The English Market in Cork is part of the heritage of Cork city. The market began in 1610, but moved to its present location in 1786.

It was for many years exactly what its name suggests ­ a market for English traders only! ­ but that period of Irish history is now long past, and the marketeers trade happily under this name, selling goods from all over the world. It is a place where people come to shop, to sit and to chat and to eat. You can even take a dozen of O'Connell's fresh oysters over to Iago's stall, opposite, and drink a cool glass of wine as you eat oysters opened straight from the tank.

The market is owned by Cork Corporation, and is famed for its eclectic mix of foods, from the traditional Cork cuts of meat ­ bodice, skirt and the rare drisheen ­ to its organic vegetables and European and Asian specialities sold in colourful stalls dotted around this bustling, beautiful space.

There are great cafés too, so always make a visit to the English Market a must-stop! part of your itinerary when visiting Cork city.