In Pictures: Community joy at Rossnowlagh Farmers Market Christmas Party

Despite the fierce winds and heavy rain, on December 21,  the Rossnowlagh Farmers Market Christmas Party lit up the Sandhouse Hotel with festive cheer and community spirit. Click on the arrows for a selection of photos capturing the wonderful atmosphere of the event:

A packed crowd filled the venue, braving the challenging weather. Attendees ranged from as young as nine months old to 92 years of age, reflecting the inclusive nature of this community event and its broad appeal across generations.

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The Christmas celebration was not just a way to mark the season, but also an opportunity to thank the local community and supporters of the market. But equally, it served as a chance for the community to come together, connect with neighbours and friends, and, as the organisers put it, "have a bit of craic."

Just seven months ago, Faye Dinsmore, Jaime Leigh Meade and Lisa McCorley came together with a united vision. They wanted to start a farmers market in Rossnowlagh to the benefit of local farmers and producers, but they equally wanted to use the market as a way to unite people locally and build community connections. 

They saw the market not just as a place to buy and sell goods but as a way to bring people together and reconnect people in an ongoing conversation about where our food comes from.  

As farmers committed to producing high quality, organic produce, Faye and Jaime Leigh, were only too aware of the many barriers facing farmers. They felt that while words such as ‘sustainable’ and ‘supporting local’ had become commonplace terms, they recognised that there was a lack of opportunity for farmers to sell directly to consumers and equally a lack of opportunity for families to access high quality, and locally produced produce. 

Their goal was to create an environment in which the ethos of “farm to family” could be realised.

But equally, as three mothers of young children, who had moved to the area in recent years, alongside countless others, they recognised a yearning for community connection.

What sets the Rossnowlagh Farmers Market apart is that it is not just a farmers market—it is built around the idea of building community wealth together. This means supporting both local farmers, producers and crafters, but also building social ties within the community.

While Rossnowlagh is often known for its beautiful beaches and as a popular holiday spot for the  many who call their mobile home ‘home’ from March through to October, it’s also home to a growing number of full-time residents who need ways to connect with one another. 

Many of them are families with young children or elderly members. Some have been here for generations, others are new to the area, others have returned having spent time living in other places. They are all looking for community. 

Since the market's creation, it has already hosted over 30 events, creating spaces where people can come together, share experiences, and feel part of a place.

For many, Rossnowlagh’s epic beauty can be a double-edged sword, especially in winter. The long, dark evenings and seasonal nature of many of the businesses can make the village feel isolating. But the Farmers Market has become a place where people can come to together on a weekly basis, offering a much-needed space for community connection.

“We weren’t sure how many people would make the party, given the storm,” admitted the event organisers. “But we were also optimistic, because we get feedback from the community almost daily that they love the market, and want to support its success.”

Music and laughter filled the cozy interior of the Sandhouse Hotel as local musician Sennan Brennan and his crew performed instrumental Irish folk music. Mulled wine, delicious traditional ham sandwiches, and mince pies added to the festive atmosphere.

Although this was the first-ever Christmas party organised by the Rossnowlagh Farmers Market, it was clear to everyone in attendance that there is a community here of all ages, eager to connect and celebrate together.

As the evening wound down, guests left with warm hearts and festive spirits, carrying memories of a night where community came together, shared in the joy of the season, and had a bit of craic. The Rossnowlagh Farmers Market Christmas Party proved that, come rain or shine, the community of Rossnowlagh want to connect.

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