Ireland's food markets

Steaming hot juice made from local organic apples, glistening oysters served with crisp white wine, and an abundance of farmhouse cheese and local salamis – the Irish farmers’ market is a bedrock of exceptional produce. This is where you can sample authentic Irish food and drink with an artisan twist – making farmers’ markets the perfect destinations for a picnic on a sunny day or a snack on the go.

Of course, they’re not just tasty places to hang out. According to renowned celebrity chef and cookery school owner Darina Allen, “Farmers’ markets make an incredibly important contribution to the Irish food scene; local people growing and selling their produce is a completely different shopping experience that reconnects people with food.”

When you buy something at a farmers’ market in Ireland, chances are that the person who grew, raised, caught or made it is nearby, if not standing right in front of you. It gives you the chance to discover some of Ireland’s traditional foods, try different artisan cheeses and appreciate the remarkable variety of local produce available across the island.

With a stellar reputation for outstanding ingredients, including charcuterie, seafood and cheese, County Cork is one of the best places to visit a farmers’ market. 

At the historic 18th-century English Market in Cork city, you can try everything from Frank Hederman’s esteemed smoked fish to traditional Irish soda bread. Some of Ireland’s leading producers – including Toons Bridge Dairy and Ballycotton Seafood – have a presence here, while local Cork specialities can also be spotted. At O’Reilly’s, you’ll find traditional tripe and drisheen – two offal-based dishes deeply rooted in Cork’s culinary heritage.

In Belfast, St George’s Market becomes a treasure trove of tasty treats at the weekend and is a perfect place to browse, taste and discover regional specialities. To uncover the history of the market and meet producers, try the Belfast Taste and Tour, which includes a guided visit and food tastings.

In Dublin, the weekly Temple Bar Food Market is ever popular, with a lovely location on Meeting House Square in the heart of the city. While at the Galway Market, set beside St Nicholas’s Church in Galway city, you can enjoy a friendly atmosphere and a mix of local food, fresh fish and handmade crafts.

One thing you can’t fail to notice at a farmers’ market is the quality of the produce on offer. Ireland’s deep connection to the land and sea is reflected in the excellence of our ingredients, from cold-water fish and seafood, to oysters, mountain lamb, grass-fed beef and world-class dairy products.

This is particularly evident at smaller farmers’ markets outside the cities, where growers, cheesemakers, dairy farmers, beekeepers and small-scale producers gather each week to sell directly to local communities.

A short distance from Cork city, Midleton Market was founded in 2000 by Darina Allen and is known all around the island for its top-tier produce. It takes place every Saturday from 9am until 130pm and is incredibly popular, so get there early. Look out for award-winning salmon from Frank Hederman, Knockdrinna Farmhouse Cheese and Arbutus Bread from Declan Ryan. Also worth checking out is Mahon Point Farmers Market in County Cork. With more than 50 stalls, it’s one of Ireland’s largest.

This market is a must for anyone on a food tour of County Wexford, a place famous for its juicy red strawberries. Locals flock here to stock up on locally grown vegetables from Fortune’s Farm Fresh Produce, collect fresh milk from Salt Rock Dairy and artisan cordials from Elderberry Farm. 

In Northern Ireland, don’t miss Comber Farmers’ Market, held on the first Thursday of every month in County Down.

Whether browsing a bustling city market or enjoying a more local experience, Ireland’s food markets offer a unique way to connect with the people and traditions behind our island’s excellent produce.