Belfast Markets

(Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK)

The Market Quarter of Belfast comprises a busy shopping precinct, some inner-city houses and also the River Lagan, where the Central Railway Station is based. There were once more than a dozen markets in this part of Belfast, although today, only St. George's remains here.

St. George's Market is actually the last of the city's remaining covered Victorian markets, being close to the Belfast Waterfront Hall, the Open University and the Ormeau Centre. In the late 1990s, a lottery grant of more than £3 million funded a substantial renovation programme and secured its future.

The National Association of British Market Authorities recently voted St. George's as one of Britain's top five. Various events are staged here, including food festivals, art exhibitions and concerts.

St. George's Market

Address: May Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
St. George's Market can be found within the Waterfront area, close to the docks, and is a covered, indoor venue. Of particular interest is the seafood, which is always freshly caught, varied and generally very inexpensive. Other attractions at St. George's include books, rugs, clothes, souvenirs, music, collectors' items and general bric-a-brac.
Open hours: Tuesday, Thursday to Saturday - 05:30 to 13:00
Admission: free

Bangor Open Market

Address: Market Square, Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland, UK
Bangor Open Market, situated on the outskirts of Belfast, being roughly 25 minutes drive north-east of the city centre and located in the North Down area. This is one of the largest markets in the city and is full of genuine bargains, including many stalls selling collectors' items, books, clothes, music and antiques, and there are also a number of food stalls at Bangor, selling fresh fruit and vegetables.
Open hours: Wednesday - 09:00 to 14:00
Admission: free

Smithfield Market

Address: West Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
Smithfield Market is situated in the centre of Belfast's busy shopping district, opposite the Castle Court shopping centre. Featuring many lively traders selling a wide range of goods in small, individual retail outlets, Smithfield is filled with bric-a-brac and collectors' items, and is particularly busy on Sundays.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free