Ireland’s farmers markets – summertime tourist attractions - SEE PHOTOS

The Galway Market on Church Lane next to the landmark St. Nicholas Church in Galway City is another “oldie,” claiming to have been in existence for centuries. Rain or shine, vendors sell a great variety of food from international favorites such as curries, crepes, falafel, hummus, pasta and sushi, to locally-baked breads, donuts and muffins, as well as fresh fruits, vegetables and cheeses. There are also arts, crafts, jewelry and clothes stalls. Saturday and Sunday; there is also a Christmas Market every day from 14th to 24th December with more crafts and less fruits and vegetables; www.galwaymarket.com.

 Milk Market at Cornmarket Row, Limerick City, dates back over 150 years when it operated on Saturdays as one of many weekly markets (others were for pigs, potatoes, corn, cattle, hay etc.), and the only one that survived and thrives today.  Over the years, the produce at the Milk Market expanded beyond milk, butter and cream to include fruits and vegetables as well as homemade breads, gourmet cheeses, cakes, flowers and plants. In the past few years, the market has been redeveloped as a covered all-weather market space with 21 permanent shops as well as the market trading area with 50 stalls.  It has become a haven for foodies with a wide choice of artisan “food to go.” Friday, Saturday, Sunday (the shops open Wednesday-Sunday), www.milkmarketlimerick.ie.

Moore Street Market, off Henry St., is Dublin’s oldest outdoor food market, dating back to the 19th century.  Food vendors selling fruit, vegetables, meat and fish, and flowers, have gathered for years on this street, starting with the wheelbarrow vendors of Molly Malone’s day.  The merchants are true Dubliners, with a rich local accent, sometimes referred to as “Dublinese.”  They also have a reputation for being very friendly and witty, so it’s always fun to stroll among them and buy a peach or an apple for refreshment, or a bunch of flowers to brighten your day. Monday-Saturday.

The Temple Bar Food Market at Meeting House Square in Dublin’s trendy Temple Bar district is a veritable outdoor gourmet feast with vendors selling fresh-baked breads, artisan cheeses, sushi, quiches, tarts, juices, handmade chocolates, olives and olive oils, waffles, yogurt, preserves, chutneys, cakes and buns as well as coffees, fish, oysters, vegetarian food, organic meats, eggs, cereal and chicken and ham pies. Many of the products are sold as fully prepared meals or individual-portion snacks, ideal for a picnic in Stephen’s Green or in Merrion Square. Open Saturday, www.templebar.ie/Markets.aspx?marketid=14

​
Nster.com