Support businesses in towns and villages across Cork this Christmas!

It’s all too easy to buy gifts online but the Mayor of the County of Cork is urging people to support their towns and villages by shopping at their local businesses this Christmas.

There are special Christmas events for all ages running throughout December across the county, including Christmas lights, markets and community events in Bantry, Mallow, Macroom and Youghal. This offers opportunities to buy special gifts from locally run shops, and eat at local restaurants and cafes.

Mayor Mary Linehan Foley said: “Shopping local at Christmas has huge benefits for your local economy. It has been a challenging year for many, and any support during the Christmas season is appreciated by your local businesses. Let’s all go out to our towns and villages, enjoy the lights, displays and decorations, shop for Christmas gifts, eat in our cafes and restaurants, and enjoy the events that have been organised throughout the county.”

The Youghal Christmas Market and concert takes place on 13 December and the Mallow Castle Illumination Walk will also make a welcome return on 7 December.

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell added: “Continuing to support local businesses is of vital importance to Cork County Council. Shopping local means these businesses and local communities can continue to grow, which allow our towns and villages to thrive.”

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.

For more information on Christmas events taking place in Cork County, visit corkcoco.ie.