Fresh crispy sourdough bread, oysters shucked right in front of your eyes and creamy cheeses made with local milk – Irish food markets really do have it all.
A real taste of community life, you’ll find all sorts at the markets, from passersby picking up a few bits and bobs for dinner that night, to highly skilled chefs sourcing the freshest organic foods they can find.
Ireland has a fab selection of food and farmers markets all around the land, and you owe it to yourself to check out these 14 food havens – they’re the best of a brilliant bunch.
Grab a cup of hot steaming cider made from country farm apples and you’re good to go.
1. Midleton Farmer’s Market, Cork
An original farmers market in Ireland formed by Darina Allen and local farmers, this is one of the most popular markets in the country.
Homemade breads, juices, vegetable, gourmet snacks and there’s often a bit of live music to add to the atmosphere.
2. Kilkenny Farmer’s Market, Kilkenny
Located right in front of the lovely Kilkenny Castle, you’ll find produce from 233 farms and families that will bring some flavour to your day.
It’s a great spot for goats cheese, fruit, vegetables, honey, organic meat, preserves, home-baked breads, cakes and falafel.
Image: GreenSheep Tours
3. Asia Market, Dublin
This quirky Asian food market has a insane display of 4,500 products organised by cuisine – from Indian, to Chinese to Korean.
The staff are really helpful and they have the best selection of intriguing vegetables and spices you’ll ever see.
4. St Georges Market, Belfast
The fish section alone in this delightful market contains twenty three fish stalls and has a reputation for being the leading retail fish market in Ireland.
It’s one of Belfast’s oldest attractions, and is a must-see for foodies.
5. Dungarvan Farmer’s Market, Waterford
This cute market in the historic Grattan square’s main products are fresh fish, honey, free range eggs, free range pork, plus organic beef and fruit.
Top stalls include Knockalara Cheese, Barnawee Foods and Barrons Bakery.
6. Dublin Food Co-op Market, Dublin
Ireland’s leading member-owned cooperative in Newmarket has a vegetarian cafe, wholefoods store, fresh fruit and vegetables.
Every Sunday there’s a themed market pop-up, such as Fusion Sunday which has exciting cuisines like Egyptian and Korean.
7. Galway Market, Galway
This bustling street food market has been trading for centuries, and once you check it out you’ll see why.
There’s a great variety of food available, with treats such as Madras curry, yummy Crepes, Japanese Sushi, and mouth watering handmade cookies.
8. Dingle Farmer’s Market, Kerry
The weekly Dingle Farmers Market boasts an eclectic mix of stall holders offering fresh organic vegetables, vegetarian savoury foods, home baked bread and cakes, beeswax products and honey.
The real stand out is the fresh and smoked seafood – divine.
9. English Market, Cork
This world famous market has been trading in Cork City since 1788, and long-term traders sit right next to more recent startups.
Grab a bite to eat in its Farmgate cafe with a view over the market stalls, or stock up on sauces and oils, chocolates and cakes, cheeses and pastas – The English Market has it all.
10. The Milk Market, Limerick
This super all-weather market provides locals with fresh in-season produce from a huge range of stalls, including Marie Murphy’s Cheese Stall, Killown Orchard and Green Saffron.
11. Ennis Farmer’s Market, Clare
They only sell produce here which is from within County Clare or a 30-mile radius of the market, so no worries about your carbon footprint here.
You’ll find so many delish food items here, like freshly baked goods, country butter, terrines, fresh wheatgrass and wild garlic pesto.
12. Mahon Point Market, Cork
Cork’s largest farmer’s market, Mahon Point has over 50 stalls with the majority of the foods organic and locally sourced.
Check out Aherns Raw Jersey Milk, Woodside Farm and Bean Brownie Co stalls for a treat.
13. Naas Farmer’s Market, Kildare
This lovely little market has organic produce from the Wicklow hills, fresh breads and sweet treats and farmhouse cheeses from Sheridan’s Cheesemongers.
For a sweet bite to eat you have to stop by San Pasqual Sweets and Pastries for a slice of Pecan pie.
14. Honest2Goodness, Dublin
The community-style market in Glasnevin has a great selection of meat, vegetables, fish, and baked goods sold in this natural food market.
Vegans are well catered for with stall Roots and Shoots, and there’s also some brill natural wine from Spain and Italy.
Did we leave out a food market that you love? Let us know in the comments!
READ NEXT: These Photos Prove That Fermanagh Is The Beautiful County In Ireland
Topics:
RELATED ARTICLES
MORE FROM Lovin
MORE FROM Lovin
