Clare 'hub' bookshop raises over €20k for relocation
MORE THAN €24k has been raised for a local bookshop so far, who are in search of new premises.
The Salmon Bookshop in Ennistymon, have set up a GoFundMe page to raise ‘urgent’ funds to complete the final purchase of a property on Main Street.
The fundraiser, thus far, has already managed to rack up more than €24k in donations.
In 2012, Salmon Poetry, Ireland's largest poetry publisher, established a bookshop and literary centre in Ennistymon. They have hosted over 100 events in their former Parliament Street premises, but are now looking to relocate after a notice to vacate by August.
“Salmon has become a hub for literature in Clare, with a national and international reputation for excellence,” a spokesperson said.
“It’s extremely difficult to find a property in Ennistymon. Property prices are high, and there are few suitable places on the market,” they continued.
“With luck and wonderful serendipity we found an excellent building on Main Street which will allow us to expand our writing activities.”
Continuing on by saying that the establishment is ‘short of funds’, they said that the situation was ‘urgent’.
“This is our 42nd year. We have published over 700 books. The Salmon Bookshop and Literary Centre has been instrumental in the growth of the arts in North Clare, and it will be a major loss to the community if we have to let our bookshop and literary centre die.”
Salmon Poetry receives funding from the Irish Arts Council, An Chomhairle Ealaíon, but is exclusive funding for publishing and cannot be used for any other purpose.