Many of our food markets remained open when little else was happening, offering an outlet for local producers and a rare chance for many of us to enjoy a small, indulgent pleasure to relieve the tedium of lockdown. And now, with longer, warmer days, they are the ideal place to head to meet up with friends outdoors.
So, this list is a mix of food markets, big and small, where you can pick up fresh local produce and, in some cases, hot food, with many of them located in beautiful parks and the grounds of stately homes, which are perfect for a picnic and a great day out.
Dublin
Airfield Estate Farmers' Market
Airfield Estate, Overend Ave, Dundrum, Dublin 14; airfield.ie, Friday and Saturday, 9am-2.30pm
It feels like a hidden treasure, an urban farm in the middle of Dundrum, where you can buy fresh vegetables that have only travelled 100 metres from the organic gardens, and fresh Jersey milk from their herd. The farmers' market here has been running for two years and, as well as their own produce, includes stalls with bread, pastries, meats and fish.
Brighton Square Market
Brighton Square, Terenure, Dublin 6W; Thursday 8am-3pm
It may seem like Terenure is "on the up", with the arrival of Niall Sabongi's Saltwater Grocery and now Lotts & Co, but one of the sweetest markets, with just two stalls at Brighton Square, has been trading away quietly for 20 years. John Bates pulls up in his Fish from the Quay van, selling wild fish from Kilmore Quay, and Philip Coffey has an impressive selection of organic fruit and vegetables, cheese, eggs and sourdough.
Herbert Park Market
Herbert Park, Ballsbridge, Co Dublin; Instagram @SpillaneMarkets, Sunday 11am-4pm
A beautiful setting and a buzzy market, Herbert Park comes alive on Sunday mornings as early customers arrive to stock up on organic fruit and vegetables from Denis Healy, David Llewellyn's apple juice,rganic meat from Munster Co-op, and baked goods. The market gets busier as the day progresses with an impressive hot food choice which includes Unique Catch fish and chips, Love Falafel, and Pacheco Venezuelan-style hot dogs.
Honest2Goodness
136A Slaney Close, Dublin Industrial Estate, Dublin 11; honest2goodness.ie, Saturday 9am-3pm
An industrial estate is an unlikely place to find a food market with some of the country's top producers, but Brid Carter's vision and focused selectivity means that this market continues to be one of the best places to shop in Dublin. With vegetables from McNally Farm, Arun Bakery, The Whole Hog and Donegan's Fishmongers, it's all about premium quality produce, with a sprinkling of hot food stalls.
Naomh Olaf GAA Friday Market
Holly Ave, Stillorgan Business Park, Dublin 18; naomholaf.ie, Friday, 8.30am-12.30pm
A producer-led market, with some hot food stalls, the top tier traders here include Bread 41, Tartine Organic Bakery, Out of the Blue East Coast Fish, and McNally Family Farm and Carraignamuc Cottage for fruit and vegetables.
Dún Laoghaire Co Co Market
People's Park, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin; dlrcoco.ie, Sunday 10am-5pm
Recently re-opened, this market spreads across two locations, with the fresh produce area in People's Park, and the hot food stalls at the Food Village around the Lexicon. Producer stalls include Dennis Healy's fruit and vegetables, John Fitzsimons for fish, Coolanowle Organic Meat and Lilliput Trading Company. There is endless choice at the hot food stalls, from Chinese, Korean, and Spanish paella, to Indian vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Railway Union Food Market
Park Avenue, Sandymount, Dublin 4, Instagram @railwayunionfoodmarket, Wednesday and Saturday 9am-2pm
A new and hugely successful market, Ross Staunton of Foodgame in Ringsend recently launched this market on the grounds of Railway Union Sports Club. Top producers include 10 Acre Fruit Farm, Kilmore Quay Fish, Sugar Loaf Bakery, Annie's Organic Farm, Barista Bike, Whitfield Honey, Sunil's Organic Cheese, Pure Food Co, Olivieri's Fine Italian Foods, and Carrignamuc Organic Farm.
Red Stables Market
St Anne's Park, Raheny, Co Dublin; Instagram @SpillaneMarkets, Saturday, 10am-4pm
In a beautiful location and very much part of the community since it launched in the early 2000s, there is a solid backbone of farmers, growers, and primary producers at this market. Traders include Denis Healy for fruit and vegetables, Coolanowle Organic Meat, Heart and Soul bakery and Minimal Waste Grocery, for bulk wholefoods. Hot food stalls include Alpine Food raclette, Johnny B's Mexican food, and Love Falafel's Lebanese cuisine.
Stoneybatter Farmers Market
31a Manor Street, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7; Instagram @Penders Market, Saturday 10am-4pm
This is a family run food market, promoting local small business. With a mix of fresh produce and hot food stalls, you can pick up organic fruit and vegetables from Carraignamuc, bread form Sorrento Sourdough, falafel from Maison Libanaise Falafel, and cakes and vegan treats from Fabcakes and Buttercream Dream Vegan cakes.
Temple Bar Food Market
Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, Dublin 2; templebarmarkets.com, Saturday 10.30am-4pm
Established in 1997 by a group of Irish farmers and producers, with a vision to bring Irish artisan, local and high-quality produce to a city centre location, this vibrant market continues to attract top traders, including McNally's Farm, Corleggy Cheeses, The Bretzel Bakery, and Broughgammon Farm, with hot food stalls like Goode Life Food Company serving spit roast pulled pork.
W Market
Bray Rd, Loughlinstown, Co Dublin; whelehanswines.ie, Friday 10am-3pm
A French style, outdoor farmers' market in the car park of this top end wine shop, traders include Aran Artisan Bakery and Patisserie, Denis Healy's organic fruit and vegetables, Tully Farm Pedigree Dexter Beef, and Tom and Olle Irish Artisan Cheesemongers. There are also burgers from Eoin Garry's Feed truck and China Sichuan are selling their meal packs for home preparation.
Belfast
St George's Market
East Bridge Street, Belfast BT1 3NQ; visitbelfast.com, Friday, 8am-2pm; Saturday, 9am-3pm; Sunday, 10am-3pm
Wonderfully atmospheric and one of Belfast's oldest attractions, the Friday market has been running since 1604. In a stunning Victorian building, there are close to 200 market stalls selling a large selection of fresh fish, fruit, vegetables, and hot food as well as antiques, books, and clothes. On Sundays, there is more emphasis on local arts and crafts.
Clare
Tulla Country Market
The Courthouse, Tulla, Co Clare; countrymarkets.ie, Saturday 10am-12pm
Run as a co-operative market, this indoor market supports local producers, with seasonal vegetables, free range eggs, homemade breads, tarts, cakes, ready meals, and salads in season.
Cork
Bandon Country Market
Weir Street, Bandon, Co Cork; Facebook @BandonCountryMarket, Friday and Saturday, 9am-1.30pm
This West Cork market is a co-operative, selling a wide range of home produced food and crafts in the car park of the Old Market Garden. All produce is grown, baked or cooked within a 12km radius, and includes Baltimore Bacon, Baltimore Fresh Fish, The Baking Emporium for breads, pastries and cakes, and fresh pasta from Semolina Cork.
Douglas Farmers' Market
Main Street, Douglas Village, Douglas, Cork; Instagram @DouglasMarket, Saturday 10am-2pm
Privately run on the plaza of the Douglas Village Shopping Centre, there are a few hot food stalls – Volcano Pizza, Ramblin Sole food truck, and Okawari sushi – but the focus here is on produce from local farmers, fisherman and bakers. Top traders include O'Leary lamb, Ballycotton Free Range Chicken, Arbutus Bread, Greenfield Farm, Woodside Farm, Rossmore Oysters, Mealagulla Orchard, Hisham Baker, Baking Emporium, Cupcakes by Katie, and Flour House Bakery.
English Market
Grand Parade, Cork; englishmarket.ie, Monday to Saturday, 8am-6pm
Home to 42 traders, this famous Victorian market attracts tourists, history and architecture enthusiasts, and of course, UK royalty, but it is, above all, a food market with outstanding produce.
Particularly good for fresh fish, both Ballycotton Seafood and Kay O'Connell's Fishmongers have stalls here, Frank Hederman sells his famous smoked fish, there's meat and poultry from O'Sullivan Meats, Tom Durcan, Stephen Landon and Moynihan's Poultry and endless stalls with fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese and sweet treats. Give yourself plenty of time to explore it.
Mahon Point Farmers' Market
Mahon Point Shopping Centre, Mahon, Cork; mahonpointsc.ie, Thursday, 10am-2pm
With over 50 stalls, the focus here is on organic produce from farmers and small producers, which includes Arbutus Bread, Ballycotton Fresh Fish, Ballycotton Poultry, and fruit and vegetables from Organic Republic. The plan is to be 100 per cent plastic free, and all traders use compostable packaging.
Midleton Farmers Market
Fair Green Midleton Co Cork; facebook.com/Midleton-Farmers-Market, Saturday 9am-13.30pm
Started by Darina Allen, this market is brimming with stalls and top tier producers. You could easily do your weekly shop here, with seasonal fruit and vegetables, fresh and smoked fish, shellfish, preserves, meat, dairy, cheeses, home baking, and artisan breads all available. There are also a number of hot food stalls, so you can have a bite and enjoy a coffee at the seating or green area.
Skibbereen Farmers Market
The Fair Field, Skibbereen, Co Cork; skibbereenmarket.com, Saturday, 9.30am-2pm
Very much at the heart of the community, this lively farmers' market started out with a few stalls 20 years ago, has grown over the years, and traded through the difficult months of lockdown, ensuring it continues to be a social meeting place. Stalls, run by local producers, range from Lost Valley Raw Milk Cheese, and Gubbeen Cheese and Pork, to fresh fish, breads and cakes, and hot food stalls.
Tuesday Market, Macroom
The Square, Macroom, Co Cork; corkcoco.ie, Tuesday 9am-2pm
With a mixture of hot food stalls and produce stalls selling cheese, meat, free range eggs, fresh fruit and vegetables, a covered outdoor seating area was added in autumn 2020 as part of Cork County Council's project to support the social and economic cores of county towns.
Down
Comber Farmers’ Market
St Mary's Parish Church, Comber, Co Down; combermarket.co.uk, first Thursday of every month, 9am to 1pm
A not-for-profit food market run by the local community, over 25 local producers gather every month with top quality produce. Stalls include locally caught fish; free range eggs, raw Jersey milk, meats, and cheeses, with homemade soda and potato bread cooked onsite.
Galway
Galway Farmers' Market
Church Lane, Galway, Co Galway; galwaymarket.com, Saturday 8.00am-6.00pm, Sunday and Bank Holidays, 12pm-6 pm
A visit to Galway is not complete without a morning spent wandering around this impressive market by St Nicholas' church, which dates back to Medieval times when eggs, fowl, vegetables and butter were sold there. Now with some of the country's top producers, there is a hugely impressive array of fish and seafood at Gannet Fishmongers, stalls groaning with organic produce from Aughinish Organic Veg, cheese, eggs and yogurt from Breckish Dairies, and breads from Coolfin Organic Bakery.
Kildare
Burtown House
Burtown Little, Athy, Co Kildare; burtownhouse.ie, Sunday, 11am-4pm
A stunning location, this early Georgian villa is surrounded by beautiful parkland and has an impressive walled garden tended by Dermot Carey, who managed the gardens at Lissadell House and Virginia Park Lodge. With just a few stalls, Jo's Pantry, Sugar Loaf Bakery, Tom and Olle Irish Artisan Cheesemongers, and a few non-food stalls, there are plans to increase the number over the next while.
Naas Country Market
Moat Theatre, Naas, Co, Kildare; countrymarkets.ie, Friday 9.45am-12.15pm
Part of a co-operative which has been in operation for over 75 years, this is a small market where members sell home grown produce and baked goods.
Kilkenny
Kilkenny Farmers' Market
The Mayor's Walk, Parade Plaza, Kilkenny city; kilkennycoco.ie, Thursday and Saturday, 9.30am-2.30pm
Now with a second market running on Saturday, many locals do their weekly shop from the 24 stalls here, which include organic vegetables from Sinead Cranwell and Eamonn Wallace, Coolanowle organic meat, and Pat Harty seafood. Hot food stalls include Peter the Pieman, and the graffiti splattered Bula Bus with its sweet potato fries and pulled pork.
Laois
Stradbally Farmers Market
Market Square, Stradbally, Co Laois; Instagram @StradballyFarmersMarket, Friday, from 1.30pm
A local market in the town square, you'll find sustainably raised vegetables from Ratheniska Farm, freshly landed fish from Bates Fish Shop; cheeses from Carlow Farmhouse Cheeses, and bread and chocolates from Temptation Patisserie and Stradbally Country Bakers.
Limerick
The Milk Market
Cornmarket Row, Limerick city; milkmarketlimerick.ie, Saturday 8am-3pm
The Milk Market is one of the country's oldest outdoor markets, dating back over 800 years, when butter, hay, corn and potatoes were sold there. The Saturday food market typically has accommodated up to 80 traders, but is operating with 40 at present due to restrictions, selling Crawford's Farm raw milk, bread, cheese, organic fruit and vegetables, free range meats, fish, eggs, pies, and hot breakfast.
Louth
The Cottage Market, Drogheda
St Peter's COI Parish Hall, Drogheda, Co. Louth; thecottagemarket.ie, first Saturday of each month
Set in the charming grounds of St Peter's Church of Ireland Parish Hall, there are over 25 food and craft stalls here including Sonairte Organic fruit and vegetables, The Cider Mill and Buddha Bakery. The food trucks include tacos from Blasta street kitchen, and hand-rolled ice-cream from Silly Sid's.
Mayo
Westport Country Market
Olde Railway Hotel, Westport, Co Mayo; facebook.com/westportcountrymarket, Thursday 7.30am-1pm
A co-operative market which has been operating for more than 30 years. Fresh produce includes locally grown vegetables, organic meats, quiches, sausage rolls, boxty and potato cakes, and bread, scones and pastries.
Meath
Sheridans Food Market
Sheridans Cheesemongers, Pottlereagh, Kells, Co. Meath; sheridanscheesemongers.com, Saturday 10am-2pm
This not-for-profit market has grown slowly over the last 10 years, acting as a community hub and charging a minimal fee to stall holders, in order to support local food producers. Organic fruit and vegetables come from William Leonard, fresh fish from Killybegs, meat from Flood's Butchers, sourdough from Blasta Bakery, soft fruits from Hogan Nursery, and the full range of cheese is available at their shop next door.
Slane Farmers' Market
Rock Farm, Slane, Co Meath; rockfarmslane.ie, Thursday 11am-4pm
Roots at Slane, the new food and beverage team on the Slane Castle Estate, has taken over the operation of the farmers' market. Housed inside the dramatic hay barn, produce includes Rock Farm Organic Dexter beef, organic rare breed pork and organic vegetables; Sustainable Fish and Seafood, The Cider Mill, Lu Thornley's Indian street food chaat stall, and Silly Sid's rolled ice-cream.
Waterford
Dungarvan Farmers' Market
Gratin Square, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford; facebook.com/DungarvanMarket, Thursday 9am-2pm
The market town of Dungarvan hums with activity each Thursday when traders set up their stalls in the square. With an impressive range of produce, which includes fresh fish, vegetables, poultry, cheese, organic lamb, bread, raw milk, and local honey, there are also plenty of hot food stands, with gourmet Breton crêpes and burgers.
Lismore Food and Craft Market
Lismore Castle, Lismore, Co. Waterford; facebook.com/LismoreMarket, Sunday 10am-4pm
With a stunning backdrop of Lismore Castle, this is a Sunday market for local traders, which includes New Shoots for seasonal fruit and vegetables, O'Keeffe's for potatoes, Knockmealdown Honey, and bread, crêpes and treats from The Baker's Table of Lismore.
Wexford
Wexford Farmers Markets
Gorey, Enniscorthy, Wexford, New Ross, Co. Wexford; wexfordfarmersmarkets.com, Saturday, 9am-2pm
Wexford Farmers' Markets holds a market once each week in Wexford, New Ross, Gorey and Enniscorthy, with stalls varying between the markets. Produce includes meat from Tinnock Farm, vegetables and potatoes from Simon Donohoe of Curracloe, and strawberries, raspberries and soft fruits from Green's Berry Farm.
Wicklow
Killruddery Farm Market
Killruddery Estate, Southern Cross Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow; killruddery.com, Saturday 10am-4pm
This market is held in the charming Horse Yard on Killruddery Estate. It includes stalls with organic vegetables, Bretzel Bakery bread, artisan food products, and freshly prepared street food from What the Falafel, Tacoman, Bullet Duck and Dumplings, and Korean Table. Apart from the hot food trucks, all stalls are under roof in the old converted stables, and there are picnic benches and seating in the Horse Yard.
