Clonkill Christmas market committee members, Ollie Scally, Vivienne Mulligan, Sinead Uí Mhúricú, Karen Gavigan, Olivia McGrath and Denise Muldoon.

Christmas market season starts in Clonkill

Clonkill Christmas Market is developing a name in the area as the first one of the season each year, and it always lives up to the billing.

This year’s event is on Sunday November 17, (11am-4pm), and the organising committee promise there will be a wonderful selection for Christmas shoppers as crafter and food producers showcase their produce on the day – “it’s always a great one stop shopping experience for all that comes through the doors”.

Numbers applying to have stalls at Clonkill Christmas Market are increasing each year and many stall-holders have told the organisers that it is a highlight of their festive season.

“As the largest market in the midlands, with more than 90 participants this year, we are fortunate also with the support shown from many local businesses sponsoring us year after year.

“This year there will be an additional new market place upstairs in the clubhouse.

“Santa’s Grotto will be there, a selection of our crafters, Deirdre Clogher will host a jewellery workshop, and John McCauley is joining us this year upstairs offering his photography skills with family festive portraits that will be printed off and available for collection the same day – all proceeds go towards his Tanzanian Heavenly Homes charity and his fee on the day is by way of donations.”

This year the Clonkill Christmas Market committee will support a number of groups, clubs and charities, the same as in previous years, as their market is a fundraising event.

The beneficiaries include TEAM, Mullingar Arch Club and St Vincent de Paul.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone to what we hope will be a special and magical day and wish to thank the public for their support also.”