Grá Macroom gift card aims to support Cork town's local shops

The new Grá Macroom Gift Card for the town of Macroom and surrounding villages is now live following an official launch event at the Castle Hotel in Macroom.

Led out by the Macroom Business Association, the Grá Macroom Gift Card replaces the previous paper Macroom shopping voucher.

The Grá Macroom Gift Card is available in both physical and digital formats, with Macroom the first County Cork town to use specific digital gift card technology.

The initiative will be rolled out for businesses in Macroom, Clondrohid, Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh, Baile Mhúirne, Guagán Barra, Inchigeelagh, Coachford, Dripsey, Lissarda and Kilmurry.

Killian Lynch, chairperson of the Macroom Business Association, said that the Grá Macroom Gift Card is aimed at encouraging people to support local businesses.

“This is also the first time that the town of Macroom and surrounding villages can work on a joint project, which is fantastic.

“There has been a lot of work to get to this stage but it will be to the benefit of everyone involved.” As well as local shops, restaurants, pubs and hotels will also accept the new Grá Macroom Gift Card. This will include the Castle Hotel in Macroom.

Manager of the Castle Hotel Rory Buckley said that launch of the new gift card is a great move for the local area.

“Every community wants money to circulate and keep spend local and that’s what the Grá Macroom Gift Card will do.

“The ease of purchase and use of the Grá Macroom Gift Card will also bolster tourism.” The cards are available to be purchased online and also in person from Killian Lynch Auctioneers Macroom, Cooney’s Garage in Coachford, Connections in Macroom, Dromeys Centra in Ballymakeera and Daybreak in Ballingeary.