Carndonagh shoppers have chance to win €1,000 gift card ahead of Christmas 

Carndonagh Traders’ Association has unveiled its festive competition as part of ongoing efforts to drive a shop local ethos in the town. 

Entrants are asked “what is your dream Christmas” for a chance to win a €1,000 Carndonagh Gift Card.

The Carndonagh Traders’ Association launched the physical Carndonagh Gift Card in 2021 with a digital version of the card added in 2023. Over €400,000 in sales has been generated through the Carndonagh Gift Card to date. Cards can be spent with more than 50 shops, cafes, restaurants and more in the town.

The association took first place in the population 1,500 to 4,000 category at the Pride of Place community awards in November for its range of community initiatives.

New research has also been released by the association showing our favourite things about Christmas. The research shows 40% of people say their favourite thing is the festive atmosphere. For 33%, it’s the festive activities and events. 15% of people said their favourite thing is the presents and for 12%, it’s the Christmas food and drink. But there’s also worry about how to pay for Christmas too with 72% of people saying the cost of living crisis is a concern.

Support for local was strong in the research with 98% of people saying they’re keen to support local businesses this Christmas and 87% saying they support local businesses to help keep them open. 89% plan to buy at least one gift card this Christmas.

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Deirdre Bradley, chairperson of the Carndonagh Traders’ Association said: “Christmas is always magical in Carndonagh, with our glittering tree at The Diamond, traditional carol singing, and a wonderful festive atmosphere in the town. We’re thrilled to launch our Win Your Dream Christmas competition with a chance to win a €1,000 Carndonagh Gift Card. The winner could enjoy all of their favourite things this Christmas, courtesy of our fantastic local businesses.”

The Carndonagh Gift Card is part of the award-winning Town and City Gift Card programme from Miconex. Town and City Gift Card programmes are active across Ireland in towns including Ballinrobe, Carndonagh, Drogheda, Sligo and Waterford. You can enter here.

The multi-store, multi-sector gift cards work through the Mastercard system, and can be redeemed with retail, hospitality, leisure, health/beauty, accommodation and services businesses, keeping spend locked into local communities.