Situated in the grounds of St. Mary’s Church at the junction of Anglesea Road and Simmonscourt Road, the Donnybook Farmers’ Market provides an opportunity to buy fresh, local and seasonal produce direct from the producer every Thursday from 10am to 4pm.

The stalls offer a wide range of produce including cheese, organic fruit, vegetables and herbs, juices, breads, organic and free range eggs, olives, organic meats, locally-designed crafts and more.

The market is now in its second year and showcases producers from all over the country. Some of the proceeds go to the church itself.

There are over 20 stalls selling a vast range of produce. The first stall I came to was run by Gerry Zhao from Bejing. He has been there for 2 months and his noodles and prawns looked delicious. Most of the food on display is organic so if you are into a healthy meal it’s the place for you.

I met Seamus Kirk (The Fish Man) of Clogher Head. Seamus does all his own fishing from ‘La Troubadore’, his boat and his selection of fish is breathtaking, with king prawns included.
Declan Mc Carthy, who works for Leitrim Organic Farmers Co-operative, had a great variety of meat on display. He is part of a co-op sourcing meat from 130 farmers from all over the country. They have their own abattoir and kill all their own meat. They can be reached at www.leitrimorganic.com and at 071 9640688.

I then came to Gourmet Cuisine run by Andy Lawlor for Carlow Foods, who has a fantastic range of lamb, beef and pork. In fact, I bought some pork because it looked so appetising, it was stuffed with apricots.

Freda McDonald from Gallic Kitchen, who has been there for a year now, sells delicious pies, tarts and quiches. Noirin’s Bakehouse was just across the pebbled road and sold buns of all descriptions.

Michael Charlton made me an organic burger on his burger stand and just across the way was a hot dog stand where brockwurst (German sausage) as well as regular hotdogs were for sale at a very reasonable €3.

A huge selection of vegetables was on display, sold by Stefan for Dennis Healy of Baltinglass, who as well as growing their own also import top-quality produce.

You could get your shopping for the week at the market and never have to darken the supermarket’s door again. Everything looks so fresh and appealing and it is a great way to spend a few hours, have something to eat and go home with your baskets full.

It was a fine day when I was there and all in all it was a very enjoyable experience. I heard that a saxophone player was coming later but I had to move on.

For more information: www.irishvillagemarkets.com