Markets and Marathons

Alright, slight exaggeration. Can you imagine me attempting to run/walk a marathon?! I get out of breath running to the fridge sometimes. I managed to surprise myself and join in on the Sligo Animal Rescue Walkies! charity dog walk. My mother promised me it would be a short walk so I rolled up wearing my dress from the day before (classy, I know) and totally unsuitable shoes - not so stylish when I realised the walk took an hour and a half. Still, I did it with minimal whingeing and that's what counts. I also got to borrow two chihuahuas to walk so I was in my element.

Yesterday I made myself wake up early (11.30) to go to Strandhill People's Market. I'd been dying to go and check it out for ages but just never got a chance. As it was (apparently and sadly) the last market I had to go so me and my mum headed to the lovely seaside town of Strandhill to have a gander. 

If I could describe the market in one word it would be: Pinterest. You know where you see things and you just think; "That looks like it could be on Pinterest"? That was pretty much my catchphrase during my visit. The market features several stalls all offering something different - an eclectic mix of food, organic produce, jewellery, crafts, photographs and pretty much anything else you'd expect from a market, all from local businesses and craftspeople. 

One stall that caught my attention was the stall above selling unique alternative jewellery, notebooks and badges. I was so tempted to get one of the dragon cuffs shown above, they're so cool.

I was impressed with how reasonably priced everything at the market was and you can see all the care and effort put into all the products on offer. It's nice to know you're getting something locally produced and made with love, not to mention you're supporting local businesses.

As I mentioned previously, if crafts aren't your thing you can always check out the various food and produce stalls around the market. One stall had (probably) any type of cheese you can think of, another was selling homegrown organic fruit and vegetables and of course the wonderful Trimilawn Farm herb and spice suppliers - so of course I stocked up on some goodies to make new recipes with.

The handcrafted 'scenes' above really caught my eye - tiny model figures and settings are added to locally sourced oyster shells and bark to make interesting and unique decorations that would certainly add a talking point to any room.

One of my favourite stalls was the one shown above by Marshall Made It - I wanted it all. I'm a sucker for cute and kitsch homeware so I was enamoured by the selection of wall hangings, storage tins and heart-shaped chalkboards. I'll definitely have to invest in some of these!

As we all know, shopping is hungry work so I perused the various different food stalls at the market. I was spoilt for choice - sushi, paella, noodles, Mexican food (I was delighted to see one of my favourite eateries, Street Cart, had their own van at the market so of course I had to try one of their burrito bowls - and as usual the food was superb!) Mum tried the potatoes from Flamenco Kitchen and they were delicious so I had to try and make my own version of  them when I got home. I also had to sample a cupcake because, you know, research purposes.

All in all it was a great day out. The selection, food and setting was all picture-perfect and I'm glad I got to experience my very first Strandhill market. Here's hoping they'll bring it back!