The English Market In Cork Has New Rules For Visitors

One of Cork City's most famous tourist attractions, The English Market, is restricting the size of visiting groups to a maximum of eight people at a time.

The new move comes as a response to increased tourism, with The Irish Examiner reporting that it is now common for several groups of up to 200 tourists arriving throughout the day.

The new rules will come into effect on Wednesday March 1 and aim to facilitate further tours of the busy food market, while also maintaining the daily running of a market where up to 400 people work in 46 businesses.

“It’s important that everyone who visits gets to experience the true essence of the market — the atmosphere, the banter, the rapport, the quality food, and the knowledge of the traders. If we continue as we are and with the tourist numbers continuing to rise, the day-to-day running of the market will be affected and the livelihood of traders could be jeopardy,” explained Pat O'Connell, chairman of the English Market Traders’ Committee.

From 1st March, tour operators will have to register each year to bring groups around the market and will be allocated time specific slots for each tour.

Groups visiting from schools will also be required to book in advance, with visits restricted to 10.30am or earlier on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.

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