In Ireland we’re lucky to live in a small country where food doesn’t have to travel far, which means ‘fresh’ and ‘local’ really mean something. There’s no better place than a food market to buy the freshest produce so we’re sharing our list of the best food markets in Ireland to make it easy for you to find delicious Irish produce.
Temple Bar Food Market
Temple Bar Food Market is the most central market in the Irish capital and we visit it during our tour on Saturdays. This small farmers market takes place every Saturday in Meeting House Square. Regular stall holders include brilliant food producers such as Mc Nally’s Farm, Llewellyn’s Orchards, and Corleggy Cheeses. For hot food we highly recommend the delicious food from The Market Kitchen.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/TempleBarFoodMarket/
Honest to Goodness Farmers Market in Dublin
Honest to Goodness Farmers Market isn’t in the city centre but it’s a covered market in Glasnevin, not too far from Glasnevin Cemetery. It’s open every Saturday from 9.30am to 4pm and features a great mix of vendors; from vegetables to fish, from bread to wine. The following food producers are worth checking out: Arun Bakery, Tartine Bakery, The Proper Chocolate Company and Mud Bakery.
More information: http://www.honest2goodness.ie/
The English Market in Cork
The English Market is probably Ireland’s most famous food market and definitely one to visit when in Ireland if you love food. The market was created in 1788 by the English corporation that was in control of the city, hence the name. The market operates from Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm in a beautiful Victorian building. Our favourite traders in this market are: On The Pig’s Back, Frank Hederman and O’Connell Fish Merchants. The English Market is especially good for buying meat!
More information: http://www.englishmarket.ie/
Midleton Farmers Market
From 9am to 1pm every Saturday, the Midleton Farmers Market can be found in the carpark of Supervalu Midleton. It’s a small market but it features some wonderful food producers of the area such as Ballymaloe Cookery School, Arbutus Bread, Ardsallagh Farmhouse Cheese just to name a few.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/Midleton-Farmers-Market-256393317721047/
Mahon Point Farmers Market
County cork does food markets right, and another favourite of ours is definitely Mahon Point Farmers Market. The market takes place every Thursday from 10am to 3pm on the plaza in front of Mahon Point Shopping Centre. It’s a lively market with a range of diverse local food and drink vendors, including some of the best in the country: Gubbeen Smokehouse, Glenilen Farm, Green Saffron, Ballyhoura Apple Farm, O’Connail Chocolate. Make sure to have the steak sandwich or the raclette from Lolo Kitchen!
More information: http://www.mahonpointfarmersmarket.com/
The Milk Market in Limerick
The Milk Market was originally incorporated in 1852 and was renovated and reopened in 1995. This market is situated on Mungret in Limerick city and open Friday (10am-3pm), Saturday (8am-3pm) and Sunday (11am-3pm). It features a mix of hot food stalls and Irish food producers like Crawford’s Farm, Country Choice and Rose Cottage Fruit Farm.
More information: http://www.milkmarketlimerick.ie/
Galway Food Market
Galway Food Market operates in Church Lane by St Nicholas Church in Galway every Saturday (8am-6pm), Sundays, Bank Holidays and Fridays (July-August). Stalls feature local food producers as well as craft; Japanese sushi, oysters, cookies, curry and much more.
More information: http://www.galwaymarket.com/
St Georges Market in Belfast
When visiting Belfast, St George’s Market is a must-do! It’s possible the 2nd best food market after the English Market in Cork. This Victorian covered market on May Street is easy to access by foot from the train station or the city centre. The market trades on Fridays (6am-3pm), Saturdays (9am-3pm) and Sundays (10am-4pm). This award-winning market hosts over 250 vendors ranging from crafts and arts to delicious local fare.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/StGeorgesMarketBelfast/
Only visiting Dublin? Check out our list of the best markets in Dublin.
