It started out as a small craft market in the Church of Ireland Hall but next Saturday Drogheda’s Cottage Market celebrates eight years of trading with a vastly increased number of traders in their current home in Scotch Hall.
The founder and operator of the market, Eimear Cullen says that it has been some journey for her and the many market traders navigating covid and moving across the river to our existing home in Scotch Hall .
“This community venture has grown in popularity with both creatives seeking to trade and visitors coming out in their hundreds the first Saturday of the month. It has been one hell of a journey which I am so proud of” Eimear said.
Meeting incredible like-minded people who unite and create such a fabulous community initiative for our town . I am so grateful to be at the forefront of this venture and look forward to many more fun packed trading years together.
“The Cottage Market at Scotch Hall has become the place to shop locally for unique gifts, stock up on fab food, browse and meet up with friends.
“We were blown away by people’s positivity and reaction to our market down through the years and we now wish to invite all this weekend to celebrate our 8th Birthday in Scotch Hall shopping centre.
I always wanted our town to have a market that reflects the diverse skills and interests of its local people” Eimear said.
“For eight years Eimear we have showcased over 300 small enterprises. We have traders who have gone on to trade in Craft shops like Shine in Slane and The Crafty Rock in Dundalk.
“Some have marketed their products on a national level and won many awards, others trade at Showcase and Gifted in the RDS and many still remain as anchor traders with us.
“Feedback from the community has been extremely positive, demand to trade each month is great and footfall is amazing A strong community spirit and lasting friendships have been developed among our traders and our visitors.”
“This weekend we host an eclectic mix of stalls curated by the team showcasing everything from Baked goods, Indian Street food, honey, cheese, Olive oil, bespoke art, jewellery, craft, candles, ceramics, books and vinyl come check out this fabulous market, show your support for our makers and soak up the great community atmosphere.
“We will have cake and live music on the day too!”
Here is a selection of comments about the market:
“I love this market top quality, great talent and super atmosphere. I hang out here most Saturday mornings when it’s on.” Dee O Grady.
“This is such a vibrant, eclectic and modern market, the vendors are fantastic. People love to view, touch, hold the artwork and engage with the person who made it.” Roisin Macken of Lovebird Gallery.
“The Cottage Market community is a place where everyone shares in your victories and everyone understands the challenges. We are each other’s cheerleaders, coaches and therapists. It’s the absolute best of what a community can offer.” Marlese Lowe.
“Being part of the Cottage Market Drogheda has opened up my life allowing me to bring my crafting passion face to face with new customers where I get to express in person the love of what I create.” Margaret Walsh.
