The English Market, Cork

Seafood, and eat it! 

It's referred to as "Irelands True Capital", "The Rebel County" and a host of other nicknames, but Cork truly has to be one of the most beautiful places I have been in Ireland to date. While I have been to Cork before, visiting for an Archery competition is wholly different than being a tourist in your own country.

Now while I admit that County Cork has beautiful rolling hills, and Cork City has some amazing architecture, it's The English Market that stuck out to me the most.

I adore food, food is what I'm choosing as a career, I cook when I'm sad or just for fun, so I have a great relationship with food nowadays. The English Market is a heavenly experience if you enjoy food, fresh fruit and veg, oriental supplies, kiosks of sandwiches and fish mongers, cakes, pies, chocolates, artisan produce or even just want an enjoyable walk around a colorful place filled with lively banter and friendly people.

The first stall I visited was Frank Hederman. Frank Hedermans stand is revered by the likes of Heston Blumenthal, so I knew trying it was a must. I got some smoked salmon pate and a big smile. At €3.20 per 100g, this pate was a total bargain, and it was DIVINE! I mean, I ate it with a spoon and no crackers. Yum, yum!

The Chocolate Shop... Swoon!

We wandered around huge fishmonger stands of crushed ice packed with beautiful fish that smelled beautifully of the sea. There was whole Salmon, Plaice, Rays and loads of beautiful shellfish too, including lobsters.

Next stop was The Chocolate Shop, a smorgasbord of amazing hand made chocolates and other confectioneries. I knew I had to try some so I bought a small box for €6 and they let me pick my 6 chocolates. It was a very grown up "kid in a candy shop" sensation, and the two men behind the counter were absolutely wonderful.

Next stop was upstairs to the balcony where we had a lovely glass of Elder-flower and Raspberry, overlooking the beautiful butcheries. And no, it didn't smell butchery, it was wonderful.

I was even more delighted to visit the English Market, because there was stands and stands of beautiful breads, pies, cakes, and items marketed towards specific dietary requirements. It didn't hurt that we found An Bróg while we were wandering out.

So there you have it, a little insight into The English Market, Cork City. It's amazing, great value, filled with wonderful produce and hilarious people.

Find the English Market HERE

Amy

xxx

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