Why We’re Going to Gorey for Ireland’s Internet Day [Video]

“You can actually get a website that’s very respectable, up and running and doing business online with just a few clicks”

That’s what I said when I went to Gorey last week (there’s a video and everything!) In fact, I’ve been saying this in different ways – and demonstrating it in front of audiences around the country. Last week I introduced a group of secondary school students at Creagh College in Gorey to Web-Building 101, and tomorrow we’re going back to Gorey to celebrate Internet Day in the town designated Ireland’s Digital Town 2018 by the IE Domain Registry.

This is about much more than titles and ceremony. Gorey has been selected as an example of an Irish town which has made great strides in cooperative endeavours, to engage the Internet for the benefit of small businesses and the local community. IE Domain Registry has partnered with Wexford County Council, The Hatch Lab and Gorey Chamber of Commerce for a number of digital engagements aimed at showcasing Gorey and developing additional digital skills and know-how for people and organisations in the town.

Blacknight is playing its part. In addition to supporting the Creagh College students, we’ll also be demonstrating How to Build a Website in 20 Minutes at the Digital Dome in Gorey tomorrow.

As I explained to the students last week: while you can build a website in minutes, with just a few clicks, it doesn’t necessarily follow that you would want to. But the important point is that there are many ways to take advantage of the opportunity of the Internet – and it doesn’t have to be an expensive proposition.

But no matter what approach you take online, The First Step is the same. Owning your own domain name, e.g. yourname.IE, is essential for anyone who wishes to establish trust and credibility online. A domain name of your own puts you on an equal footing with the big boys on the internet. It puts you in control.

You can read more about The First Step to online independence – and enter our competition for a €500 luxury break with Ireland’s Blue Book! It’s easy to enter, and we’ll be making the draw tomorrow night, live at Blog Awards Ireland!