Once considered the purview of rural Irish life, in recent years we have seen the popularity of food markets explode the length and breadth of the country. While rural markets may still be the mainstay, more and more urban markets are popping up all over the country, giving city slickers an opportunity to ditch the supermarket for a change. What’s more, buying a significant percentage of our weekly shopping directly from a market gives us the opportunity to meet the people who have the most invested in the produce – the producers. Plus, it is an utterly pleasant way to spend a morning. We have complied a roundup of our favourite markets across the country, both urban and rural, just don’t forget your cloth tote to transport those goodies home.
CORK
Bantry Farmer’s Market
Held every Friday in the main square in Bantry, this Farmers Market is one of the busiest in Cork. Expect to find all the usual suspect here such as locally grown organic fruit & veg, baked goods, cheese, fish, meats, olives, eggs, honey and preserves alongside plants, local crafts, pet supplies, bric-a-brac & collectibles. The first Friday of every month is traditionally ‘Fair Day’ which sees the market even busier. Don’t be surprised if you see donkeys chilling out by a lamppost or cages with hens and ducks for sale too.
Every Friday 9:30am – 1pm in the Square, Bantry
DONEGAL
Letterkenny Real Food & Farmer’s Market
Fresh fish from Killybegs, meats from Gildea’s Farm Butchers, fresh eggs, fruit and veg from Ballyholey Farm Shop, and handmade pastries and breads from Bake ‘n’ Joy (think Spinach & Feta Quiche, Homemade Sausage Rolls, Peach Cheesecakes and of course Salted Caramel Brownies). What’s not to like? Letterkenny Real Food & Farmers Market is all about shopping local and supporting local industry, and with produce of this quality, it’s not a hard sell.
Every Friday 9am – 1pm, Port Road, Letterkenny.
https://www.facebook.com/Letterkenny-Real-Food-Farmers-Market-210491829686258
GALWAY
The Galway Market
A market has been trading in Galway’s Church Lane for literally centuries and continues to do so to this day. While the market itself may have morphed into more of an urban experience that it originally was, there is something here for everyone. Sheridan’s Cheese, Coolfin Organic Bakery and Cobie’s Handmade Jams (among many others) can all be found pitching their wares, along with a multitude of arts and crafts stalls to while away a Saturday afternoon. Our advice, go hungry!
Open all year round on Saturdays from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm
Sundays, Bank Holidays from 12 am – 6 pm
Fridays 12 am – 6 pm in July and August and
Every Day during the Galway Arts Festival from 12 am – 6 pm
The Christmas Market runs every day 9 am to 6 pm from the 14th to the 24th of December
KERRY
Dingle Farmer’s Market
Dingle Farmers Market hosts an eclectic array of stall holders offering locally grown organic vegetables, savoury pies and tarts, handmade bread and cakes, organic skin care and of course locally made cheeses. The market also features produce from Olivier Beaujouan’s ‘On the Wild Side’ including his famous fish pates, smoked fish and charcuterie.
Fridays from 9am-3pm, Holyground, Dingle, County Kerry
https://www.facebook.com/dinglefarmersmarket/
DUBLIN
The Green Door Market
Now a Dublin institution, The Green Door Market has grown from strength to strength over recent years. Established in 2014, the market relocated from its original home in Newmarket Square to Bluebell in 2018. Expect to find a vast array of produce including organic fruit and vegetables, organic meat, fish and shellfish, bread and baked goods, cheese and charcuterie to name just a few. The best thing about The Green Door? It’s open from Tuesday to Sunday, has free parking and is easily accessible by public transport.
Tuesday – Friday: Noon to 7pm, Saturday: 9.30 to 4pm, Sunday: 11.00 to 5pm
Unit A1, Bluebell Business Centre, Old Naas Road, Dublin 12.
WATERFORD
Dungarvan Farmers Market
The bustling town of Dungarvan hosts a weekly farmers market every Thursday, much to the delight of the locals. With healthy treats (vegan and paleo) from Nutrilicious Food Company, free range chicken and eggs, fresh seafood and a vast selection of cheeses from Knockalara Farmhouse Cheese, there really is something for everyone. Of course, there are also a choice of goodies including freshly made crêpes and street food from Bear Grillz, so every palate is catered for. Life is certainly sunny in the south east!
Thursdays, 9am – 2pm, Grattan Square, Dungarvan.
https://www.facebook.com/DungarvanMarket/
LEITRIM
Carrick on Shannon Farmers Market
Carrick on Shannon’s Market Yard Centre is home to a weekly market that hosts some market stalls that are sure to impress. Boxty Pizza from Vitto’s Restaurant anyone? Yes, it’s a thing and you will find it alongside an amazing selection of locally sourced fruit and vegetables, fish, meats and of course, baked goodies. Should you need your shoes re-heeled after a day pounding the pavement, buying all the goodies, then Pawels Shoe Repair is also located at the market and word is, the man is a genius when it comes to leather.
Thursdays 10am – 2pm Market Yard, Carrick on Shannon.