Milk Market, Limerick

The Milk Market opened in 1852 on a site the Limerick Market Trustees had been given by act of parliament, and it has traded continuously since, originally in butter, milk, eggs and grain from the surrounding farmland. It was in decline by the 2000s and was reroofed in 2010 with a permanent canopy over the whole open square, which changed it - the market now runs whatever the weather, and the covered space is used for concerts and events during the week. Saturday is the main food day, with around fifty traders in vegetables, meat, fish, cheese, bread, preserves and hot food; Friday runs a smaller food market and Sunday a general market with crafts and secondhand goods. Limerick has a strong local food scene and several producers who sell only here. It is a working city market rather than an artisanal showpiece, though the roofing and rebranding have pushed it some way in that direction.

What to look for

• The 1852 site - continuous trading on the same ground since the market act.
• The canopy - the 2010 roof over the whole square.
• The Saturday food market - around fifty traders, the main day.
• The local producers - several who sell here and nowhere else.

When to go

Saturday morning is the main market and the reason to come; Friday is smaller and Sunday is general goods rather than food. It runs year-round under the roof.

Good to know

Saturday is the only full food day - other days are much reduced. Parking in central Limerick is limited. Prices are market prices rather than cheap, and it has moved toward the artisanal end since the reroofing.

Nearby

King John's Castle and Saint Mary's Cathedral are on King's Island; the Hunt Museum is close.