THE BULRING MARKET WEXFORD OPEN FRIDAY & SATURDAY
A gem of a place to visit for a cup of coffee and a browse
THE Bullring Market in the heart of Wexford town is steeped in history and atmosphere, making it a gem of a place to visit for a cup of coffee and a browse.
People have been flocking to this outdoor trading area to buy goods from fishmongers and butchers for centuries and while you won’t hear the cry of ‘fresh herrings’ anymore, there is plenty to interest 21st century locals and visitors.
The market is filled with character and curiousity and is one of those places anyone would be delighted to happen on if they were sight-seeing in another town or country.
The structure was built in 1877 by Timothy O’Connor and after falling into disrepair, was expertly restored by Wexford Borough Council and re-opened at the end of 2008, with log cabins added three years later for a Christmas market project.
The modern-day market opens weekly all year round on Fridays and Saturdays as well as extra dates and times for other events.
The busy hub is home to a range of small artisan businesses offering personalised and home made gifts, crafts, antiques, collectibles, books, plants, toys, music, organic fruit, vegetables and herbs, vintage clothes, delicious gluten free cakes and food and drinks stalls.
A coffee dock serves Badger and DoDo coffee, crepes and gourmet sandwiches making the market the perfect place to grab some lunch, followed by a stroll around the cabins and stalls which offer unique items to suit everyone’s taste and budget, especially with Christmas around the corner.
As in days gone by, the Bullring market is a great place to meet people, to catch up with friends and acquaintances, to enjoy a chat and soak up the social ambience of Wexford’s ‘old town’.
The area in which the market is situated, derived its name from the gory blood sport of bull-baiting which was introduced to Wexford in 1621 by the Guild of Butchers.
The bi-annual event drew huge crowds and continued on for over 200 years. The sport was finally outlawed in 1835 by the Cruelty to Animals Act.
Over the the course of history, the Bullring has witnessed important historical events. In 1662, It was the scene of a massacre led by Cromwell. During the 1798 Rebellion, the area was used to accommodate a pike-making factory. It was also once home to a courthouse.
Today, the Bullring is altogether a more peaceful place that comes alive at weekends. Busy high points of the year include Christmas when crowds meander through the market to soak up the festive outdoor atmosphere.
The traders are always keen to be part of town occasions and often come together to organise events and fundraisers.
They would like people to join them in the market on Saturday, November 2 (see Facebook page for times) for a prize-giving ceremony for the Bullring Market Youth Mixed Media Art Exhibition which is running during Wexford Festival Opera.
All the artwork will be on display in the market during the festival with a chance for the public to vote for their favourite piece.