The Tourist Guide 1
Cork/Kerry The English Market - Princes St, Cork.
Ross Lewis, the head chef of Dublin’s landmark Chapter One restaurant and one of Ireland’s most noted authorities on its food and produce recently said about Cork’s English Market, “…the stomach and soul of Cork city, it provides nourishment for both… It’s great to have a chat and to look into the eyes of the person selling to you. The market is a true gem…” Cork’s iconic market has been trading since 1788. One of the oldest and certainly the best covered market in Europe, it has survived famine, flood, war, fires, and multiple recessions to remain a strong part of Cork’s retail environment. Significant to the City as a commercial asset, the building is also architecturally significant so is valued as a heritage and tourist attraction. Renowned as a food market, it is an important part of food culture in Cork, with an emphasis on fresh, local produce with traditional Cork foods as well as an array of international delights. The stallholders are local and independent food producers or retailers, often with generations of families working in the Market. The traditional serve-over-counter stall trading also ensures that the service to the customer is personal and unique. A great place to experience the vibrant buzz and good humoured wit of the city’s people. www.corkcity.ie Masters of Tradition 23rd – 27th August - Bantry, Co Cork Masters of Tradition celebrates its 21st anniversary this year and takes place from 23 – 27 August in Bantry, West Cork. Its mission remains the same as every other year – to journey to the heart of Irish music and provide a platform where subtle elements of the music can be heard. As ever, the Festival is headlined by its Artistic Director Martin Hayes, the fiddler from East Clare, whose distinctive touch and extravagant virtuosity has brought the tradition to new levels. Martin Hayes will be joined at this year’s festival by Sam Amidon, Luka Bloom, Ultan O’Brien, Laura Snowden, Crash Ensemble, Steve Cooney, Brian Donnellan, Conal O’Kane, Mick O’Brien, Kate Ellis, Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin, Scoth, Ciara Ní Bhriain, the Begley Clann, Mick Conneely, David Munnelly, Christine Tobin, Cora Venus Lunny, Steve Hamilton, Phil Robson and Christy Mc Namara. A superb line up in a beautiful part of the world. www.westcorkmusic.ie/masters-of-tradition/ 12