Galway’s newest artisan market ‘Umbrellaeile’ was launched last Saturday at The Rowing Club in Woodquay by Mike Cubbard, Mayor of Galway, who dropped in to sample an early morning coffee and slice of cake as the traders were setting up for business.
Mayor Cubbard who first met ‘Umbrellaeile’ during the first lockdown at the launch of their virtual website, was delighted to see the group trading after such a long time with out opportunity to sell their goods.
“The tenacity, grit and determination of this group of small businesses is truly admirable and the Rowing Club is the perfect spot in these difficult times,” said Mayor Cubbard.
Umbrellaeile was formed by a group of Galway businesswomen who got together over a coffee in pre-lockdown times and decided to form a social enterprise, which would allow traders to benefit from their combined experience in marketing, business and communications.
Volunteering their time energy and experience, and holding the group together via zooms, the team at ‘Umbrellaeile’ held their first market last Saturday’ and it was a huge success.
‘Finding the perfect premises in the pandemic which would allow customers to shop safely, while being protected from the unpredictable Galway weather was a huge challenge’ said Lauren Dolan, one of the co-founders of the group. The layout of the market allows customers to browse through the stalls and move onto the outside decking area and enjoy a coffee and listen to the music and relax.
Artists, authors, candlemakers, chocolatiers, fashion designers, jewellery makers, are all in the one spot at the club making it easy to support local families and businesses trying to get back on their feet after lockdown.
The market will take place on Saturdays at the Club, from 9 in the morning til 4pm.If you are interested in joining the group please contact info@umbrellaeile and you can follow it on twitter, facebook and instagram to support local traders and business.
