The Final Draft > 3 Famous Food & Farmer Markets for the Foodie
3 Famous Food & Farmer Markets for the Foodie
The Most Famous Food Markets in Kilkenny to Visit
If Kilkenny is famous for one thing, it’s… well, Kilkenny is famous for a lot of things. The castle, the river, the pottery and design, and of course the Smithwicks, to name a few! But what it’s become more and more famous for over the past couple of decades is its incredible food scene.
Some have said Kilkenny is “punching above its weight” having so many exceptional foodie experiences in a relatively small town, but with the city’s restaurants, cafes and markets all buzzing with people througout the week, we think it’s doing everything just right!
One of the most beloved elements of foodie Kilkenny is, without a doubt, its second-to-none food markets. Whether in the heart of the city or nestled in the hills, Kilkenny’s food markets are a smorgasbord of delectable local produce and hot food, drawing both locals and tourists every week to wander the stalls, and taste with Kilkenny has to offer!
Mountain View Market, Ballyhale
A relative newcomer to the food market scene in Kilkenny, the Mountain View Market was conceptualised during the pandemic and has become a firm favourite since then. People from all over Kilkenny and beyond flock to the stalls every Sunday, to sample some of the truly delicious fresh local produce, artisanal foods, hot meals and cold drinks.
The market attracts a high calibre of vendor, all Irish-based but hailing from all over the world, bringing a range of international flavours – a taste of the world that keeps visitors coming back for more.
What feels so special about the Mountain View Market is the sense of connection you enjoy here. Maybe it's because it began at a time when connection was limited, maybe it’s just the atmosphere the O’Neill family bring to all they do – what’s certain is that you’ll feel it with every bite you take and every chat you have here, at any of the 80 or so stalls to choose from.
Kilkenny Farmers Market, The Parade (Kilkenny City)
Tasty Thursdays in Kilkenny start at 9:30 am when the Kilkenny Farmers Market comes to town. Just a ten-minute walk from us here at the Smithwick’s Experience and right beside the castle, this market is an exceptional showcase of the quality produce being grown and farmed in Kilkenny and the surrounding areas.
You’ll meet lots of local farmers and vendors selling a wide and very delicious variety of produce including all kinds of artisanal cheeses; fruits and vegetables; local honey and preserves; pestos, tapenades and relishes; cakes, breads and desserts; deli meats and salads, juices and lemonades and so much more.
If you visit on a sunny day, there’s nothing quite as lovely as stocking up a picnic basket with delicious produce and making the short walk to the lovely Castle PArklands for a little al fresco lunch.
Savour Kilkenny Annual Food Festival
Every October, Kilkenny turns from foodie heaven to foodie… paradise, when the Savour Kilkenny festival hits the streets of the city. Now in its 17th year, it’s one of the longest-running and most beloved food festivals in Ireland.
The festival has a lot going on from talks to tasting sessions, demos and cooking classes, but the Savour Market is at the heart of it all. Over 100 different vendors set up stalls here, coming from all over the country to showcase their small farm and artisanal produce, their delicious recipes and every kind of delectable dish you can imagine.
Gourmet street food is always a market favourite here, and you can be sure you’ll find a hot lunch to remember with everything from sandwiches to sushi and leafy salads to loaded fries. If you’re a foodie, make sure you’re in Kilkenny for the whole weekend and get to as many fantastic events as you can - we’ll have a little something happening here at the Smithwick’s Experience
What Day is the Market on in Kilkenny?
This question gets asked a lot and to recap, the Mountain View Market takes place on a Sunday, Kilkenny Farmers Market is on a Thursday and the Savour Kilkenny Annual Food Festival is on over the October Bank Holiday weekend. After a visit to these tasty food markets stop by the Smithwick’s Experience for a unique experience in Kilkenny. Also see and explore the best tourist attractions in Kilkenny. The city has a lot to offer!