Mahon Point Farmers Market takes place on the plaza in front of the main entrance to the Mahon Point Shopping centre, one of Cork’s main shopping centre, just east of the city. In bad weather the market moves to the shelter of the adjacent covered carpark.This market has the best of both worlds – an outdoor area right outside the main shopping centre for fine weather, and access to the indoor car parking area in winter. The cheery array of umbrella-covered stands looks great in all weathers! Since it started several years ago, this market has gone from strength to strength, under the guidance of Rupert Hugh Jones and other leading food figures, to gather new stalls all the time. There is always a buzz about the place, as local food is supplied to local people, with sampling and tastings to be had before you buy. Stallholders are some of Cork’s most famous small food producers. This market boasts several Good Food Ireland members, including Old Millbank Smokehouse, Woodside Farm,  Gubbeen with an array of their farmhouse cheeses, salamis, and cured bacon products, alongside other Irish cheeses such as Good Food Ireland’s Knockdrinna Farmhouse Cheese , John Gowan’s Cork Coffee Roasters who serves his own blend coffees for sipping while you shop, and Declan Ryan’s delicious Ryan’s Arbutus Bread, with a tempting stall full of crusty loaves of every shape, size and style. You can pick up a superb sourdough loaf, some great local relishes and pesto sauces from Macroom, fresh fish from Ballycotton, farm grown vegetables from Ballintubber and Ballycurraginny, handmade Italian pastas and vegetables, and wonderful goat’s cheeses, jams, and preserves. And while you are there, grab a lunch on the hoof from one of the many hot food traders who put the real into real fast food! Try a steak sandwich from Licensed to Grill, or a homemade wrap from Flores Gourmet, among others. A great place to browse and meet the locals.