Dublin’s market scene combines food producers, vintage clothing, crafts, and family entertainment across more than a dozen weekly and seasonal markets. From the iconic Saturday Temple Bar Food Market to the Howth Sunday Market and the Christmas markets that fill central Dublin in December, the markets offer some of the city’s best food, shopping, and atmosphere — often free to attend with reasonable prices on quality goods. This guide covers every significant Dublin market with practical detail on opening hours, what each offers, and how the markets fit into your visit.
Pair it with our complete Dublin shopping guide for the full overview.
Temple Bar Food Market
The Temple Bar Food Market is Dublin’s flagship weekly food market. Every Saturday 10am–4:30pm at Meeting House Square in Temple Bar. The covered square accommodates 30+ artisan food producers, ready-to-eat meal stalls, and craft food retailers. Quality is consistently high. Prices reasonable (€8–15 for a substantial cooked meal, €5–25 for take-home artisan products).
The market combines several categories: ready-to-eat international street food (Korean, Indian, Mexican, Vietnamese), Irish artisan producers (Sheridan’s cheese, smoked salmon, craft chocolate), bakery and patisserie, fresh produce, and crafts. The covered Meeting House Square offers seating in any weather. Live music occasionally during summer. The Saturday morning atmosphere is one of Dublin’s best free experiences. Combine with Temple Bar daytime exploration for a full morning.
Howth Sunday Market
The Howth Sunday Market runs every Sunday 10am–5pm in the Howth Harbour car park. Combines local food producers, crafts, vintage clothing, ready-to-eat international food, and family entertainment. The harbourside location with sea views makes it Dublin’s most scenic market. Quality is consistently high with strong food stalls and craft vendors. Free entry.
The market combines naturally with a Howth Sunday DART trip (25 minutes from city centre). Many visitors plan their Howth day specifically around the market combined with the cliff walk and harbour seal watching. Live music occasionally on summer Sundays. Family-friendly atmosphere. Bring reusable bags for purchases.
Cow’s Lane Designer Market
The Cow’s Lane Designer Market runs every Saturday 10am–5pm on the pedestrianised Cow’s Lane in Temple Bar. The market specialises in Irish designers, crafts, and vintage clothing. Approximately 60 stalls featuring jewellery, fashion, ceramics, prints, vintage clothing, and contemporary Irish design. Excellent for buying directly from Irish makers at fair prices.
Quality varies more than the food markets — some stalls feature genuine quality Irish design while others sell less distinctive items. Browse the entire market before purchasing. Prices typically €10–100 per item. Combines with the adjacent Saturday Temple Bar Food Market for a perfect Saturday morning. Bring cash plus cards for the smaller stallholders who may not accept cards.
Honest 2 Goodness Market
The Honest 2 Goodness Market runs every Saturday morning in Glasnevin. The market emphasises serious food producers with high-quality Irish farm produce, artisan baked goods, cheese, charcuterie, fish, and prepared foods. The market is popular with Dublin food professionals and serious home cooks.
Less tourist-focused than Temple Bar or Howth markets. Prices reflect quality with premium Irish producers. Combine with Glasnevin Cemetery and the National Botanic Gardens for a full Glasnevin day. The market also operates a year-round shop selling some producer goods. Reach by Dublin Bus 4, 9, 13, 19 from city centre.
Moore Street Market
Moore Street market off Henry Street is Dublin’s most historic continuous market — the street has hosted open-air fruit, flower, and food selling for centuries. The traditional fruit and flower stalls run daily Monday–Saturday alongside diverse international food shops reflecting Dublin’s multicultural community. The mainly Polish, Brazilian, African, and Asian food shops have made Moore Street one of Dublin’s most diverse shopping streets.
The street also has 1916 Easter Rising historical significance — Nos. 14–17 Moore Street where the Rising’s final surrender council met are protected as a national monument. Moore Street works particularly well for visitors interested in Dublin’s working-class character and multicultural community alongside tourism.
Marlay Park Sunday Market
The Marlay Park Sunday Market in Rathfarnham (south Dublin) runs every Sunday year-round. Combines food, crafts, vintage clothing, and plant nursery vendors. The 300-acre park setting makes this Dublin’s most scenic large market. Family-friendly with the adjacent playgrounds, skate park, and walking trails making it a full family Sunday destination.
Approximately 80 stalls across food, crafts, and produce. Quality varies but particularly strong for Irish produce and prepared foods. Free entry. Free parking in Marlay Park. Reach by Dublin Bus 14, 16 from city centre (35 minutes). Combine with afternoon park exploration including Marlay Park playground (Dublin’s largest), the skate park, and woodland walks.
Aughrim Street Market
The Aughrim Street Market in Stoneybatter runs on the first Saturday of each month. Smaller scale (15–25 stalls) but emphasises local Stoneybatter producers and crafts. Free entry. Combines naturally with broader Stoneybatter and Smithfield exploration. Check the Stoneybatter Community page for confirmed dates.
Dún Laoghaire People’s Park Market
The Dún Laoghaire Sunday Market in People’s Park (Dún Laoghaire) runs every Sunday year-round. Combines food, crafts, vintage, and family entertainment in the central park setting. Reach by DART to Dún Laoghaire (20 minutes from city centre). The Dún Laoghaire pier walks and the Forty Foot bathing place make a strong Sunday combination with the market.
Christmas Markets in Dublin
Dublin’s Christmas markets run mid-November through Christmas Eve at multiple locations:
- Smithfield Christmas Market — Smithfield Plaza. German-style stalls with food, mulled wine, crafts, and Santa visits. Family-friendly with kids’ activities.
- Customs House Quay Christmas Market — Liffey-side location. Similar German-style markets with additional Liffey views.
- Dundrum Town Centre Christmas Market — Outside the major shopping centre. Combined with the indoor shopping for an all-day Christmas destination.
- St Patrick’s Park Christmas Market — Smaller market in the park behind St Patrick’s Cathedral.
- Mansion House Christmas Market — Dawson Street. Civic Dublin Christmas market.
The Christmas markets typically run Wednesday–Sunday from mid-November through 22–23 December. Free entry, payment required for food and crafts. The mulled wine, hot chocolate, and German-style sausages are signature offerings. Particularly atmospheric in the evening when illuminated by Christmas lights.
Powerscourt Townhouse Food Hall
The Powerscourt Townhouse food hall on South William Street is more permanent than a market but offers similar artisan food shopping. The covered Georgian setting houses multiple specialty food retailers including Sheridans Cheese, Lemon Crepe, Avoca cafe, Powerscourt Wine Cellars, and various other premium food shops. Open daily 10am–6pm (extended Thursday hours). Free entry, payment required at individual shops.
Excellent year-round food shopping destination that operates regardless of weather. Combines naturally with Grafton Street shopping and offers premium Irish food gifts for visitors taking products home.
Eatyard at Bernard Shaw
The Eatyard food market operated for years at the original Bernard Shaw Pub in Portobello. The pub closed in 2019 and the market relocated to a new venue at the new Bernard Shaw Pub at Cross Guns in Phibsborough. The market combines street food vendors, craft beer, and a sociable atmosphere. Check current operating status and location before visiting as the venue has changed.
Dublin Flea Market
The Dublin Flea Market runs on the last Sunday of each month at various Dublin venues (the location has rotated over the years — check the Dublin Flea Market social media for current location). The market specialises in vintage clothing, antiques, vinyl records, and second-hand goods. Strong for collectors and vintage enthusiasts. Approximately 100 stalls. €3 admission charge to support the operating costs.
Other Dublin Markets
- Dublin City Markets at Smithfield — Various events including occasional Saturday markets.
- Wolfe Tone Park Saturday Market — Small Wolfe Tone Park market with food and crafts.
- Smithfield Christmas Market — December seasonal market on Smithfield Plaza.
- Phibsborough Saturday Market — Smaller community market.
- Coppinger Row Saturday Market — Small craft market near Powerscourt Townhouse (when running).
- Pearse Street Market — Occasional events.
- St Stephen’s Green Market — Occasional seasonal events.
- Bray Sunday Market — South coast DART, family-friendly with seafront combination.
- Hodges Figgis Book Fair — Occasional events at Ireland’s oldest bookshop.
Dublin Market Buying Tips
- Bring cash and cards — Most market vendors accept cards but smaller stallholders may be cash-only.
- Bring reusable bags — Dublin’s plastic bag tax means vendors charge for bags.
- Arrive early for the best produce — Markets are busiest mid-morning to early afternoon. Quality vendors can sell out of popular items.
- Bring water bottles — Markets have varied seating but limited free water.
- Sample before purchasing — Most food vendors welcome sampling.
- Compare prices — Similar quality items can vary in price across stalls.
- Ask about Irish provenance — Many vendors are happy to discuss product origin and production.
- Pay attention to weather — Some markets are covered, others outdoor only.
- Browse before buying — Walk the entire market first to assess options.
- Bring a folding shopping trolley — For larger market visits, particularly Marlay Park or Honest 2 Goodness.
Suggested Dublin Markets Weekend
Saturday morning: Temple Bar Food Market combined with Cow’s Lane Designer Market in Temple Bar. Brunch from the food stalls. Browse the designer market for Irish crafts.
Saturday afternoon: Continue with Grafton Street shopping. Stop at Powerscourt Townhouse food hall for additional premium Irish food shopping.
Sunday morning: DART to Howth (25 minutes). Explore the Howth Sunday Market. Walk the East Pier for sea views.
Sunday afternoon: Return to Dublin city centre. Optional Marlay Park visit (Sunday market plus playground exploration). Alternative: visit the National Botanic Gardens for a quieter Sunday afternoon.
Sunday evening: Final Dublin meal at one of the city centre restaurants featuring Irish ingredients from the markets you’ve visited.
Dublin Markets with Kids
Most Dublin markets welcome families. The Temple Bar Food Market has covered seating in any weather. The Howth Sunday Market combines with harbour seal watching and ice cream. The Marlay Park Sunday Market has adjacent playgrounds. The Christmas markets are particularly family-focused with Santa visits and kids’ activities.
Children typically enjoy the food sampling at quality markets and the variety of stalls. Strollers manage most market spaces though crowded sections can be challenging on busy days. Bring snacks and water for younger kids. The vendors generally welcome curious children asking about products. Many vendors offer kids’ tasting samples free.
Seasonal Dublin Markets
- Christmas markets — November-December at multiple locations.
- St Patrick’s Festival markets — March (around 17 March).
- Heritage Week markets — Mid-August.
- Easter markets — Variable dates around Easter.
- Summer outdoor markets — June-August expanded programmes.
- Halloween markets — Late October.
- Black Friday craft markets — Late November.
Market Events and Festivals
- Taste of Dublin — Annual June food festival at Iveagh Gardens.
- Dublin Coffee Festival — Annual events.
- Dublin Craft Beer Festival — Annual September event at the RDS.
- Irish Foodservice Suppliers Awards — Industry event with public component.
- Various producer-specific events — Cheese week, whiskey festival, etc.
Realistic Market Spending Budget
A typical Dublin markets weekend for a family of four runs €100–200 in food and small purchases. Brunch at Temple Bar Food Market: €30–50 family. Cow’s Lane Designer Market purchases: €20–100 for crafts and jewellery. Howth Sunday Market lunch and shopping: €40–80 family. Christmas market food and small gifts: €20–50 per visit. Premium artisan food purchases at Powerscourt Townhouse food hall: €30–100. Vintage and antiques can substantially increase budgets if collectors find quality pieces.
Identifying Quality Market Vendors
Quality market vendors generally have several identifying characteristics. Clear product origin labelling — quality producers proudly identify their farm, region, or production method. Knowledgeable staff — the vendor should be able to discuss product origin, production methods, and storage. Quality presentation — products displayed cleanly with good signage. Repeat customers — quality vendors have regular Dublin customers visible in queues. Awards and certifications — many quality Irish producers display Bord Bia, Origin Green, or Sheridans Quality Awards.
Lower-quality vendors often have inconsistent or generic packaging, vague product origin claims, lower-than-average prices for the category, and limited knowledge about specific products. Both types exist at Dublin markets — visitors can identify quality vendors through observation and engagement before making significant purchases.
Dublin Markets by Day of the Week
- Saturday: Temple Bar Food Market (Meeting House Square 10am–4:30pm), Cow’s Lane Designer Market (Temple Bar 10am–5pm), Honest 2 Goodness Market (Glasnevin morning), Aughrim Street Market (first Saturday monthly, Stoneybatter).
- Sunday: Howth Sunday Market (Harbour 10am–5pm), Marlay Park Sunday Market (Rathfarnham 10am–5pm), Dún Laoghaire People’s Park Market.
- Last Sunday of month: Dublin Flea Market (location varies).
- Monday–Friday: Moore Street Market daily, Powerscourt Townhouse food hall daily, Christmas markets seasonal evening hours.
- Christmas season (November-December): Smithfield Christmas Market, Customs House Quay Christmas Market, Dundrum Town Centre Christmas Market — running multiple days throughout the season.
Photography at Dublin Markets
Dublin markets offer excellent photography opportunities with colourful stalls, atmospheric customers, and quality food. Most vendors welcome photography but it’s polite to ask first, particularly for close-up shots. The covered Temple Bar Food Market in Meeting House Square works well in any weather. The outdoor Howth Sunday Market combines food with harbour scenery. The Christmas markets are particularly photogenic in evening light with illuminated stalls and Christmas lights. Vintage and craft markets at Cow’s Lane offer detailed shot opportunities of jewellery, ceramics, and crafts.
Dublin Markets for Self-Catering Visitors
Visitors staying in self-catering accommodation can use Dublin markets to source ingredients for home cooking. The Honest 2 Goodness Market in Glasnevin offers the highest-quality Irish produce, dairy, meat, fish, and prepared foods. The Temple Bar Food Market has strong artisan cheese, charcuterie, and baked goods. The Howth Sunday Market provides excellent seafood directly from harbour fishermen. Supermarket alternatives include Lidl, Aldi, Tesco, and SuperValu throughout Dublin — significantly cheaper but less distinctive than market produce.
For Airbnb visitors planning to cook several meals, combining one weekend market visit for premium ingredients with a regular supermarket shop for basics is the most cost-effective approach. The markets are particularly strong for cheese boards, charcuterie platters, fresh fish, and quality breads. The supermarkets cover basics like pasta, rice, vegetables, fruit, and cooking essentials at significantly lower prices.
The Future of Dublin Markets
Dublin’s market scene continues to evolve. Several new markets have launched in the past decade including the Honest 2 Goodness Market and various Christmas market expansions. The Dublin City Council Markets Strategy aims to increase weekly market provision across the city through to 2030. Online food market platforms have grown significantly, offering Irish artisan products via delivery, but the in-person market atmosphere remains a key Dublin visitor and local experience. The Sunday market culture in particular has expanded with Marlay Park, Howth, Dún Laoghaire, and Bray all running strong Sunday programmes.
Combining Markets with Other Dublin Activities
Dublin markets combine naturally with other neighbourhood activities. Temple Bar Food Market + Temple Bar exploration + Cultural quarter — covers the whole Saturday morning Temple Bar experience. Howth Sunday Market + Howth Cliff Walk + East Pier seal watching — a full Sunday Howth day. Marlay Park Sunday Market + Marlay Park playground + Stella Cinema afternoon — south Dublin family Sunday. Honest 2 Goodness Market + Glasnevin Cemetery + National Botanic Gardens — serious Saturday morning culture day. The market scene rewards combining with other Dublin activities for full neighbourhood experiences.
Best Dublin Markets: FAQ
What is the best Dublin market?
The Temple Bar Food Market every Saturday in Meeting House Square is Dublin’s most popular food market with high quality artisan producers and ready-to-eat international food. The Howth Sunday Market combines food, crafts, and seaside scenery. The Cow’s Lane Designer Market on Saturdays specialises in Irish designers and crafts.
When is the Temple Bar Food Market?
Every Saturday 10am–4:30pm at Meeting House Square in Temple Bar. The covered square accommodates 30+ artisan food producers and ready-to-eat meal stalls. Free entry. Reasonable prices (€8–15 for cooked meals). One of Dublin’s best free visitor experiences.
Where is the Howth Sunday Market?
The Howth Sunday Market runs every Sunday 10am–5pm in the Howth Harbour car park. Reach by DART from city centre (25 minutes, €3.30 single). Combines food, crafts, vintage clothing, and family entertainment. The harbour-side location with sea views makes it Dublin’s most scenic market.
Are Dublin Christmas markets worth visiting?
Yes. The Christmas markets at Smithfield Plaza, Customs House Quay, and Dundrum Town Centre run mid-November through Christmas Eve with German-style stalls featuring food, mulled wine, crafts, and kids’ activities. Particularly atmospheric in the evening when illuminated by Christmas lights. Free entry.
What is the Cow’s Lane Designer Market?
The Cow’s Lane Designer Market runs every Saturday 10am–5pm on Cow’s Lane in Temple Bar. Approximately 60 stalls featuring Irish designers, crafts, jewellery, fashion, ceramics, prints, and vintage clothing. Excellent for buying directly from Irish makers at fair prices. Free entry.
Are Dublin markets cash-only?
Most vendors accept cards but smaller stallholders may be cash-only. Bring a mix of cash and cards. Most markets have ATMs nearby. Mobile payment apps including Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted at larger vendors.
What time do Dublin markets open?
Most weekend markets open 10am and run to 4:30–5pm. Christmas markets typically open from late morning through evening. The Temple Bar Food Market and Howth Sunday Market are the most consistent in timing. Smaller markets may have variable hours — check social media or websites before visiting.
Are Dublin markets family-friendly?
Yes — most Dublin markets welcome families. The Marlay Park Sunday Market combines with adjacent playgrounds. The Temple Bar Food Market has covered seating in any weather. The Howth Sunday Market combines with seal watching and ice cream. Christmas markets are particularly family-focused with kids’ activities and Santa visits.
Keep Reading
- Grafton Street Shopping Guide — 750 metres of pedestrianised retail — the flagships, the buskers and what’s actually worth your time.
- Best Irish Souvenirs to Buy in Dublin — Aran knitwear, whiskey, Claddagh rings and Belleek — how to tell the real thing from the tourist tat.
- Dublin’s Best Bookshops — A UNESCO City of Literature’s independents, antiquarians and deep Irish-literature sections.
- the food markets — a related guide from elsewhere on the site.
