Ireland’s farmers markets – summertime tourist attractions - SEE PHOTOS
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Apple, raspberry or rhubarb tart, strawberries and cream, or fresh gooseberry jam on home-baked bread – the tastes of summer in Ireland are in full flavor. And one of the best places to find these treats is at a local farmers market. Not only will you get to meet the food grower or producer first-hand, but you will also find the fresh-from-the-farm prices very appealing. Stop for a snack or pick up the makings of a picnic. A farmers market is your best source.
It’s no wonder that farmers markets are fast becoming tourist attractions. Visitors love to indulge in sweetly ripened fruits, farmhouse cheeses, or a fresh-baked pie or scone. Almost every city, town and village in Ireland has a market at least once a week in the growing season, and sometimes all year. Most markets take place rain or shine outdoors in a town square or park, but a few are held indoors. The majority are on Fridays or Saturdays, but some happen on other days or all week. Here is a round-up of my Top 10 favorite markets:
Cork’s English Market is the grand-daddy of Irish markets, trading as a market since 1788, a vintage multi-wing building (off Patrick St., the city’s main thoroughfare, with entrances on Prince’s St., Grand Parade, and Oliver Plunkett St.). Browse amid the colorful stands brimming with fruits and vegetables, seafood, cheese, pasta, olives and handmade chocolates, as well as traditional Cork meats such as tripe (animal stomach), crubeens (pigs’ feet) and drisheen (local blood sausage). There are also stands for soups, salads, fresh-squeezed juices and exotic coffees. Browse or buy, sip or sample, or just listen to the Cork accents and banter. It’s a great experience. Open Monday-Saturday, www.corkenglishmarket.ie
St. George’s Market in Belfast is another indoor old-timer, built between 1890 and 1896. It has won numerous awards for fresh local produce and great atmosphere. There are often jazz bands or other musical combos playing in the center of the market to add to the festive ambiance. The market is open with a “variety” theme on Friday, with over 240 stalls selling fruits, vegetables, meat and fish as well as antiques, books and clothes. On Saturdays, there’s a food and garden market, with a huge range of local, continental, and specialty foods including meat, fish, cheese, teas and coffees, tapas, French pastries, crepes, and organic products, as well as crafts, flowers, plants and artwork. Last month, a Sunday market was added with a blend of produce from the other two days plus local arts and crafts. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, www.belfastcity.gov.uk/stgeorgesmarket.
