Best markets

Northern Ireland is home to an eclectic mix of markets. They range from farmers’ markets with the very best locally grown produce to vintage clothes stalls where you’ll get the glamour of a bygone age - and everything in between. Whatever your taste, we have a market for you.

A Belfast Icon

St. George’s Market is a Belfast landmark. Located in East Bridge Street, there has been a market on this site since 1869. It is one of the city’s oldest and most colourful attractions, home to the best local produce and speciality foods from around the world, all under one roof.

Look out for fresh fruit and vegetables, artisan meats and the widest range of fish in Ireland - there were 23 fish stalls alone here, at the last count. For extra local flavour, check out the soda farls, ‘Belfast Baps’, Suki Tea and Broughgammon goat's meat.

Of course, that’s just on Fridays. Saturday sees a City Food, Craft and Garden Market, with live music from top local bands. And Sunday goes one better, with an extra helping of local crafts sellers.

Belfast Flea Market

All the best cities have a flea market and Belfast is no exception. This Flea Market does second-hand with style. Wander among the stalls and you could chance upon anything from quality vintage clothing and antique books to furniture and old, but very loveable, records.

Held on the last Sunday of every month at the Sunflower Bar on Union Street, it’s also got food stalls and live music to tempt you.

Belfast Christmas Market

If you’re heading to Belfast in the run up to Christmas, make sure to pop in to the award-winning Continental Christmas Market.

The grounds of the City Hall are transformed into a world of twinkling lights, funfair rides and, of course, Santa’s Grotto. Visit over 90 beautiful wooden chalets and drink in the atmosphere as you make your way around this festive village featuring food, crafts, entertainment and two bars.

You’ll find a feast of continental flavours from French crepes and Dutch pancakes to German bratwurst and Glühwein. Just the thing to get you into the festive spirit.

Farmers’ Markets in Northern Ireland

The local Farmers’ Market is a great place to get up close and personal with the very best local produce that Northern Ireland has to offer. Ask questions, taste a sample or two and you’re sure to walk away with a new favourite chutney, some dry cured bacon or a local craft beer to try.

And very often there’ll be a chance for a cup of tea, a scone and a chat with local shoppers – and an introduction to a whole new aspect of life in Northern Ireland.

These are just some of the markets you might like to try - but do check that they’re on before you travel as dates can be subject to change.

City Food & Garden Market at St George’s Market, Belfast, (every Saturday)
Causeway Speciality Market, Coleraine, County Londonderry (every second Saturday and now also the last Saturday of every month)
Tyrone Farmers' Market, Dungannon & Omagh, County Tyrone, (first and third Saturday of every month)
Comber Farmers' Market, St Mary’s Church Car Park, The Square, Comber, County Down (first Thursday of the month) - February to December
Templepatrick Farmers' Market at Colmans Garden Centre, County Antrim (last Sunday of every month)
Strabane Farmers' Market, County Tyrone, (last Saturday of every month)
Walled City Market, Guildhall Square, Derry~Londonderry, (first Saturday of every month) - February to November
Inns Markets, Newtownbreda, Belfast  (last Saturday of every month)

The best thing about our markets - apart from the delicious foods, the bargains and the occasional hidden treasure you’ll uncover - is that they deliver something money just can’t buy.

The Giant Spirit that you’ll only really get when you’re in among local people, going about their daily lives. So, if you want to see a new side of Northern Ireland, local markets are an excellent and fun place to begin.