Good Vibes, Craft & Food: the Dublin Flea Christmas Market

The Dublin Flea Market (along with other Sunday markets) sadly had to close earlier this year due to the redevelopment of Newmarket Square. While the organisers have lost their usual market venue and are in search of a new home (you can support them here) they still managed to run their uber cool Dublin Flea Christmas Market at the Point Square in Dublin again this year.

A Sunday stroll brought me there last week and having been in previous years I can honestly say it's their best yet. The market will be on again this week from the 13th to the 16th of December 2018 (Thursday and Friday 1-8pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am-6pm). The indoor market hosts about 280 stalls ranging from artisan food producers to Irish designers and of course features collectibles and antiques; it is a flea market after all. The place is huge, with not only handmade goods to buy but also a food hall and an activity centre. Stalls may differ from last weekend but it's surely one of the best places to go for Irish made gifts in Dublin right now.

In terms of food to eat onsite (I was drawn to the food hall), anything from My Goodness is highly recommended. I discovered their vegan goodies (it's far from veganism I was reared) a few years ago at Electric Picnic. Their vegan nachos (€8) are super satisfying and so are their fermented drinks and vegan truffles (try the mint one!). They're usually based in Cork so it's an opportunity for Dubliners to taste their fare without having to go to the English Market.

Katie Sanderson has a White Mausu stall offering some of her wholesome rice bowls packed full of flavour and topped with her peanut rayu condiment (€10). Other food stalls include falafels from the Fumbally and sweet treats from the lovely Camerino Bakery. It wouldn't be a Christmas market without mulled wine, a glass will cost you a fiver and all the proceeds go to Inner City Helping Homeless.

You'll also find food producers on the ground floor. The couple from Scéal Bakery sells their sourdough breads and pastries as well as some Christmas products. If cheese and charcuterie is your thing, pick up some goods from Corleggy Cheese and the Wooded Pig. Don't leave without a jar of White Mausu peanut rayu, it's a staple in my pantry and can jazz up so many meals.

Of course it's not all about the food but I'll let you check out the rest for yourself, it's best to go early to beat the crowds, especially on Saturday and Sunday!

Dublin Flea Christmas Market 2018 http://dublinchristmasflea.ie/

Support the Save Our Markets campaign here.