English Market: Cork, Ireland

In Cork, Ireland there is a little market worth looking into, English Market. This is a beautiful little place full of interesting foods, friendly merchants, and fresh meat. It is indoors, but it is open air. It feels like you are still outside. It was raining the day we visited, but that didn't seem to slow the traffic coming in and out.

It had many different smells all over, fish, coffee, lavender, and just about anything you could think of wanting. It was really lovely.

We stopped to get a coffee and some lemon meringue pie (and french style flan, how could I resist?) Then we went in search of exotic things we could legally bring home.

I settled on some chocolates with unusual flavors: one was black pepper and lime, then pistachio and rose, and also Irish Honey flavored.  We also bought some gooseberry jams and pure Irish Honey.

The produce shops were most intriguing because of the seasonal produce they had shipped in from other regions. There were items I didn't even know what they were. This was a great spot to come in from the rain and browse.

The fish smell was a bit overwhelming in parts, but it was all very fresh. The sea is so close and some of the catch was brought in that morning. The sales people and shop owners were very friendly and able to answer questions about their goods. 

It was worth checking out, even if it was for just one short afternoon. The parking is truly dreadful, but that happens, it's a busy city and there are a lot of cars. Also, I'm American so driving on the left is really confusing and awful, especially with all the one way streets. Luckily, I am a good driver and I pay attention. We managed the trip unscathed. I even parallel parked and I don't even do that here!

Other than English Market, Cork is full of lovely shops and it's a very lively downtown scene. We've already decided when we return to Ireland, (which we will because it's one of the greatest countries I've ever been in) Cork would be a great place to stay!