O'DRISCOLL'S FRESH FISH The first thing that always strikes…read moreme in the Mahon Point farmer's market, at least if I come to it via the shopping complex, is the queue at O'Driscoll's Fresh Fish (who today had four on duty, two filleting like mad). The Schull based outfit seem to thrive while nearby Ballycotton Seafood, offering the same fish at the same prices, seem to be much quieter. Location! Location! They sell the fish by the bag, fiver for a bag of whiting, a fiver also for a big bag of hake or haddock. Looks good value but I'd prefer price per kilo written up. Got some hake and John Dory. Next time though, I'll weigh up the queue, maybe head for the rivals. Time is precious.

Came by on a Monday at around 2:30 AM, excited to try some food. Unfortunately, everything seemed…read morepretty basic and overpriced, and there didn't seem to be too many options. Instead, the stalls mainly sell produce, meat, cheese, and seafood, which would be great if you were a local, but we were just visiting. There are a few stalls selling things like candies/honey/jams, that were reasonably priced, so we bought a few of those to bring home as souvenirs. We spent probably about half an hour walking around and made it through the entire market. It was fun to walk around and see all the local goods/products, but don't expect a lot of options for good food if you're hungry.

I was expecting more from this English Market. The selections were not that big (pretty basic…read morestuff), but everything seemed to be very pricey. Not impressed at all

FISH AT BALLINCOLLIG MARKET Made a quick visit to the…read moreBallincollig Farmer's Market last Wednesday and met the fish selling ladies from West Cork, Mary and Sheila. I had forgotten I called them lively in an earlier post, maybe my spell checker changed it from lovely. We had a chat about fish and how the fashions are changing. You hardly ever see whiting nowadays while the now popular monkfish were once thrown back overboard. Like me, they enjoy their meals out and we all agreed that Over the Moon in Skibbereen is top class and they also had a good word to say for the Wine Cellars restaurant in the town. They were surprised that the gurnard dish, that we enjoyed recently at the Silk Purse, was so expensive (€23.15). While we were chatting, they were filleting some fresh hake for me and the charge was a very reasonable €11.50 for five big fillets that were all thoroughly enjoyed at home that very evening. The girls, by the way, do a lively (that word again) business in the Skibbereen Market very Saturday morning and that was where I first saw them in action. And Swanton Plants, where I bought some herbs on Wednesday in Ballincollig, are also regulars in the West Cork town. On a previous visit to Ballincollig, I had a chat with Joy of Joy's Jams saying I preferred marmalade with peel. She didn't have any at the time but didn't she go away and make a batch for me and the minority that enjoy the peel. Thanks Joy, I'm enjoying that pot now!

(11/12/2017) Great fish merchant in the English Market, def a must visit. They're been around…read moreover 40 years, started by Kay O'Connell in 1962 and now run by her two sons. They're pretty patient, if a little brusque with the tourists, but it's part of the ambiance, I suppose, I mean, you're at the fish market. Besides a dizzying array of fresh fish, you can get specialty Irish items. We got two types of dried seaweed, carrageen moss and kelp, for soups. If you're nice, they might even spark a wry smile.

Smoked fish from renowned local smoker Frank Hederman, relaibly fesh seafood from Ballycotton…read moresisters (nothing to do wth Ballycotton Seafood), locally grown veg from Davy at Ballintubber Farm, handmade chutneys jams and cakes, fresh farm eggs... you may not have oceans of choice but you have top quality essentials and weekend luxuries are to be found in this idyllic seaside setting. Coffees and market breakfasts from Seasalt Cafe...and photography by local artist. Less is more.

COBH FARMERS MARKET The Cobh Farmers Market (held in and…read morearound the Heritage Centre in picture) was a big let-down for me today with just a handful of stalls opening up, about six in all. It is supposed to be very good in the summer - looks like I'll have to wait and see. In any event, won't be in a hurry down again. Got some roughly filleted fish from a basic stall up the town. The harbour town looked very well indeed and the walk along the West Beach area was very enjoyable.

A hidden gem in kinsale! Across from the Spaniard, down an unassuming staircase, lies an amazing…read moremodern restaurant with breathtaking harbor views. The atmosphere is bright, fresh, and vibrant. The menu options were varied and intriguing and reasonably priced. The food itself was astounding! Beautifully plated and well portioned. Even the complimentary bread service was was remarkable. Wine list was also nicely curated. We ordered a bowl of lobster bisque as a starter. We both ordered the beef short rib as a main course, and we ordered roasted root vegetables as a side dish. We also had a bottle of French Pinot noir as our wine. All of the food was delicious and beautifully plated and presented. The service was as expected in a European restaurant. While while we were too full for dessert ourselves, the desserts that passed by us looked amazing! We made note to come again to try them--hopefully that will happen someday! Highly recommend.

Easiest the best chowder I've ever had. The lamb was outstanding. Service was excellentread more

The food, the tour, the people, amazing. Frank and Caroline are spectacular hosts and guide you…read morethrough a tour, a meal, and a few hours of serious fun. The support staff are amazing as well. Serious no brainer here. Your stomach will thank you.

(11/12/2017) Savory, smoked fish is as good as it gets at Hedermans. There's great care taken and…read moreyou can see and taste it. The salmon is organically and sustainably farmed off the west coast of Ireland, dry salt cured and smoked in small batches. While the spreads are delicious and more affordable, just spring for the real stuff, you won't be sorry. We got a filet of smoked wild Atlantic mackerel one with cracked black pepper and one with chives. The fish was tender, earthy, salty, oily and perfect. It's a food memory we'll cherish forever.

My skin is greasy and my belly is lapping over my pants, due to Driving all over Ireland searching…read morefor the best fish n chips! At last in the voice of Etta James.....I found it. The best part of it all is the price was right! "Fresh local seafood at affordable prices" Our meal was outstanding and service was even better. I will def be back and bring my crew in June...yes I already booked my trip! Rumor has it they use there own boats and fish factory. If you are near Killarny this is a must dine! trust me you will thank me later Mary S. Dallas aka international yelper!

Quinlans Fish Shop in Killarney is as good as it gets for fresh seafood! Quinlans catch their own…read morefish which is one of the main reasons for going in here so often you know what your getting is fresh! LOVE LOVE their chowder and usually go for their special of the evening.... @ around 12euro its good value! grt image from their facebook page!! https://www.facebook.com/quinlansfish#!/quinlansfish

The best Seafood comes from Helvic,my family originated from here,Paddy,John and Michel Tobin,are…read moremy great uncles,RIP.I am the son of Peggy Boyd,Margaret Tobin's daughter.My favorite cousins Bill & Maggie Brown,live in that beautiful village.Cheers to Helvic Seafood.

Besides having an awesome name, Fishy Fishy Shop & Chippie has the best fish I've tasted in…read moreIreland. There's nothing special in the preparation, and even though other items on the menu have spices and wasabi-accompanied sauces, the fish & chips basically come as-is, and that's a good thing. Like most places in Kinsale, it's not cheap, but 9.95€ for fish & chips is well worth it.

Its a kind of pop-up seating area now with 3/4 items on menu. Chippie is closed down. Fish n chips…read morewere good, crab claws were great but had a been sitting in melted ice water and flavour had gotten a little washed out in a few of the claws. Seating area is basic, being run by a few kids of the family which is cute. Not cheap.