Sunday. It's one of those days when if you're not working (or lying in bed like a hungover sack of crap) then you don't really know what to do with yourself. Of course you could do the usual carvery/pub combo before returning home to deal with the Sunday night fear, but if you are looking for a different way to spend your day then the People's Park Market in Dún Laoghaire could be just the thing for you! The People's Park Market is a food and crafts market which takes place in the People's Park in Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin every Sunday from 11am to 4pm. It's an outdoor market which hosts various stalls including food, books, flowers, art and lots more. Many independent retailers showcase their goods at the market and each stall offers something unique.
If you are a food lover then this market is the place for you as there are so many different types of food on offer and it's a great opportunity to try some new things. They have everything from burgers and chips to Thai food and each stall freshly prepares their food. Many stalls also offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options so it's a win win for everyone. There is so much delicious food to choose from and it may take a lap of the park before you are able to make a final decision on what you want to eat. One of my personal favourites is the falafel wrap from Ali's Falafel. The queues can be pretty long as it's very popular but it's definitely worth the wait as the wraps are so tasty and filling!
As well as savoury foods, there are also lots of sweet options too including handmade fudge, truffles and ice-cream. One of the most popular stalls in the market is Arctic Stone who have created a storm on social media with their Instagram-worthy snaps of fabulous hand rolled ice-cream. Arctic Stone offer a range of flavours including Kinder Beuno, Reece's Peanut Butter and salted caramel. You then choose your toppings which can be anything from cookies to gummy bears (don't knock it 'til you try it!). The most interesting thing about Arctic Stone is watching how it's made and how it gets it's unique look.
I don't know the technical term but basically they mash up all the ingredients on a slab before cutting it into individual little rolls. I went for the Kinder Bueno ice-cream with white chocolate buttons on top. As well as looking super pretty, this ice-cream is delicious and is definitely worth a try. The only downside is that you will have to wait in line for quite a while as this ice-cream is extremely popular, especially on a sunny day.
If you'd like to pick up some food to take home with you there are stalls which sell fresh fruit and vegetables, breads, cheeses and much more. There is also a fantastic stall which sells different organic oils and tasty sauces which are perfect for taking home and adding to your own cooking. If you are interested in cooking then you are bound to be inspired to pick up some new ingredients and create your own dishes at home.
The market also hosts a great range of art and craft stalls which are great for browsing and also worth checking out if you're looking to pick up a unique gift. There is so much to choose from including fashion, pottery, art and even handmade beauty products.
Along with all the eating and shopping, the People's Park Market is a great place to chill out and spend time with friends and family. There is always such a great atmosphere in the park, especially on a sunny day, and it really is a great way of getting out and about and making the most of your Sunday. If you plan on bringing kids along with you then you'll be glad to hear that there's also a playground in the park as well as toilets and baby changing facilities. Dogs are also welcome at the park so you can bring your pets along to the market too! After you've finished browsing (and have eaten yourself into a food coma) you can take a stroll along Dún Laoghaire Pier and take in the beautiful sea views.
The People's Park Market is a fantastic day out and there really is something for everyone. There is always a great buzz around Dún Laoghaire town, especially when the weather is good and there's so much to see and do. There are regular trains to Dún Laoghaire or you can get the 46A bus which is about forty minutes from the city centre. There is no admission fee for the market so you are free to come and go as you please and you can stay in the park for as long as you want. If you're looking for something different to do with your Sunday then I would highly recommend the People's Park Market. It's such a fun day out and the event itself is extremely well organised. Although it can be quite busy, the atmosphere is still very relaxed and the park doesn't feel too overcrowded. So next time you're deliberating how to spend your Sunday, why not consider taking a trip down to Dún Laoghaire for a relaxing day beside the sea. For more information see www.dlrcoco.ie
Photos by Conor Heavey
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