Tuesday, September 6, 2011

The Markets of Killarney: a new food business that places Irish food alongside the best in the world

This (terrible) recession doesn't appear to be having that much of an impact on the burgeoning food culture of Ireland. There seem to be more farmers' markets, food festivals and shops specialising in fresh, natural foods that have been grown and produced with respect than ever before.     

Places like The Markets in Killarney.  I discovered The Markets today and I only wish it were in Dingle instead of in Killarney (which is more than an hour's drive away). Newly opened on New Market Lane in the heart of the town, I'm willing to bet that it will be a great success.


And do you know why I'm willing to bet that?  It's because it has the emphasis just right. It's all about the food and letting the quality and value of that food speak for itself. 

This food includes the freshest fruit and vegetables, Benoit Lorge's handmade chocolates and pastries, cheeses and wines from Manning's Emporium, fresh breads, fabulous Irish produce such as Glenilen yoghurts and Glenisk organic milk and the finest ingredients from the greatest food-producing countries in the world, particularly Italy and France.





I spoke to some of the staff there and all of them are very ambitious for The Markets. They want to stock more of the foods that make Ireland, and especially this part of southwest Ireland, special. Already, they stock (wonderful) seaweed products made by Olivier Beaujouan of The Wild Side, who has a stall at Dingle Farmers' Market. And because they only opened last Thursday, they are still in the process of sourcing new ingredients and making connections with new producers. I can't wait to see what they have on my next visit. 

The Markets,
New Market Lane,
Killarney
Opening hours: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat: 9am to 7pm
Thursday: 9am to 8pm
Sunday: 12pm to 6pm 

15 comments:

  1. I am hoping that it will shape up to be a great one! It has only just opened but it looks as though it will stock some great produce and sell it at a fair price - unlike many other food emporiums!

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  2. Maybe they can stock some of your pork! I'm serious....

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  3. Every town in Ireland needs a place like this. Will be adding it to my wishlist of places to visit.

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  4. I think so too, Colette. It's my plan/dream/hope to open a café/tearoom in Dingle next year and if I do, I intend to have a section devoted to the best local produce (as well as food from around the world if I can fit it in!).

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  5. I'm poring over your picture of Lorge's pastries - that rhubarb tart looks divine.

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  6. Control yourself, Caroline! On second thoughts, don't. Go directly to Killarney and indulge.

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  7. I'm hungry just thinking about it! Is this near the Back Lane Gallery and there is a new chocolate shop there, too? I'm almost GLAD it isn't in Dingle as it would be WAY too tempting!

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  8. Sharon, it is just off Main Street, a little way down from where Murphy's Ice Cream is. I haven't seen the new chocolate shop (unless you are talking about Benoit Lorge's chocolates, which are also sold in a separate section of this shop).

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  9. Sounds like the English Market in Cork, Sharon. This looks like a great place. It's wonderful to see Irish food gaining confidence and fantastic that it has got an outlike like The Markets!

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  10. Hester,
    It is actually more like Fallon and Byrne in Dublin, only without the high prices. It is great to see such places opening. Here's hoping we see many more of them...

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  11. KerryFelter - It's next to the Back Lane Gallery. The area is called the Old Milk Market.

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  12. I’m with you on that. I’ll also bet that this market is going to be huge and successful. It seems to have almost all the types of food a person could ever want. I can’t believe it just opened. They have so much to offer, plus, they have devoted employees who enthusiastically serve their customers. It’s great that they have fresh and healthy food. They could really capture the audience’s taste with their food and at the same time, help them become healthy individuals. Thumbs up to you guys!

    Joseph Carr

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  13. Thanks so much for your kind comments, Joseph. Especially because I'm so negligent of my blog these days :(

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