Paddy's Market, Sydney

The Paddy’s Market is in the Haymarket area near Chinatown. Today, it is not just regarded as a market but an Australian icon that dates back to the first European settlements in the land.

Paddy’s Market gets its name from the Irish Market in Liverpool, England that has the same atmosphere as the Paddy’s of Sydney. Sydney had become the home of many Irish settlers, some whom came as convicts and others as immigrants, and the name came to stay. It was established in 1834 by Governor Bourke who built a market for hay and grain near an existing cattle market. Soon food sellers and second hand dealers set up shop here and later it became the major farm produce outlet in the city. In the Gold Rush era, there was an entertainment centre near the market where circuses, especially the Wilson’s Circus, and fairs took place. In 1891, a building was constructed and Paddy’s Market became an indoor trading space and the entertainment centre was demolished.
The old Paddy’s Market has stalls selling fruit, vegetables, clothes and novelties. It is frequented by tourists looking for cheap mementoes to take back home like caps, tee shirts, bags and other Australian souvenirs.