11 Markets in Ireland

Irish  Markets have experienced great growth in the past few years, turned from fewer than 100 markets in 2006 to almost 150 currently in operation. Craft stalls, now a common element in the modern concept of the farmers’ market, are often found alongside food stalls, with natural soaps, jewellery and handmade pieces of art.

So, whether you are just passing by and want to experience some real Irish life or you just want to do proper shopping and maybe stay healthy, you might like this small list of markets. From fresh food to vintage finds, they will have everything you need.

Here below we narrowed down some of the worth-seeing market places around Ireland:

St Georges Market, Belfast

Kicking off with this old market in Belfast, the St.Georges Market was voted as Best Market in the UK by the Guardians readers. It’s one of the oldest markets all over the island and it defends its tradition quite well. With more than 20 different range of fishes, St.Georges’ is considered the first retail fish market in Ireland.

When: Friday: 6am – 3pm, Saturday: 9am – 3pm, Sunday: 10am – 4pm

Where: 12-20 East Bridge Street

The English Market, Cork

For its history and artisanal food, the elegant vaulted English Market in Cork, one of the oldest of its kind in the world (1788), is not-to-be-missed. Grab a bite in its Farmgate cafe with a view over the market stalls, or stock up on sauces and oils, chocolates and cakes, cheeses and pasta from all over Europe and the World: The English Market has it all. Hence, you will likely to find great artisanal soaps and artefacts to make your experience more authentic.

When: Monday – Saturday: 8 am – 6 pm

Where: Princes St, Centre, Cork

Ennis Farmer’s Market, Clare

Directly from the farm to your kitchens, more like you bags though. That’s the sort of freshness you will be experiencing strolling down the stalls of the Ennis Farmer’s Market. You can find local/organic/free-range produce, freshly baked goods, country butter, terrines, fresh wheatgrass and wild garlic pesto:  all grown, reared, caught, brewed, pickled, baked, smoked or processed by the locals. Healthy food for your thoughts and, actually, for your stomachs.

When: Friday: 8 am to 2 pm

Where: C/O Liddy’s Gala, Roslevan Shopping Centre, Rosslevan, Ennis, Co. Clare

The Milk Market, Limerick

This all-year-round market is living heaven for all those who are passionate about quality, fresh food and a relaxing place for those who want to enjoy a lovely lunch in a lovely spot. Stroll around its colourful vegetable stalls offering giant bunches of carrots, turnips, tubers and potatoes freshly picked from the fields, stalls full of Wexford strawberries, local and artisanal products of all kinds. Try the bars, cafes and tea rooms, tasting directly the very same products you just saw. Authentic, healthy and even easy to reach. What else do you want?

When: Friday: 10 am – 3 pm, Saturday: 8 am – 3 pm, Sunday: 11 am – 3 pm (the Food stalls; the bar and the tea rooms are open all year)

Where: Limerick Milk Market, Cornmarket Row, Limerick

Howth Market, Howth

Located in the picturesque village of Howth, in Dublin county, this market is probably one of the most precious gems this country has. Welcoming both locals and tourists alike, not only Howth Market would offer a fantastic day out and unique experience with a vast array of organic produce, freshly baked goods. But you’d also have the chance to buy and snoop around some stalls, selling jewellery, clothing, antiques. This market is perfect for browsing on a sunny day before heading along the cliff walk or onto the pier.

When: Weekdays from 7 am to 8 pm; Saturday and Sunny from 9 am to 6 pm

Where: 3A Harbour Road, Howth Dublin, County Dublin, D13 T8Y7, Ireland

The Green Door, Dublin

This entirely indoor market aims to offer top quality food in an inviting space where customers can enjoy a convivial market experience and meet the people who produce their food. Recently opened, this fresh vegetable heaven, away from the busy and crowded streets of Dublin centre, can boast a wide range of eco-friendly products where it’s value for money too. Such as home-made granola stand alongside those selling flowers, organic produced olive oils and preserves, and local meats, including ethically produced free-range Irish salami from The Wooded Pig

When: Tuesday-Friday: 12pm – 7pm, Saturday: 9.30am – 4pm, Sunday: 11am –5pm

Where: Old Naas Road, Inchicore Dublin 8, County Dublin, D12 XCY2, Ireland

Black rock Market Dublin

In this former coaching inn during the victorian age, today, with its colourful and cosy atmosphere, this market place hosts more than 50 operative booths for food and vintage finds, including ceramics, pottery. Most importantly for all those photography passionates, some fine and authentic cameras from all over the world. It’s mostly divided into different small shops rather than in stalls. If it’s the food you’re more interested in, try the great Indian street food place on 3 different floors and maybe treat yourself with a refreshing gelato.

When: Weekends 11:00 am – 5:30 pm

Where: 19a Main Street, Blackrock, Blackrock, County Dublin, Ireland

Galway Market, Galway

Through the streets of the vibrant city of Galway, it is possible to taste one of the best street food on the island. There’s a great variety of fresh food, from every taste: from Sushi to typical Irish specialities or from mouth-watering french crepes to tasty Madras curry. Everything cooked and prepared with fresh and handpicked ingredients from the Galway area and surroundings. Plants, flowers and handmade artefacts won’t be missed.

When: Saturday & Bank Holidays: 8.00am – 6pm, Sunday: 12 – 6pm

Where: 1- Ireland, 7 Lombard St, Galway

The Bullring market, Wexford

The Bullring is the heart of Wexford. The refurbished log cabins inside the marketplace are occupied by traders selling things such as gifts, foodstuff, local crafts and antiques. With its colourful decorations hung from one cabin to the other, this place will be enriched your experience in the Irish countryside journey: take a nice walk through the stands smelling prompt baked bread and delicious cake or amazed yourself while admiring the hand -made wooden crafty gems and hummed to the music played by Pat the music man. What a proper and authentic way to discover local areas!

When:  every Fri/Sat9 to 4 pm

Where: Bull Ring, Wexford, Y35 DW6E, Ireland

Kilkenny Farmers’ Market, Kilkenny

This town market operates just in front of the Castle in Kilkenny town. You’ll have the chance to taste products from 233 farms and families that will bring some flavour to your day. From organic fruit and vegetables and fresh bread to falafels and locally made chocolates.

When: Thursday: 9.30 am – 2.30 pm

Where: Mayors Walk, The Parade, Kilkenny

People’s Market, Dun Laoghaire

At Dún Laoghaire People’s Park Market, just outside Dublin, you will have a little preview of how in the surrounding area of Dublin, life is organised. You can stock up organic vegs from the local families or pick up a weekend treat from truffles from the Truffle Fairy. On a sunny day there’s nowhere better to relax on the grass with a great choice of cuisines like vegetarian Indian Food, sushi, and falafel, in a very welcoming and cosy atmosphere. People’s market, people’s food.

When: Sunday: 11 am – 4 pm

Where: 2 Glenageary Rd Lower, Glenageary, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin