In Pictures: Limerick Market full of festive treats

ONE OF THE most festive events in Limerick is back with plenty of offerings for the whole family. 

Christmas at the Limerick Milk Market will feature festive foods mixed with special once off markets. 

The Limerick Leader spoke to some of the stall owners at the market to find out what they are offering in the run up to the festive season. 

Ballyhoura Mushrooms

One of the most unique stalls at the Milk Market is the brainchild of a microbiologist and food scientist, Ballyhoura Mushrooms. 

Dr Lucy Deegan and Mark Cribbin set up the business in 2011 and they have had a presence at the market for the last five years. 

The stall offers a selection of fresh mushrooms, some are cultivated and some are wild, it all depends on the season. 

“We have lots of different flavours and textures. We have preserved products, dried mushrooms, seasonings, truffle butter, oils and loads more. 

“The latest products we offer are medicinal mushrooms. The interest in these are growing for people who are looking to improve their health and immune system”.

More information on Ballyhoura Mushrooms is available on their website. 

Virgo Jewellery 

“The Limerick market is one of the nicest in the world” says one trader who spends every Saturday morning there. 

Edel O'Shea from Mayorstone runs Virgo Jewellery, which specialises in handmade jewellery, 

Edel buys stones from all over the world and makes earrings, necklaces and bracelets using gemstones and pearls. 

“There is no other market in Ireland like it, we are very fortunate. I go to markets everywhere I go on holiday and nothing beats the Limerick market”.

Craic Galore 

If there is someone in your life who likes a laugh and a unique gift, then make sure to stop off at Craic Galore on your way into the market. 

Sarah Quain set up the business two years ago and along with her partner Luke, they have had a presence at the market since March. 

Products include tote bags, cards and t-shirts with humorous sayings and sentiments that everyone in Ireland is guilty of saying at some point. 

Craic Galore is on Instagram where you can find more of their products. 

You know what season it is as soon as you enter the market with some festive wreaths and centrepieces greeting you. 

Sheila Maher has been in the market every December for the last 10 years with her handmade creations. 

The Ennis native makes the wreaths and centrepieces herself and spends Saturdays leading up to Christmas day selling them in the market. 

Velvet Candlelight 

One of the newer stalls at the market is Velvet Candlelights run by Kate Ryan. 

The Murroe native specialises in scented candles and wax melts with plenty of different fragrances on offer. 

Kate's motto for the business is “light up your emotions” as she tries to match the scents of the candles to different feelings. 

Vito Vintage 

Fashion lovers will want to head straight to Vito Vintage at the Milk Market to find themselves some truly unique pieces. 

Caroline McBrearty from Castletroy started the business four years ago and has gone from strength to strength. 

Caroline travels all over Europe to hand pick the curated pieces which she then brings back to Limerick. 

The shop sells a mixture of pieces including leather jackets, 70s shirts, 80s blouses, maxi dresses and knitwear. 

Vintage Gem Store 

Another popular stall at the market is Vintage Gem Stones.

The shop sells a wide variety of vintage antique pieces from eras such as the 20s, 30s, 40s and so on. 

Eva sells earrings, necklaces and many other pieces of jewellery made from unusual gemstones. 

The stall also offers clothing, antique glass and the odd bit of ceramics often pop up too. 

The Flying Cheese Brigade 

Early risers who enjoy a morning stroll through the market will see a familiar sight every Saturday in the form of the Flying Cheese Brigade. 

David Jackson and his team specialise in cheese with a huge selection of different variations for all tastes. 

From Irish cheeses to continental options, they have it all and they even have some great ideas for Christmas presents. 

You can get the cheese lover in your life a gift set, cheese boards and knives from the stall.

Rockbarton Garden Centre 

A relative newcomer to the market is Rockbarton Garden Centre who sell a sample of what they have to offer every Saturday. 

The family business is run by Lynda and Bryan Sheehan, along with their children in Holycross. 

Their stall is a sea of red and white coming up to Christmas with some cute little Santa ornaments proving popular with children. 

You can find out more about Rockbarton Garden Centre on their website. 

Nolans of Corbally 

One of the busiest stalls at the market also has some of the tastiest produce. 

Nolans of Corbally, a butcher shop, set up a stall at the market six years ago and have proved very popular with customers. 

Alan Nolan and the team have plenty of options for everyone including a full range of burgers, with all their beef sourced locally in Meelick. 

The team hand make the burgers on Friday evening at their base in Corbally before bringing them to the market on Saturday morning. 

Some of the offerings include gourmet burgers, wild venison, rib eye steaks and specialty burgers such as sundried tomato and basil. 

Happy food at home 

Serious food lovers will love everything Ciara Brennan and her Happy Food at Home stall has to offer.

Everything Ciara sells is vegan and full of flavour with some very tasty options for everyone. 

Just some of what Ciara is preparing in the run up to Christmas include cranberry butter, mushroom wellington, nut roasts and butternut wellington.