Portumna

<h4>Crafting Community and Sustainability&nbsp;</h4>
On Sunday, November 17th, the Galway Rowing Club in Woodquay will transform into a hub of craft and hand-made goods as Umbrella Le Chéile brings their vibrant and eclectic wares to the city.
A collective built on sustainability, this community initiative - born out of a need to support artists and crafters during lockdown - has grown into a vibrant network that celebrates sustainable artistry and provides a unique platform for local creators.

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<h4>A Creative Passion</h4>
Pauline Singleton Lynch has spent over 20 years in <a href="https://xploreapp.io/galway" target="_blank">Galway,</a> with a significant part of that time devoted to nurturing her creative passion and fostering community.&nbsp;
Now back in Milltown, she’s focused on her role in Umbrella Le Chéile, a social enterprise she helped to establish in 2020.&nbsp;
“Initially, we created a website with an online shop, as lockdown had left artists without an outlet,” Pauline explains.&nbsp;
As restrictions lifted, the group gained momentum, with many new members joining to reconnect and share their work. Today, Umbrella Le Chéile counts 35 members, most of whom participate actively by showcasing their creations at their monthly market.

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<h4>A Market With A View</h4>
Held at the Galway Rowing Club, the market offers a space for artists to present their unique, handmade, and eco-friendly products.&nbsp;
“Our ethos is sustainability,” Pauline says.&nbsp;
“Our products are either handmade or secondhand, upcycled, or reused in some way.”&nbsp;
As a crafter herself, Pauline has made sustainability a cornerstone of her work. Having lived abroad, she began as a watercolour artist but adapted her practice to crafting when she found that her chosen medium wasn’t conducive to warmer climates!
Now, she takes pride in crafting one-of-a-kind pieces.&nbsp;
“No two pieces are the same,” she notes. “I make items myself, which can be made to order, and you won’t find them anywhere else.”

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<h4>A Sustainable Heart</h4>
Although the market is slightly off the beaten path, located near the Corrib, Pauline and the team have found creative ways to draw in new visitors. Recently, they started chalking footpaths with directions to the market, allowing people to discover it by chance—a strategy that has significantly boosted attendance.
In addition to quality craftsmanship, Umbrella Le Chéile has established itself as a sustainable alternative to mass-produced goods, appealing to eco-conscious shoppers.&nbsp;
“Sustainability is important to our customers,” Pauline observes.&nbsp;
“Many seek us out for that reason and often comment on our market’s unique atmosphere.”&nbsp;
Traders are encouraged to embrace these values, and as they join the group, many begin to align with the enterprise’s sustainable approach.

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<h4>A Community Vibe</h4>
The market operates as a not-for-profit, with an annual membership fee covering essential expenses like insurance and corporation tax, but traders keep the money they earn.&nbsp;
"We’re here to support each other, and the traders make what they make for themselves,” she explains.&nbsp;
Each month’s market brings a fresh selection of products and familiar faces, fostering a friendly community vibe.&nbsp;
“It’s a chance for traders to catch up, share ideas, and discuss what they’re working on.”
The market’s welcoming atmosphere and stunning riverside setting make it a perfect outing for families and coffee lovers alike. Complete with a coffee van and terrace overlooking the Corrib, it’s a place where visitors can relax, mingle, and enjoy an afternoon in the company of Galway’s creative community.

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Umbrella Le Chéile hosts a market on the third Sunday of every month at The Galway Rowing Club. Follow the chalked path to discover high-quality, eco-friendly treasures made with care.

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For more follow their socials! Here's the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/umbrellalecheile" target="_blank">Facebook link</a>&nbsp;

Monthly Market Umbrella Le Chéile Brings Community and Sustainability

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