When you think of Dublin, you probably think of Trinity College, Croke Park, the River Liffey, and all of the tourist attractions associated with the Fair City. However, you may not know that the city is home to several attractive markets where you can pass the time browsing at the stalls, and if you are going to buy then strike a bargain with the stall owner! Read on for more about our guide to Dublin’s Markets…
Whether its organic fruit and vegetables, homemade sweets and chocolate or antique ornaments or furniture, the markets of Dublin have something for everyone. The added bonus of the markets is that the majority of them take place at weekends, making it a perfect place for families to go.
The following are some of the most popular markets in Ireland’s Capital city:
The Temple Bar Book Market is a must for book enthusiasts! Here you can browse through the huge pick of classic titles plus new additions to the literature world! The Temple Bar Book Market runs every Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 6pm on Temple Bar Square.
The Moore Street Market. Moore Street is located right in the city centre, Dublin 2 and is a perfect place if you want to sample the charm and wit of native Dubliners and enjoy some light hearted banter with the “barrow men and women”, as you bargain with them for their good and produce! Plenty of fruit, vegetables and fresh flowers are on display for sale!
The Docklands CoCo Market takes place every Wednesday from 12pm to 2.30om and is a novel way to spend lunchtime! The market takes place at the Excise Walk at Docklands, Dublin 1, in the IFSC Centre. Here you can browse the delights of local and international produce from the stalls. The market offers tasty breads, fruits, and dessert, and why not buy some of these for your lunch?
The Antique Quarter Francis Street. Held at Francis Street, Dublin 8, this is the Antique Quarter of Dublin. This market was founded in 2003 and saw the coming together of the antique traders of Francis Street to create Dublin’s very own Antique Quarter. Francis Street has long had a reputation as being the centre of quality furniture and trader’s expertise, now you can see this for yourself! Check out the antique jewellery, furniture, silver and other collectibles. Find out more about the Antique Traders of Francis Street.
The Designer Mart at Cow’s Lane is located in the old city area of Temple Bar. It highlights the best artwork and designer work by creative designers from Ireland and based in Ireland. The kind of gifts on display range from sculpture works, to paintings, to handbags to children’s clothes and toys! The Market runs on Saturdays from 10am to 5pm. It is located just a 5 minute walk from the centre of Temple Bar. The old city area is in the area between Fishamble and Parliament Street, very close to Christ Church Cathedral.
The Red Stables Food Market takes place every Saturday from 10am to 5pm (until 4pm in the winter). It takes place in the Red Stables Courtyard at St Anne’s Park in Raheny. The Red Stables is a two storey Victorian property, which has been redeveloped by Dublin City Council. St Anne’s Park is a public park with children’s playground and the wonderful Rose Gardens. The market sells quality produce from local craftspeople, artists and food producers. You can browse through the stalls at the Red Stables and enjoy organic food, homemade chocolate, cheeses, and home cooked breads!
The Sunday Market of Dun Laoghaire takes place in the People’s Park, Dun Laoghaire every Sunday through the year. Browse through the stalls and enjoy the organic fruit and vegetable produce, fresh bread and meats, crafts, jewellery and books. The People’s park also has a children’s playground and a coffee shop.
The Smithfield Outdoor Market runs every Friday for August and September from 11am to 6pm and offers organic food, tasty jams and breads, cheese, beauty produce and jewellery.
The Temple Bar Food Market takes place every Saturday from 10am to 4.30pm at Meeting House Square. You can savour the aroma of fresh food, purchase it, and have it for your dinner or supper that evening! There is a wide range of organic and fresh produce at the Market, which is located amongst the streets of the Cultural Quarter of Dublin.
Blackrock Market runs along 19a Main Street in Blackrock, County Dublin. It is run on Saturdays from 11am to 5.30pm, and Sundays and Bank Holidays from 12 to 5.30pm. It has been running since 1986 and boasts an impressive mix of new, second hand and antique ware for the browser. Typical goods on display include arts and crafts and furniture. There are also stalls with food on display.
So there you have it, a guide to Dublin’s Markets. Have we tempted you to browse through the fascinating display stalls? After an enjoyable day shopping at Dublin’s Markets, why not check out our Dublin Hotels page.
Have you been to Dublin and browsed through the city’s markets? What did you think of them? Please let us know - your comments are much appreciated!
