There’s magic in the air in the lead up to Christmas in the marvellous markets on Sligo Food Trail. All the regular markets – Strandhill People’s Market, Beltra Country Market, Rathcormac Artisan Food and Craft Market and Sligo Farmers Market – have wonderful special Christmas celebrations. It’s a great opportunity to meet the maker (or the grower), and to keep your hard-earned cash circulating locally. Put the dates in your diary now and make sure you don’t miss out.
The Strandhill Peoples Market, Christmas Markets are taking place every Sunday of December from 11am-4pm and also on Fridays 14th and 21st from 5-9pm. The Christmas Night Market has become a real destination for visitors with its twinkling lights, festive atmosphere and a glass or two of a hot seasonal beverage. Up to 20,000 people are expected to shop at the artisan food and craft stands in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Watch out for Sligo Food Trail members like Blacksheep Bakery with their gorgeous range of Christmas goodies including buttery homemade mince pies, melted snowman cookies, American chocolate kisses and the decadent chocolate fudge pudding cake with mini truffles. Sarah Elvey has even prepared jars of cookie dough for you to take home and bake on Christmas Eve so Santa can have fresh cookies when he comes to visit. Sushi Sisters see the return of their traditional Home Roast Turkey, Ham, Stuffing & Cranberry Pitta, alongside their regulars of Shawarama, Sushi, Miso, Ramen, Hummous Plate, Filo Feta, Spinach Pies, Vegan Organic Spiced Lentil & Coconut Soup, Irish Beef Chilli, Turmeric Spiced Basmati, a delight for the senses. You’ll meet Murson Farm and Kitchen Conserves on selected dates with gorgeously packaged preserves, keep an eye out for their hampers as well as White Hag Brewery with a slightly different packaged offering – Christmas Ale anyone?
The Beltra Country Market takes place on Saturdays and their big Christmas Fair is on Saturday 15th December from 10am to 2pm. Admission is free and they offer Christmas baking, treats, gifts and crafts as well as. Parents can try out the hot mulled apple juice while listening to Christmas carols from West Sligo Singers while their children enjoy Children’s Workshops from 10.15am to 12.15pm and entertainment starting at 1pm. There’s free parking and a raffle in aid of the Simon Community and of course great food from Global Kitchen. What’s not to enjoy!
Rathcormac Artisan Food and Craft Market at Branley’s Yard just 5 minutes out the Donegal Road from Sligo, have their Christmas Markets on Saturday 15th from 10-3pm, Thursday 20th from 5-8pm, Friday 21st from 5-8pm and Saturday 22nd from 10-3pm. For the meaty side of Christmas, look no further than Sheerin’s Meatin’ Place who have Christmas packages that will take the pain out of planning or treat yourself to their award-winning breakfast on Christmas morning or aged Striploin of beef. Lots of other Sligo Food Trail members are regulars here like Murson Farm with their preserves, homemade breads and Bakeshop with fragrant fresh baked bread every Saturday. What a handy place to pick up those last-minute presents!
In conjunction with Murson Farm, Rathcormac Market will have 3 stunning hampers to give away to 3 lucky visitors. When you’ve shopped ‘til you drop at the 30+ stalls, don’t forget to call into Vintage Lane Cafe or their pop up coffee dock in the market for something nice to perk you up
Sligo Farmers Market
Every Saturday Sligo Farmers Markets sets up in the car park at Sligo IT and their very special Christmas Market is on Saturday 23rd December from 9am to 2pm. They promise a wide range of artisan foods as well as fabulous arts and craft stalls. Seasonal flower displays will also be a feature.
Bernie from Bramble Lodge Foods will have delectable preserves which you are sure to enjoy! Between jams, pasta sauces, chutney, jellies, mincemeat and other goodies, it’s no wonder she has such a loyal following! If you’re baking yourself then Ballysadare Free Range Eggs are the perfect choice for cakes and more (and breakfast too!). Winter veg and greens are fresh and fabulous, look out for Tattie Hoaker, Bluebell Organic Farm and Good & Green Organics. Tastes great and good for you too!
Festive Fayre at Pudding Row
Pudding Row in Easkey holds Festive Fayres annually and they are getting more and more popular. Put Thursday 13th and Thursday 20th December in the diary (6-9pm) and get yourself down to Easkey for some magical Christmas atmosphere – as well as delicious treats and charming crafts of course. Pudding Row also hold a popular wreath making workshop. This year it is on Sunday 10th December at 5.30. Booking essential.
Whichever Sligo market you choose – you can be sure it’s the right one! They are all truly wonderful for making Christmas memories.
