Breaking: Cork Prize Bond Winner Nets €50,000 in Irish Weekly Draw
Date: December 19, 2025 – A Cork resident has just become €50,000 richer after clinching the top prize in Ireland’s weekly Prize Bonds draw. The winning bond was bought in 2021 by a local bondholder, and today’s payout marks another big win in the longstanding savings scheme.
The winning bond number is AYE647191, part of a weekly jackpot that sits among a slate of thousands of prizes handed out nationwide. Prize Bonds offer a chance to win cash prizes rather than pay interest, and winners are paid directly into their bank accounts or reinvested, depending on the holder’s preference.
across the state this week, more than 8,754 prizes were awarded, totaling €733,475. The minimum prize is €75, with multiple €500 and €1,000 prizes also available each week, and a monthly €500,000 special draw adds extra allure to the scheme.
In Cork’s prize-history, the city has seen notable wins this year, including two €500,000-winning bonds earlier in the year. One holder bought a bond in 2014, while another purchased theirs in 2007.And in a previous spring drawing, a Cork winner claimed €50,000 just weeks after purchasing their bond, underscoring the scheme’s potential for rapid returns.
Prize Bonds are a product of Ireland’s State Savings program,managed by the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA). The Prize Bond Company runs the scheme on behalf of the NTMA, with funds ultimately placed with the government.In practical terms, bonds cost €6.25 each, with a minimum purchase of four bonds (€25) available online or at local Post Offices.
Winners receive a confirmation letter in the post, and payouts are either deposited into the bondholder’s bank account or reinvested, depending on the holder’s choice at purchase.The official online checker is hosted at the State Savings site, where you can verify whether your bond has won.
Key facts at a glance:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Top weekly prize | €50,000 |
| Other weekly prizes | €75 minimum; €500 and €1,000 prizes (twenty of each per week) |
| Monthly special draw | €500,000 |
| Total prizes this week | 8,754 |
| Total payout this week | €733,475 |
| bond cost | €6.25 each |
| Minimum purchase | 4 bonds (€25) |
| Where to check winnings | Online via State Savings site; confirmations by post |
Overview and context: Prize Bonds form part of Ireland’s broader National Debt strategy, with all money held by the NTMA and managed by the Prize Bond Company on the government’s behalf. While the company is a joint venture of An Post and FEXCO, the government maintains unconditional repayment obligations to bondholders as prizes are drawn.
Evergreen insights: Prize Bonds have provided a long-running, low-friction way to participate in State Savings, offering a blend of chance and discipline in personal finance. For some, bonds can deliver meaningful windfalls in a matter of weeks or months; for others, the value lies in consistent, small prizes that accumulate over time. The scheme’s longevity reflects a stable approach to encouraging savings among a broad audience.
What this means for you: If you hold Prize Bonds, check your portfolio online and watch for any communications by post. If you’re new to the scheme, consider how a small, regular investment could fit your savings goals-bearing in mind the minimums and the onc-a-week draw structure.
Disclaimer: prize Bonds are a government-backed savings product. Payouts depend on weekly draws, and returns are not guaranteed. For current terms and how to participate, visit the official State Savings portal.
Have you ever checked whether you hold a winning Prize Bond? Do you plan to reinvest windfalls or withdraw them? Share your experiences in the comments below.
Learn more about Prize Bonds and the official draw details at the National Treasury management Agency’s page and the State Savings site: State Savings and NTMA.
Note: Payouts and prize structures are subject to change by the NTMA and Prize Bond Company. Always verify current terms before purchasing.
