In the market for a bargain? Look no further …
Last updated 5th Apr 2017
They’ve been around for years – but markets have never lost their appeal.
And there’s a wide range to choose from across Northern Ireland.
Here’s our snap guide to some of the best...
St George’s Market
One of the oldest and well known tourist attractions is St George’s Market which has been recognised as one of the best markets in the UK and Ireland. It holds weekly, Friday, Saturday and Sunday markets.
Friday Variety Market - With over 240 stalls selling a vast range of products, including food, antiques, books, gifts, clothes and fish. The fish section alone holds the title for being the leading retail fish market on the island of Ireland.
Saturday City Food and Craft Market is a fusion of speciality foods from around the world as well as handmade crafts, flowers, plants, local photography as well as pottery, glass and metal work.
Sunday Market has a mixture of the Friday and Saturday markets with a special emphasis on local arts and crafts, offering more local craftspeople the opportunity to show off their talents. You can also expect live music from local bands.
With fresh, local produce as well as the great atmosphere that attracts visitors from all over the world, St George’s Market is a must!
www.belfastcity.gov.uk/culture
The Shambles Variety Market
Held every Tuesday and Friday, 08:00 - 16:00, at the Shambles Yard, Cathedral Road, Armagh City.
The Shambles Yard with its unique position between Armagh City’s two Cathedrals, has a long tradition of hosting markets. Having market rights since the 15th Century, a Corn market was established in 1827, selling a wide range of goods including grain, grass seed, hay, straw and pork.
The market evolved into a cattle market until the 1970’s and in 1990 it became today’s weekly variety market, where stalls can be found not only in the open trading space but also inside the listed Johnston Building.
It features a variety of stalls selling local fruit and vegetables, freshly caught fish and a speciality bakery catering for our every changing dietary needs selling spelt, gluten, wheat and sugar free goods.
You will find an extensive range of pies and oven ready meals made using the finest local ingredients and delicious homemade jams.
Not all about food, the market has a vibrant display of flowers and plants, handmade greeting cards, giftware, pictures to brighten your home and a bespoke picture framing service. As well as gents clothing, work wear, ladies and men’s shoes, a wide selection of household goods, haberdashery and a watch repair service. The Shambles also hold a car boot sale every second Saturday, the next one is Saturday 15th April.
For more information go to www.armagh.co.uk
The Dock Market
The DOCK market is a relatively new market, established in 2014 and is a social enterprise project founded by 5 christian denominations in Ireland.
They strive to create a place of community in the recently redeveloped Titanic Quarter for residents, employees and tourists to come, relax and experience some good old fashioned Belfast Banter.
The market is bursting with local designers, artists and crafts people who all make their products locally in Ireland.
The DOCK is dog friendly and regularly have buskers and seasonal activities for the kids.
The Dock Market takes place on the second and fourth Saturday of each month.
For more information go to www.the-dock.org/market
North Down Craft Collective
North Down Craft Collective is a select group of enthusiastic, inspired crafters and food producers, committed to producing high quality, affordable, handmade products in Holywood.
Along with knitwear designer, Debbie McCann and local food producer, William Clendinning who run the collective there are another eight resident crafters.
Each month four ‘guest’ crafters join the group and there is also a vintage tearoom serving tea, coffee, scones, sandwiches and soup.
www.facebook.com/ndcraftcollective and www.twitter.com/@northdowncraft
Keep up to date by following the Facebook or Twitter pages -
Bangor Market
Over 90 years old, Bangor Market is one of the largest open air markets in Northern Ireland. Operating from the ASDA car park every Wednesday 7am - 1pm and showcases up to 50 stalls offering a wide selection of foods, home baked goods, plants and so much more.
For further information contact the Borough Inspector's office on 028 9182 4005
Newry Variety Market
For any bargain hunter, Newry Market is a must, filled with fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as fish and some fancy goods. Shoppers will enjoy the banter with the stall holders.
Open every Thursday and Saturday from 9am - 5pm at John Mitchell Place Newry.
For more information go to www.newryandmourne.gov.uk
Newtownards Market
This weekly market caters for everyones needs.
A diverse range of stalls including local fruit and vegetables, seafood and meat; there are also tools, clothing and accessories, toys, flowers and plants, to name just a few, there’s something for everyone.
Open every Saturday from early at Conway Square
For more information go to www.visitstrangfordlough.co.uk
Nutts Corner, Market
Opening on a weekly basis, Nutts Corner Market is Ireland’s largest market and only 12 miles from Belfast, is the perfect spot to pick up a bargain.
The range of products and services offered makes it a wonderful place to shop, browse and eat whilst also taking advantage of the expertise of the independent traders.
For updates and news www.facebook.com/nuttscornersundaymarket/
Folktown Market
For the genuine Belfast experience, check out Folktown Market, a traditional market with quality products promoting Belfast, local produce, food and crafts.
For updates and news - www.folktownbelfast.com
Belfast Flea Market
This market will have all things flea.
Vintage clothes, antiques, bric-a-brac, shoes, furniture, bags, books, records and pre-loved bargains as far as the eye can see.
The market is held on the first Sunday of every month from October to May. During the Summer months, the market takes places at The Sunflower Bar and during the Winter is held at The Black Box.
The next market is on 7th May held at the Sunflower Bar
For more information, check their Facebook Page www.facebook.com/pg/belfastflea
Queen’s Market
Located on the grounds of Queen's University Belfast and held at various times throughout the year from 11am - 3pm, this is a local food and drink market showcasing some of the very best of what our city has to offer in terms of the Northern Ireland food scene.
For more information, check out their Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/pg/eatatqueens/about/