‘Please support the incredible Cork retailers and businesses this Christmas’

The Mayor of the County of Cork Frank O’Flynn and Cork County Council Chief Executive Valerie O’Sullivan are encouraging people 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.

The events have been designed to support local businesses, jobs, and communities with markets taking place in areas including Mallow Castle, Fermoy, Macroom, Bandon, Dunmanway, Ballineen/Enniskeane, Bantry, and Castletownbere.

Mr 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 Co Cork has to offer.

“I would encourage everyone to explore our towns and villages 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 December. Visitors are encouraged to check the offers in their local area.

Ms 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 Co Cork a magical experience.

“Christmas is a special time, but for many businesses the weeks leading up to December 25 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 Co Cork such a vibrant place continue to thrive.”