Farmers' markets and local produce

Farmers’ markets are not only wonderfully atmospheric places to browse around, they’re also ideal for sampling local, organic and artisan produce, with exceptional farmhouse cheeses, melt-in-the-mouth fudge, hand-smoked salmon and meats, and a wide range of organic fruit and vegetables. 

Plus, you’re likely to stumble across one in most cities, towns and villages across the country. But be careful not to miss out as they sometimes run just one day per week in any given area.

What to look out for?

• Breads   
  Ireland is well known for its wide range of delicious and mouthwatering Irish bread – from sodas and wheaten to treacle and Barmbrack.  
• Irish farmhouse cheeses 
  The lush pastureland of Ireland has led to some fantastic cheeses, some with international reputations and others that are well-kept local secrets. Keep your eye out for names like Causeway Coolkeeran Dulse, Durrus, Cashel Blue, Coolea, St Tola and Gubbeen.
• Seafood and meats   
  Ireland’s emerald fields produce fantastic beef and lamb, while the North in particular is famous for its Finnebrogue Venison. The rivers and seas also provide an abundance of fresh fish and seafood. 
• Smokehouses 
  Ireland is famous not only for excellent smoked salmon, but also for smokehouses in general. Try Frank Hederman’s Smokehouse at Belvelley near Cobh who smokes his fish over beech, which gives a mild delicious flavour. At the Connemara Smokehouse the specialty is wild salmon, but they also stock other products including Gravadlax, Connemara kedgeree, smoked wild tuna and peppered smoked mackerel. The Ummera Smokehouse in West Cork produces an acclaimed range of smoked foods including smoked salmon, smoked chicken and smoked silver eel.
• Sweets 
  For those with a sweet tooth, Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory in Belfast has been making candy by hand since 1953, and don’t forget Yellow Man, a sweet that tastes of honeycomb, only available at The Oul Lammas Fair in Ballycastle.
• Speciality foods 
  Keep your eye out for Frank Krawczyk West Cork Salamis, which are stocked at farmers’ markets all over the country. Krawczyk is highly regarded in Ireland for his award-winning smoked salamis, smoked pancetta and prosciutto-style smoked duck.