English Market, Cork

English Market, Cork (must see)

The English Market in Cork is a renowned municipal food market located in the heart of the city. The market's mid-19th century architecture is highly admired, and it is also known for its locally produced artisan food.

Over time, the English Market has become a popular tourist attraction, and its reputation has grown beyond Ireland's borders. Renowned chef Rick Stein has described it as the "best covered market in the UK and Ireland." The market's name originated in the 19th century when it was necessary to distinguish it from the nearby Irish Market on St. Peter's Market.

The market's history dates back to 1788 when it was established as a meat shambles known as "new markets." The present-day market is usually entered through the tripartite facade on Princes Street or a bayed entrance from the Grand Parade. The market's interior is highly distinctive, with its central gabled bay, central archways, and stained glass lunette windows.

The English Market offers a wide variety of fresh produce from around the world, but it is best known for its fresh fish and butchers, which supply many of the city's top restaurants. It is also the source of some of Cork's most famous local delicacies, including drisheen, spiced beef, and buttered eggs.

The market has even played host to some famous guests, including Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles during their respective state visits to Ireland in 2011 and 2018. Both royals were served by fishmonger Pat O'Connell. The English Market has also been featured in popular culture, with its distinctive architecture appearing in the film The Young Offenders and its subsequent TV series in 2016 and 2017.

Why You Should Visit:
Clean and charming old-fashioned market with a wide choice of top quality Irish food. Ideal for local self-catering, but also for some quick sampling.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Cork. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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English Market on Map

Sight Name: English Market
Sight Location: Cork, Ireland (See walking tours in Cork)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Cork, Ireland

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Create Your Own Walk in Cork

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles