behind each business. The Christmas markets in Midleton and Cobh in recent weeks were a huge success and I hope to see similar crowds at future events in the coming weeks.”
Cork County Council is also providing special car parking arrangements across its own operated car parks throughout the month of December. Visitors are encouraged to check the offers in their local area.
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Valerie O’Sullivan added: “Huge effort goes into decorating our towns and villages every Christmas. I would like to commend the dedicated groups and volunteers behind the incredible displays that make visiting county Cork a magical experience. Christmas is a special time but for many businesses the weeks leading up to 25 December are the most important of the year. It is vital that we all make a conscious effort to buy local and ensure the businesses that make County Cork such a vibrant place continue to thrive.”
For updates and more information visit www.corkcoco.ie.