The Best Farmer's Markets and Farm Shops

Farmer's Markets and Farm Shops are a fantastic way to purchase the freshest, local and seasonal produce and here in the Boyne Valley we are home to a whole host of them.

This mythical region is synonymous with artisan food and drink production and this ancient land been famed for millennia for its fertile lands- did you know it was even home to some of the world's first farmers?

Shopping from your local farmer's market or farm shop offers so many advantages for both you, the producer and our planet. Here are just a few great things about shopping locally-

• Much better for the environment- no airmiles and less plastic is used in the packaging of the produce.
• Fresh and seasonal produce- you will find the freshest of seasonal produce on offer which means it tastes much better than pre packed vegetables that have flown thousands of miles before ending up in your shopping basket.
• The chance to build a connection with your local producers and farmers- shopping directly from the farmer allows you to build a relationship and connection with them and understand what goes into the production of the food you eat. This is particularly great for children and it allows them to understand where there food comes from.
• The experience- come to the market, browse, smell and take in the sights and sounds. Grab a coffee and slow down for just a few minutes! Much better than a manic supermarket sweep.

Farmer's Markets and Farm Shops in the Boyne Valley 

The Sheridan's Cheesemongers shop is open Mon – Sat 10-6pm and every Saturday they host a farmer's market from 10-2pm. call in and discover a plethora of local food and drinks producers including butcheres, grocers, bakers, fish mongers and lots more. Of course you can also stock up on lots of delicious cheese and pantry supplies in Sheridan's onsite shop. When you are finished your shopping grab a coffee and a pastry a relax on one of the many picnic benches. 

Find out more about this market or order online over at https://sheridanscheesemongers.com/

Hogan’s Farm & Shop. “The Fresh Turkey Specialists” brother’s Fintan and Paul Hogan are 2nd generation turkey farmers, based in Kells, Co. Meath. Hogan’s Farm have been rearing turkeys for over 50 years.

 They have also recently opened a café which is a fabulous setting, serving Tea / Coffee, selection of freshly homemade sandwiches and desserts. Lots of Sweet treats on offer including ice-cream. Outdoor seating available.

Open Shop Hours Wed- Fri 10am -5pm. Sat 10am-4pm.

Find out more and order online over here https://www.hogansfarm.ie/

Situated in East Meath, near the village of Stamullen (M1, Exit 7), Clarke’s is a family run business growing strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries and blueberries, and producing a range of jams and smoothies from the fresh fruit.

Their Farm Shop is now open with fruit fresh from the field! Deliciously ripe new season strawberries are now available.

Opening Hours;

Saturday & Sunday 9am-12.30pm.

Phone 01 9639150 to arrange orders in advance for collection.

You will also find Clarke's Strawberries in supermarkets throughout the country.

Find out more about Clarke's Farm Shop over here https://www.clarkesfreshfruit.ie/

Jackdaw Farm is a no-spray, no-dig, small-scale, market-garden growing vegetables, herbs & fruits owned and run by Katherine and Danny. Located directly in the village of Drumone, Co. Meath. Check out their roadside stall every Sunday at their farm in Dromone from 10 to 6pm.

Or you can order their veg from The Local Greenbox Cavan over here https://thelocalgreenboxcavan.clickandcollection.com/

The Fishermans Catch Fish Shop is located on the harbour at Clogherhead in county Louth. The shop is unique in that its produce is caught and delivered directly to the shop from its own fishing boat, the M.F.V. Argonaut IV, which is based in Clogherhead, but fishes the waters of both the Irish and Celtic seas.

The fish, which are caught and delivered directly from the harbour to the shop, are filleted on the premises and displayed for sale on the shop’s ice counter.  The shop also stocks a large selection of whole fish that can either be purchased whole or filleted and D-boned to order.  A range of locally sourced shellfish is also available.

Find out more about The Fisherman's Catch over here https://fishermanscatch.ie

 

Merci Beaucoup Cakes Shop

If you really want to treat yourself one weekend head for the Merci Beaucoup Cake Shop just outside the town of Ardee in County Louth. Here, husband and wife team- Jeremy and Alona create the most stunning french pattiseries, cakes, breads and pastries. Coffee also available on Saturdays.

Open 12-4pm Friday 10-4pm Saturday

Find out more over here https://mercibeaucoupcakes.ie/