As the temperatures begin to drop and the days shorten, it’s clear that winter has arrived in Dublin. This is the ideal opportunity to gather your friends for a weekend stroll through the city’s lively markets. Whether you’re hunting for last-minute Christmas gifts, seeking a comforting cup of hot chocolate to warm you during exam season, or eager to explore an array of fresh fruits, local honey, and vibrant flowers, these markets have something for everyone. This list of food markets guarantees a perfect break from the library and is a much needed cure for any winter blues.
Herbert Park Farmers Market
The Herbert Park Farmers Market consistently draws in Dubliners. Situated in the park, this market operates every Sunday from 11am to 4pm, offering an array of fresh produce, a delightful selection of baked goods from various local bakeries, and often features vendors selling local honey, essential oils, soaps, and more. A visit to the Herbert Park food market wouldn’t be complete without indulging in Al’s Cookies, a food truck serving up warm, gooey cookies with a melted chocolate square in the center, perfectly paired with coffee or tea as a late afternoon snack. This market caters to a wide range of cravings, serving fresh sausage rolls, tacos, falafel, and artisanal bread, as well as a variety of pestos and preserves.
Merrion Square Market
Located just a short walk from Trinity College, Merrion Square Market runs every Thursday from 11:30am to 2:30pm. This lunchtime market is a go-to spot for fresh personal pizzas, dumplings, falafel, vegan baked goods, Lebanese cuisine, and classic fish and chips. Here, you’ll often find office workers enjoying a break and queuing for hot steak sandwiches or warming up with Soul Kitchen’s Korean bulgogi bowls topped with rice, crispy onions, and hot sauce—a perfect pick-me-up on a cold rainy day, all for €12.
Blackrock Market
The Blackrock Market, located on Main Street, runs every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00am to 5:30pm. This historic seaside market, established in 1986, is a quick walk from the DART station. Inside, you are greeted with an eclectic mix of jewelry, exciting vintage finds, and a delicious range of beverages and food. It’s the perfect way to explore the Blackrock area, featuring vendors selling everything from furniture, antiques, to collectibles and much more. Arty Baker, selling warm pastries and bread, is a must stop in Blackrock, with a standout on the menu being the biscoff cruffin.
Le Zeitgeist Flea Market
If you’re searching for a new dress for a society ball or decor for your flat, head to Le Zeitgeist Flea Market in Dublin 7. Held on the second Sunday of each month, this lively indoor-outdoor flea market has everything from funky vintage clothing to unique artwork, trinkets, and jewelry. With music, an energetic crowd, and a cozy holiday vibe, it’s the ideal place to find something special and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Mark your calendar for December 8th— the market’s next scheduled event.
Temple Bar Market
Every Saturday from 9:30am to 4pm Temple Bar becomes a little more tolerable with its weekly market. Showcasing Irish produce, artisanal dips, jams, clothing vendors, and food pop-ups, this market offers a refreshing way to experience Temple Bar without the pub crowds. If you’re in the city center, Temple Bar Food Market is a great spot to pick up a sweet treat, buy produce for the recipe you’ve been dying to make, and find some Dublin treasures and souvenirs.
Howth Market
Did you just finish the infamous Howth hike that you promised yourself you’d do this weekend? Are you feeling starved after walking six miles in the cold and wind? The Howth Market is probably just what you need. This small market, easily accessible by the DART, offers homemade brownies, bread, toasties, fish and chips, sausages, and decadent hot chocolate to satisfy your sweet tooth. You’ll always find a variety of local Irish businesses where you can discover new jewelry and quirky Irish souvenirs for your friends and family. With some shops being permanent and others temporary, this market operates every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 6pm.
Dublin Castle Christmas Market
If you’re in the holiday spirit and dreaming of flying over to London to savor the Borough Market strawberries and chocolate, but know you can’t, the Dublin Castle Christmas Market may be the next best thing. Running from Thursday, November 28th, to Wednesday, December 18th, this festive market on the castle grounds is open daily from 12pm to 11pm. You’ll find seasonal food and drinks, carolers, arts and crafts, and plenty of last-minute Christmas gift options. Adorned with Christmas decorations, Dublin Castle may be the ideal spot to celebrate finishing exams, embrace the holiday spirit, or even start the night off before going to a pub.
Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market
Another market to visit is the Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market, which captures the very essence of the holiday season. Featuring a ferris wheel, Christmas lights, festive treats, and a plethora of cheerful Santas and reindeer, this market will be open every Thursday to Sunday, starting November 24th, from 12pm to 7pm through the New Year. Whether you are new to Dublin and looking for an opportunity to explore the city more, or a huge foodie eager to find some new hidden gems within the city, this list of markets spanning all over the city is a great excuse to grab your friends and appreciate all of the wonderful markets and local food vendors Dublin has to offer.
