Fishmongers

The English Market is deserving of its own entry, and here it is. This open-air market is wedged between a number of larger buildings in downtown Cork. There must be four or five different entrances and in order to get to there it seems you either have to know where it is or be willing to walk into strange alleyways of your own volition. Either way, you end up in a place that is neither indoors nor outdoors, crammed with people and foods and buying and selling. It has most everything, including a number of stalls selling fresh meats and vegetables, eggs, cheeses, herbs, vinegars- an olive bar- chocolates, wine, and fresh baked bread loaves for as little as 2 euro.

It’s like a place you read about in British Victorian novels, and sometimes I feel like I should round a corner and find a kitschy fortuneteller’s stall and some old woman inside. It by far beats the Tesco in price, freshness, and interest, that’s for sure. This is where I get my fruits and vegetables, bread, and the trout I bought for dinner.

The fish stalls must be the most interesting for me. At first I couldn’t find them, sitting on the far side of the market as they were, the fish laid out whole and fresh. Octopus, squid, whole shrimp line the open display and as I choose a fish I saw it laid out, gutted and filleted right before me- guaranteed fresh.

It’s always an experience, the English Market, and even today I found a hitherto unseen flower stall and a girl taking pictures. One day I’ll remember my camera too, it’s maybe the best place in Cork for photo opportunities.