IF YOU’RE LOOKING for delicious food, vintage clothing or antique furnishings then you need to designate an afternoon at one of Ireland’s many weekend markets. 

A great way to gather interesting pieces for you and your home, weekend markets are a great place to find a bargain, also. 

Here are four weekend markets around the country where you can while away your weekend. 

1. Pick up some retro furniture for your home in Blackrock’s weekly market

Billed as the place where you can buy “just about anything worth having”, Blackrock Market is housed in an unassuming alleyway tucked off the main street. Inside, roughly 30 stalls sell everything from cakes to curios, artisan crafts to antiques – with an emphasis on the unusual and curious. The market alleyway also happens to be home to tiny Michelin-starred restaurant Heron and Grey – if you can get a reservation. 

2. Stock up on fresh produce at the Douglas Farmers Market in Cork 

When: Every Friday, 10am until 3pm

Where: Douglas Court Shopping Centre, Douglas, Cork

The Douglas Farmers Market is one of the best spots to stock up on fresh produce: from delicious breads to cheese, fish, meat and vegetables. The market is open every Friday, trading until mid-afternoon so you can indulge in a tasty lunch as you do your grocery shopping. The bustling atmosphere is held in the gorgeous surrounds of Kiernan’s Garden Centre. 

More information about the Douglas Farmers Market here. 

3. Find artisanal design at the weekly Galway Market

Galway Market Facebook Galway Market Facebook

When: Every Saturday and Sunday, 8am until 6pm

Where: Lombard Street and Market Street by St Nicholas Collegiate Church, Galway City, Galway

The Galway Market is a staple fixture for locals and weekend visitors. There you’ll find everything from food to artworks by local artists, as well as clothing and handcrafted accessories. Feast on delicious Madras curry while you peruse the various traders’ tables and soak up the great atmosphere. 

The Galway Market takes place every Saturday and Sunday. For regular updates visit their Facebook.  

4. Expand your library at the Temple Bar Book Market 

Temple Bar Book Market Facebook Temple Bar Book Market Facebook

When: Every Saturday and Sunday, 11am until 6pm

Where: 12 East Essex Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2

The ultimate location for bookworms, the Temple Bar Book Market has hundreds of unusual titles available. A wide variety of secondhand books covering biographies, fiction, and everything in between is there for the coveting. 

For regular updates about The Temple Bar Book Market, visit their Facebook.