Long Term Development Strategy
Representing the People & the Place
Connemara Chamber
A Temporary Loan from you will enable us to launch our major fundraiser:
Win A Home in Clifden Connemara
Fundraising Project Overview
To put itself on a strong long-term financial footing, Connemara Chamber are running a major fundraising raffle in 2025 to be known as: Win A Home in Clifden Connemara
This fundraising project has the potential to raise at least €500k for the Connemara Chamber and its related projects.
How You Can Support Us ...
In order for us to proceed with our fundraiser, we need to take ownership of ‘the home’ soon.
We are asking those who are in a position to do so, to make available a temporary loan to this project of between €10k, €15k or €20k+ The loan goes directly to buy the property and is to be repaid to you after a period of 12 months.
What Are We Trying to Achieve?
Over the past 30 years of it’s history, Connemara Chamber has consistently delivered projects both big and small that were and are of value to its loyal members and wider community.
Looking ahead to the next 30 years we see a need for Connemara Chamber to develop into a strong regional voice and to deliver even more on its core purpose of economic development for the benefit of the people of the region.
Why Support Our Endeavours
We believe there are four key reasons why you should support our endeavours
You’re giving back at a low cost
1. You’ll enable the fundraiser 2. Support economic development 3. You’ll get special recognition 4
As of September 2024, we have commitments of temporary loans of €125k.
We hope we can count on your support to get the rest to reach our final target of €370k.
Chamber
The Board of Connemara Chamber
September 2024
Connemara
The Main Goal
Via a Win A Home Clifden Connemara competition, to raise in excess of €500,000 to put Connemara Chamber on strong long term financial footing allowing it to fulfil it’s core purpose of …
Fostering sensitive economic development and related issues for the benefit of the people of Clifden and Connemara
What the funds are for...
A Permanent Office
The establishment and resourcing of a permanent home in Clifden for the Connemara Chamber so it can deliver on it’s core purpose.
Supporting Key Projects
We have many key strategic projects that require on-going financial & other supports
The Clifden Enterprise Hub Building on the Derrigimlagh Project Projects of value to our membership The Clifden Regeneration Programme Our long-term development strategy
Addressing Our Legacy Debt
Like many organisations around for as long as Connemara Chamber, we have some legacy debt (€50k) to address when the Chamber funds allow
Clifden Enterprise Hub
With the support of the community and Galway County Council, it is our plan to see the development of a Digital, Enterprise & Co-Working Hub in Clifden.
To Support Those Who Align to Us
The Chamber has a history of supporting projects, initiatives, events and organisations that align to our core purpose of economic development for regional benefit. By putting the Chamber on a strong financial footing, it allows the continued supporting of such worthy causes.
Chamber Chief Executive
A full-time paid Chief Executive to carry out the business of Connemara Chamber and deliver on our core purpose
Win A Home in Clifden Connemara
What is ‘Win A Home in Clifden Connemara’ ?
Win A Home in Clifden Connemara is a major fundraising initiative by Connemara Chamber to raise funds for our long-term development.
The ‘Win A Home’ raffle will be run from April to August 2025 with the main prize being an attractive & well-situated 3 bed apartment in Clifden, Connemara.
The target is to sell 15,000 tickets at €100 each.
How It Will Be Run
When: The Campaign itself will run for 5 months from April to August 2025, during Connemara’s busy tourist season.
Who: The campaign will be run by Connemara Chamber and a professional third-party marketing & management team with PR support from:
Celebrities / well-known personalities
Local sporting and other worthy causes
Influencers
What Are The Prizes?
1st Prize - a luxury home in Clifden, Connemara valued at €350,000
Teaser prizes throughout the campaign such as:
Cash prizes
Event tickets
Holidays
Electronics
Early bird special discounts
Where: The majority of the campaign will run online via the campaign website supported by a strong content and social media advertising strategy. There will be in-person sales events also.
How is the campaign funded: The external marketing team operate on a percentage of sales model. More details will be shared on this at our in-person information event.
Win A Home in Adare Winners - August 2024
Win A Home in Clifden Connemara
Successful Draw Elements
From our research, the following elements are required for successful Win A Home draws:
An attractive and substantial raffle prize
A worthy cause for the fundraiser
Community engagement & buy in
A licence to run a draw from the Court Service
An expert project team for Digital Marketing, Legal, Finance, Project Management, Media & PR
A 6-month deployment of a digital marketing and PR campaign with teaser prizes
Live and independently monitored draw
Expertise in Major Fundraising Campaigns
Over the past 15 months we carried out research to determine the leading experts in the area of major fundraising projects in Ireland. Following the shortlisting of several operators, the team selected are Aidan Brady & Co, Jel Marketing & Paul Byrnes Media.
Aidan and the team have extensive fundraising expertise having run many similar campaigns such as Win A House Dublin, Win A Home in London, Win A Home Salthill, Win 200 Grand & Win A Home in Adare to name just a few. Aidan Brady is a former Commercial Director of Roscommon GAA and we are delighted to have this talented team on board to deliver our ambitious plan. They have also advised on two ‘Win a Home in Westport’ raffles as well as lotto fundraising strategies for many clubs including Elphin, Barna and Shrule Glencorrib.
Aidan & the team will roll out an extensive digital marketing strategy that includes: website, content marketing and social media advertising campaign. They will work closely with us on the preparation and delivery of this campaign.
Some of the previous fundraisers carried out by Aidan Brady & Co, Jel Marketing & Paul Byrnes Media ...
Win A Home in Salthill Winner - February 2023
The Prize: Harbour View Apartment
3 Bedroom Luxury Home
No. 25 - Harbour View
Worth €350,000
A 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom duplex apartment in Clifden, Connemara
Views over Clifden Harbour
Beautifully landscaped courtyard
Town Centre – Clifden, Connemara
Secure Basement Parking Area
Harbour Views with 2 Private Balconies
Luxurious Apartment Heart of the Wild Atlantic Way
3 Bedrooms & 2 Bathrooms
How You Can Support Us
Help Us Complete Stage 2 of Our Fundraising Plan
There are 5 key stages to our fundraiser. Having already successfully completed Stage 1 of finding and securing a suitable prize, we have now moved to Stage 2.
We are now looking for community and business support for Stage 2raising temporary loans for 12 months of a total value of €370,000.
Key Stages of Our ‘Win A Home’ Fundraiser
Business & Community Support Needed Here (€125,000 already raised)
How it Works & Progress to Date
How it will work ...
We are asking, from those who are in a position to do so, for a temporary loan of €10k, €15k or €20k+ in order to facilitate Connemara Chamber’s completion of the purchase of the Win A Home prize of No. 25 Harbour View, Clifden, Connemara, Co. Galway
Your temporary loan contribution is paid into a designated client account with solicitors Mannion Aird & Co.
Your temporary loan is repaid to you in 12 months
All loans are secured against the value of the property
The apartment vendor is paid directly from the solicitors
Open to all - members and non-members of Connemara Chamber
How to Support ...
Should you be in a position to, and wish to make available a temporary loan to this project of the amounts above or more please let us know
Enquire in confidence with our Clifden office or with any of our directors
A designated client account number for this project is available from the solicitors
Progress to Date ...
Stage 1 - Find a Suitable Property to Raffle
Stage
Stage 1 - Completed.
A deposit has been paid on No. 25 Harbour View, Clifden.
2 - Raise
a Temporary Loan of €370k
As of 12th September 2024, a total of €125k has already been committed from individuals and businesses like you.
See latest progress @ www.connemarachamber.ie/WinAHome
Why Support Us
Give Back - at a Low Cost
By making a temporary loan (by you or your business) available at this time and to this project is an opportunity to give something tangible back to the community at a relatively low cost.
You’ll Enable the Fundraiser
Our ‘Win A Home’ fundraising strategy and implementation plan has been in development for the past 15 months.
Your temporary loan makes the purchase of the ‘Win A Home’ prize possible and directly enables the rollout of a tried and tested professional fundraising format.
Support Economic Development
The core purpose of Connemara Chamber is to encourage sensitive economic development and related issues for the benefit of the people of Clifden & Connemara.
Your support at this time enables our ambitious organisation to move to the next level and put in place the long term structures to deliver on our core purpose.
Special Recognition
In the future, an appropriate and special recognition will be given to those who supported the project at this early stage.
About Connemara Chamber
Over 30 Years in Operation
Over 115 Paid Members (2024)
100% Business & Community Funded A Track Record on Projects that Matter Voluntary Board of Directors
Our Mission
Fostering sensitive economic development and related issues for the benefit of the people of Clifden & Connemara
Associated Recent & Ongoing Projects
Derrigimlagh Discovery Point - On the back of the work and campaigning of local historians Shane Joyce & Michael Gibbons, the Connemara Chamber (with strong financial support from the community, businesses and government) established the ‘Derrigimlagh Discovery Point’ in 2016. This significant attraction (managed by Connemara Chamber) on the Wild Atlantic Way brings alive the Marconi, Alcock and Brown story via a hugely popular 5km looped walk with interpretive information points - now attracting over 40,000 people annually
The Marconi Way - Building on the legacy of Derrigimlagh Discovery Point, we’re now championing ‘The Marconi Way’ - a major piece of community and visitor infrastructure which (with local support) will connect Clifden to the Marconi Station and Clifden to Connemara National Park via an off-road walking and cycling trail - adding a major extension to the Connemara Greenway.
The Connemara Lotto - Connemara’s longest running weekly community lotto continues to be a core part of Connemara Chamber’s income for day-to-day projects.
Christmas Lights / Christmas in Clifden - Every year Connemara Chamber coordinates and raises funds for the annual Christmas Lights Project and supports the Christmas in Clifden campaign and committee.
Clifden Enterprise Hub - The realisation of a Clifden Enterprise Hub is a primary focus for Connemara Chamber. Following an external feasibility study (financially supported by Forum Connemara) the need for an Enterprise Hub is obvious. We continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure this project becomes a reality in the very near term
Recognition of Dr. Brendan Flynn - In 2023, on behalf of the whole community, we had the pleasure of honouring Dr. Brendan Flynn & Clifden Arts Festival’s major contribution to educational, cultural and economic life of Connemara
Influential Surveys - Giving a voice to our members and the wider community via professional surveys continues to deliver results for the region. Recent major Connemara Chamber surveys such as ‘Rural Planning, Houses & Roads Survey (2024), ’Clifden Regeneration Survey’ (2023), ‘Remote Working Hub Survey’ (2022) and the ‘Outdoor Dining Parklets Survey’ (2020) have all contributed to successful project influence and delivery.
Clifden Regeneration Plan - Connemara Chamber has and will play an influential role in Galway County Council’s ambitious regeneration plan for Clifden. We will continue to liaise all stakeholders (designers, Elected Reps, Council Executive etc.) to ensure our members voices are heard and a sound plan is delivered
About Connemara Chamber
Baile Seirbhíse na Gaeltachta: An Clochán Clifden is proud of it’s official designation as Baile Seirbhíse na Gaeltachta (a Gaeltacht Service Town) The town of Clifden is adjacent to Ireland’s largest Gaeltacht and is keen to make the most of it As well as other initiatives, we will support Forum Connemara on their role-out of the 5-year Irish language plan for Clifden
An Open Office with Paid Administrator
In 2019, in an effort to bring more visibility to our organisation and it’s projects we opened an office in the heart of Clifden We hired a part-time administrator and made the office open and available to our members & community for meetings, events etc
Supporting Regional Tourism Development
Since the inception of the CAITN Network in 2017, Connemara Chamber has played an active part on this regional tourism network. We support the region’s official Visitor Experience and Development Plan and related marketing activities such as Connemara.ie
Key Projects in the Pipeline
Supporting Key Festivals & Events
Connemara Chamber has a long record of initiating and supporting Connemara’s festivals - both big and small. Our encouragement and support of such events are critical to Connemara’s vibrancy and year-round economy.
Alcock & Brown 100 Centenary
June 2019 saw the 100th anniversary of the very first non-stop transatlantic flight, by Alcock and Brown. Through the Connemara Chamber, Clifden led the way worldwide with a week-long festival celebrating this major early 20th century event.
Outdoor Dining Project
In collaboration with Galway County Council, in 2021 Connemara Chamber oversaw the implementation of the post-Covid Outdoor Dining Project, adding a new offering for visitors and locals alike
Achieving our fundraising goal will enable a confident and continuous delivery of on our existing projects as well as opportunities to pursue even more projects of value to our members and the region
‘Win A Home in Clifden Connemara’ Fundraiser
The raising of €500k+ through a tried and tested fundraising format is a major focus for 2024/2025.
Making the Most of Our Location on the Wild Atlantic Way
To deliver more value to our members and to best present Clifden Connemara to the visitor, we have commenced work with marketing consultants on how to maximise our central location on the Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.
A 10 Year Development Strategy for Connemara Chamber
Real change requires long term strategic planning, resourcing and implementation A 10-year plan of how Connemara Chamber can deliver on its core purpose is of major importance.
A Permanent Office
Through the realisation of a Clifden Enterprise Hub, a permanent home for Connemara Chamber will become a reality.
A Full-time Paid Chief Executive
Connemara Chamber needs the consistency of project delivery through the hiring of a paid Chief Executive.
A Full-time Administrator
To support the work of the board and Chief Executive, a full-time administrator is proposed
Development of New Income Streams
Regional membership subscriptions, community lotto revenue and project specific donations have long been the only income sources for the Chamber. A strongly resourced Chamber will open up opportunities for new streams of income, making the Chamber even more financially sustainable into the future.
Key Project: Clifden Enterprise Hub
Clifden Enterprise Hub (Proposed)
What is it?
An immediate opportunity exists to establish a multi-purpose Digital, Enterprise & CoWorking Hub in a large-scale premises in the heart of Clifden, Connemara, Co. Galway.
Purpose
Such a centre would bring a diversity of industry to the town and surrounding hinterland along with year-round business in a seasonal tourism region.
Our Progress to Date
A major and external Feasibility Study was carried out by Bane Mullarkey
Consultants to determine the need and viability of a regional Enterprise Hub
Business plan - a detailed business plan has been created
Planning permission for The Clifden Hub has been secured
Initial design concepts have been created by Enda O’Malley / OMC Group
Strong support has been received from our elected representatives and the Galway County Council executive
Next Steps
Further stakeholder discussions
Detailed design and implementation plan
Determining state and local funding sources for both capital and current expenditure
Clifden Enterprise Hub Design OMC Group
Sample Projects Involvement
Clifden Regeneration Plan (Proposed)
Derrigimlagh Discovery Point - The Marconi, Alcock & Brown Project
Our Members - 2024
A1 Vehicle Sales & Services
Abbeyglen Castle Hotel
Acton MR Construction Limited
AIB Bank, Clifden
Ána Feirme
Aran Woolen Store
Ardagh Hotel
Ardbear Childcare
Atlantic Print
Ballynahinch Castle Hotel & Estate
Bank of Ireland, Clifden
Beautiful You
Blue Water Fishing
Buttermilk Lodge
Cantairí Chonamara
Carna Medical Centre
Clifden Arts Festival
Clifden Bike Shop
Clifden Boutique Apartments
Clifden Camping and Caravan Park
Clifden Coach House Limited
Clifden Comhaltas / Clifden Trad Fest
Clifden Medical Practice
Clifden Pharmacy
Clifden Post Office
Clifden Station House Hotel
Clifden Summer Fest
Clifden Supply Centre
Coiste Foram Iorras Aithneach
Conn O’Mara
Connemara Blue
Connemara Community Radio
Connemara Credit Union
Connemara Florists
Connemara Golf Links
Connemara Holiday Lettings
Connemara Livestock Sales Ltd
Connemara Smokehouse
Councillor Eileen Mannion
Councillor Gerry King
Crocnaraw Foods
Dan O’Hara’s Homestead
DC Boats
Des Morans Butchers
Eamon McLoughlin
Éamon Ó’Cuiv T D
EC Fitness
Edward Foyle
EJ Kings Bar and Restaurant
Fernwood
Forbairt Chonamara Láir Teo
Forum Connemara
Foyles Hotel
Frank O’Toole Electrical
Gerald Stanley & Sons
GMT Ireland LTD
Guys Bar Clifden
Hehir’s of Clifden
Hillview Laundrette
Interface Inagh
Intersport Gannons
James B Joyce & Co Solicitors
John Mannion
Joyce’s Craft Shop (Recess)
Kavanagh’s SuperValu Clifden
Kevin Barry
Kevin Barry Accountants
King’s Paper and Gift Shop
Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden
Lavelle Art Gallery
Lough Inagh Lodge Hotel
Love Connemara Cottages
Lowry’s Music & Whiskey Bar
Lowry’s Shop
Mannion Aird & Co Solicitors
Mannion’s Bar & Restaurant
Matt O’Sullivan Auctioneers
Millars Clifden
Moran’s Total Health Pharmacy
Naomh Feichín Clifden GAA
O'Dowd’s Seafood Bar & Restaurant
O’Dalaigh Jewellers
Off The Square Restaurant
Ohh! By Gum
Oifig an Fish
OMC Group
Owenriff Investments LTD
Prendergast Antiques
Provenance
Ravi’s Bar & Restaurant
Real Adventures
Renvyle GAA
Renvyle House Hotel & Resort
Rowan Beg Designs
Sceirde Rocks Windfarm
Sea Mist B&B
Senator Seán Kyne
Sherry FitzGerald Mangan
St Joseph’s Church, Clifden
Sweeney Oil
Sweeney’s Shop & Bar Claddaghduff
The Bens Music and Picture Framing
The Clifden Bookshop
The Connemara Hamper
The Little Tin House
The Old Exchange
The Quay House
The Whitethorn Gallery
The Woodfield Hotel
University of Notre Dame
Upstairs Downstairs Café
Walsh’s Bakery & Coffee Shop
Western Motors Ltd
Whistlestop Gifts & Interiors
Wild Beauty
