Festive Fun at Strandhill People's Market

In an attempt to be organised and get into the Christmas spirit, last week I went to Dublin for the Stephen's Green Christmas markets. However, I was sorely disappointed - it felt like a mass exodus and was poorly organised. Imagine crowds and crowds of pushy, miserable looking people mowing shoppers down with pushchairs, add to that a lack of atmosphere and about 40 overpriced hot dog/burger stalls. Not very Christmassy.

I absolutely love Strandhill People's Market and today I got to visit it for the first time since it's moved indoors to Sligo Airport. I think the indoor venue is a fantastic idea especially as we're now well and truly into winter. 

Because buying local is so important I did a bit of shopping (for myself). I was drooling over all the goodies at Marshall Made It as usual but decided I'd be good. I did, however, buy a jar of Christmas craft supplies from them for a blog post idea so watch this space.

Fabulous gift ideas from Marshall Made It.

As well as some lovely gift ideas there were also some divine food stalls: Green Warrior offered some delicious vegan and natural food choices - the vegan chili looked amazing. I chose a bag of healthy granola and a cacao cashew nut chocolate milk (yes, guilt free chocolate milk!) and I'm looking forward to trying them both. I also got a slice of Rocky Road and an adorable snowman cake pop - how amazing are the Christmassy cake pops?! After shopping I was quite peckish so I decided to mix it up and sample some sushi. The Sushi Sisters had a stall and they were so accommodating - I'm picky and don't like salmon so they endeavoured to make me a sushi selection without salmon. The sushi was so fresh and tasty and the noodles were amazing, I could eat like that every day.

The atmosphere was just delightful and the service as always was brilliant. It really goes to show buying local is the way forward. All the stallholders have such unique products and ideas at reasonable prices and they're so friendly and accommodating. By the end of the market I felt really Christmassy - I was actually sad to leave! If you're looking to get a bit of Christmas spirit definitely head to Strandhill People's Market in Strandhill Airport (runs Saturdays and Sundays leading up to Christmas). Check them out on Facebook here and go for a browse - you won't be disappointed.