Walking down the streets here you might not know that tucked away behind the unassuming brick facades of the city buildings lies one of the oldest markets of its kind. The English Market has been serving the people of Cork since 1788! Today the market boasts a large variety of stalls such as: produce, poultry & eggs, butchers, fishmongers, cheese shops, bakeries, chocolates, spices, etc. There is even a lovely cafe called the The Farmgate Cafe upstairs.
I've only been living in Cork for two months now, but I am doing my best to take advantage of everything the market has to offer. With the help of my friend Evin, and suggestions from Adam's co-worker Ciaran, I am learning which butchers have the best prices, who to go to for fruit and veg, and where to buy the best eggs. It's such a different and wonderful way to shop. No shrink wrap and styrofoam here! It did freak me out a little when the man at the poultry stall picked out my chicken portions with no gloves, and then took my money and handed me my change with the same non-gloved hands. I'm over it, as long as I wash my hands and cook the chicken well it's all good!
Simply showing you pictures will not do it justice. The beauty of the English Market is taking in the entire thing with all of your senses. Smelling the fresh baked bread, feeling the slick wet floors of the fish hall under your feet, hearing the butchers sharpening their knives, gently squeezing that perfect piece of fruit to check its ripeness, and stopping by the olive stall to have a sample of a briny, juicy kalamata.
But since you can't be here to do all of those things, here are a few photos to tide you over until you come for a visit!
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