Category: Cork

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Outside the English Market Cork

Outside view of Cork's English Market, with a black sign bearing white lettering. The large windows showcase colourful images of fresh produce, meats, and market scenes.

The English Market in Cork is one of the cities most visited tourist attractions and largest markets. This is the entrance from the Grand Parade side. The market has been trading since 1788 and has over 100 stalls selling fresh, local produce. Walking inside there was a lot of people at the bread, meat, seafood and bakery stalls. Markets are often challenging environments for photography. The name puzzled me. Why was it called the English Market when it is in Ireland? The term English Market was coined in the 19th century to seperate it from the nearby Saint Peter’s Market which was known at the Irish Market. The Irish Market has long gone but this one remains. Exploring inside I didn’t see many English foods. There was a lot of local Irish specialities such as spiced beef and buttered eggs. You can read more on the English Market on the Cork City website. 

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River Lee along Sullivan’s Quay

View of a street beside a river in Cork, Ireland. The vibrant yellow 'The Courtyard on Sober Lane' building stands out on the left. In the distance, the gothic spires of Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral rise into the sky. A stone bridge crosses the river under a mix of sun and clouds.

Stood on the Nano Nagle footbridge this is the view west along the River Lee. Sullivan’s Quay is the narrow road on the left of the photograph. The bright yellow building is The Courtyard on Sober Lane. Originally a school but now bar and restaurant with the courtyard on the other side of the building. The stone bridge that crosses the river is the South Gate Bridge taking the R608 road into the city centre. The gothic spires in the background are Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral which stands out from the skyline. This was one of the first photographs I took in the city. I was looking for some night photography locations in Cork. Seeing this scene, I knew I’d be back on this bridge later one evening. It’s hard to see here, but there was road works happening on the South Gate Bridge which was disappointing.