Award-winning social enterprise Spraoi agus Spórt welcomed the local community to ‘A Day at Saothrú’ in Carndonagh at the weekend.

Nearly 300 people attended the event to mark the official renaming and launch of Saothrú Nursery & Garden Centre (formerly Carndonagh Nursery and Garden Centre) on Saturday last.

The day featured a full schedule of children’s workshops, interactive demonstrations, and local markets designed to bring the community together through gardening, cooking, and sustainable fashion.

Local food producers, crafters, and small businesses showcased their goods at the latest Farmers Market to be held in the Carndonagh nursery and garden centre.

Lara McLaughlin and Caoimhe Doherty, sustainable textile technicians at the circular economy hub.

placeholder image — Lara McLaughlin and Caoimhe Doherty, sustainable textile technicians at the circular economy hub.

Those food producers included Malin based seasonal fruit and vegetable prodcuer Inis Mhalainne, Byrne Seafoods, local Baker Ah Crumbs, and Artist Jenny Fennelly.

Meanwhile the returning Shopping Spraoi offered attendees a sustainable pre-loved fashion market.

Visitors who came along to ‘A Day at Saothrú’ also had the opportunity to gather for a series of budget-friendly cooking demonstrations hosted by Donegal Local Development CLG, which highlighted fresh market ingredients.

This event also included the sharing of knowledge on air fryer recipes, and information on quick, nutritious lunchbox ideas for busy families.

Chef Gary McPeake delivering budget-friendly cooking demonstrations by Donegal Local Development CLG at Saothruì Nursery & Garden Centre in Carndonagh on Saturday.

The Food Equality Initiative, a project supported by PEACEPLUS, is a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

"Seeing so many families from across Inishowen come together to celebrate with us made the day a massive success," said Tommy McGonigle, manager at Saothrú Nursery & Garden Centre.

"We are thrilled by the community's turnout and look forward to building on this momentum to grow Saothrú as a welcoming hub for everyone in Inishowen,” Tommy McGonigle added.

Spraoi agus Spórt is an award-winning social enterprise based in Carndonagh, Inishowen, Co. Donegal.

Karl Hammond and Kate Monagle of Inis Mhalainne market garden.

A spokesperson for the organisation said: “We provide services and activities for young families, children, young people, and adults that are inclusive of disability and/or autism. We work to address disadvantage, strengthen our community and enhance opportunities in this region."

Those who missed the event can still visit Saothrú Nursery & Garden Centre on Moss Road, Carndonagh, F93 A897 Monday to Saturday, or explore upcoming community initiatives online at www.spraoiagussport.ie.