Milk Market, Limerick (must see)

The famous Milk Market is located on Mungret Street in the Irish Town district of Limerick. Despite the name, the Milk Market sells almost everything, including live performances. Official market days, however, are the flagship market day on Saturday and lesser markets on Fridays and Sundays.

It is not certain when the Milk Market was established, but it is thought to be sometime in the 18th century. In the early 19th century, several markets were operating in Limerick. There was a need to bring all the markets under one roof. The Limerick Market Trustees were set up by an Act of Parliament in 1852.

The market area was in the Garryowen district. There were the Butter Market, Pig Market, Hay Market, Potato Market, and Corn Market, also known as the Milk Market. All the markets failed over time, but the Milk Market hung on. The market traded fruits, vegetables, fowl, butter, and baked goods. By the 1960s, it had garden supplies and a Christmas market.

After major renovations in 2004-2010, the Milk Market opened as an all-weather, roofed market space. It has a food pavilion and events, such as "Live at the Big-Top," a live music and entertainment venue. Irish and international music acts to have played at the venue include Sinead O'Connor, The Coronas, the Villagers, Calvin Harris, and others.