Smithfield Market

About

Smithfield Market transforms Dublin's historic cobblestoned plaza into a vibrant farmers market four days a week, offering families an authentic taste of Irish food culture. Kids will love sampling artisan treats, watching street performers, and exploring the colorful stalls brimming with fresh produce, baked goods, and handcrafted items. It's a wonderful way to introduce children to local Irish flavors while soaking up the lively community atmosphere in one of Dublin's most characterful neighborhoods.

What to Expect

Families can expect a bustling outdoor market filled with dozens of vendors selling everything from organic vegetables and farmhouse cheeses to freshly baked scones and homemade jams. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, with the wide-open Smithfield Plaza providing plenty of space for children to move around safely. You'll often encounter local musicians and street performers adding to the festive vibe, while friendly vendors are typically happy to offer samples and chat about their products. The market has a genuine neighborhood feel where locals and visitors mingle, creating an authentic Dublin experience.

Highlights for Kids

• Sampling fresh Irish farmhouse cheeses and artisan chocolates from friendly vendors
• Watching bakers demonstrate traditional soda bread making at select stalls
• Listening to live Irish musicians and street performers throughout the plaza
• Choosing colorful seasonal fruits and vegetables to learn about Irish agriculture
• Discovering unique handmade crafts and toys from local artisans

Pro Tips for Families

1. Bring a reusable shopping bag or backpack to carry purchases, as many vendors are eco-conscious and may not provide bags
2. Arrive with an empty stomach so kids can sample various treats - many vendors offer tastes of cheese, bread, and baked goods
3. Download the Leap Visitor Card app before arriving for easy access to Dublin's public transport system, including buses and the Luas red line to Smithfield
4. Visit the nearby Jameson Distillery's courtyard (free to enter) after the market for a bathroom break and to let kids run around in a supervised space

Best Time to Visit

Saturday or Sunday mornings between 10am and 12pm offer the best experience, with the fullest selection of vendors and the freshest products. The market is liveliest on weekends when locals do their weekly shopping and street performers are most active. Weekday visits (Thursday-Friday) are quieter if you prefer a more relaxed browsing experience, though vendor selection may be slightly reduced. Arrive closer to opening time to avoid peak crowds and have the best pick of popular items like fresh pastries.

Food & Drinks

The market offers excellent grab-and-go options perfect for families, including fresh crepes, gourmet sausage rolls, wood-fired pizza slices, and specialty coffee for adults. Kids particularly enjoy the selection of freshly baked treats like scones, brownies, and traditional Irish barm brack. Many vendors sell fresh fruit smoothies and juices that appeal to children. Purchase picnic ingredients and enjoy them at the nearby Smithfield Park, or grab hot food from various stalls offering international cuisines from Mexican to Thai. Most vendors accept card payments, but bring some cash for smaller artisan producers.

Parking & Access

Smithfield is easily accessible via the Luas Red Line tram (Smithfield stop), making it ideal for visitors staying in central Dublin. Street parking is limited and metered on Sundays only (free Saturdays), so public transport is recommended. The nearby Q-Park Smithfield car park offers paid parking if driving. The plaza itself is completely stroller-friendly with smooth cobblestones and wide pathways between stalls. It's approximately a 20-minute walk from O'Connell Street or a 10-minute journey on the Luas. For international visitors, the market is well-signposted from major Dublin hotels and the hop-on-hop-off bus route stops nearby.