​Celebrating Five Years of Supporting Local with ShopBallinasloe

Celebrating 5 years - the Team at ShopBallinasloe.ie!

On Thursday, 8th May, the ShopBallinasloe.ie team brought together local businesses, community members, and public representatives for a special Coffee Morning at the Ballinasloe Enterprise Hub, celebrating five years of supporting local commerce and community spirit.

Launched in the spring of 2020, just weeks after the first COVID-19 lockdown, ShopBallinasloe.ie began as a lifeline for local retailers during a period of great uncertainty. In the five years since, it has become an active platform supporting local and fostering a strong sense of community.

Supportng Local Businesses

Reflecting on the journey, project co-founder Niamh Connaughton Creaven said:

“When ShopBallinasloe was first established, our aim was to provide practical support to local businesses. Reaching this five-year milestone and seeing the positive impact it has had on the town is truly rewarding. It’s a testament to the dedication and resilience of our community.”

From its early days as a free directory and online voucher platform, ShopBallinasloe.ie quickly gained traction. Support poured in from residents—both at home and abroad—who rallied behind their favourite local shops.

• Over €500,000 has been retained in the local economy through online sales, Town Voucher sales, and direct retailer enquiries since launch.
• The Ballinasloe Town Voucher has become a resounding success and the scheme’s appeal lies in its simplicity:
  • No fees for customers
  • No commission for participating businesses
  • No loss of value for users

 
ShopBallinasloe.ie’s reach now extends well beyond the town itself, with online orders coming from across Ireland, as well as from overseas—demonstrating the far-reaching support for Ballinasloe’s businesses.

The anniversary Coffee Morning, generously supported by Ballinasloe Credit Union and Ballinasloe Area Community Development, was  a well supported and relaxed event. Attendees enjoyed delicious treat and refreshments from Chris and the team at CS Catering. The gathering provided an opportunity to reflect on five years of collaboration and community support.

Ballinasloe Enterprise Hub

To mark this milestone, you’ll notice vibrant ShopBallinasloe signage around town, proudly celebrating five years of success. These signs also highlight the many local suppliers and businesses who sell and accept the ShopBallinasloe Town Voucher.

Vouchers are available in convenient denominations of €10, €20, and €50. You can purchase them online at www.shopballinasloe.ie, or directly from Salmons, Utah, and Dolans Centra.

Here’s to many more years of shopping local, supporting each other, and keeping the heart of Ballinasloe beating strong.

Shop local. Shop in Ballinasloe. ShopBallinasloe.ie.

Lyn Donnelly and Renata Kohlman celebrating 5 years of ShopBallinasloe.ie