A Taste of the Kilkenny Countryside, Farmers’ Markets & Artisan Food
One of the joys of staying at Croan Cottages is the chance to enjoy the freshest local produce from the Kilkenny countryside. Whether you’re a keen cook, a food lover, or just looking to sample the best of what Ireland has to offer, you’re perfectly placed to explore the vibrant farmers’ markets and artisan producers near our self-catering cottages.
Weekly Farmers’ Markets
Kilkenny Farmers’ Market (Thursdays & Saturdays)
Held in the shadow of Kilkenny Castle on The Parade, this market is a must-visit for artisan bread, cheese, chutneys, local meats, and handmade gifts.
Mountain View Market (Sundays)
The South East’s largest weekly market, featuring a selection of over 80 small businesses selling delicious hot food, tasty baked goods and fabulous Irish-made consumer retail products.
Thomastown Market (Fridays)
This charming market offers a mix of seasonal veg, plants, home-baking, and crafts in a relaxed village setting just 20 minutes from Croan.
Graiguenamanagh Town Market (First Saturday of the Month)
A riverside delight! Enjoy live music, local treats, and friendly faces along the River Barrow.
Cook What You Find!
Each Croan Cottage has a fully equipped kitchen and a private patio – perfect for cooking with fresh, local ingredients. Many guests love picking up seasonal veg, meats, or cheese from the market, then preparing a relaxed lunch or BBQ.
Don’t forget, we provide BBQs for guest use – and the backdrop of alpacas and wildflowers makes every meal feel special.
Artisan Producers to Watch
The Little Mill Company, Bennettsbridge
Local flour milled from heritage grains.
The Truffle Fairy, Thomastown
Inspired by world travel , Truffle Fairy chocolates have won numerous International awards, receives National recognition through food guides, blogs and newspaper articles.
Highbank Orchard
Home to the original and innovative and multi award winning Highbank Orchard Syrup. They also produce several delicious Apple juices, including our acclaimed non alcoholic Drivers Cider as well as Highbank Proper Cider and Medieval Cider.
Joan & Bob’s Juicy Jams
A range of handmade preserves. What started as a passion for preserving, skills that Joan and Bob learned from their mothers turned into growing and harvesting a lot of their own fruit and collect and freezing all the wild berries used in the jams.
Stock up for your stay or bring home delicious souvenirs.
Make Food a Part of Your Holiday
The beauty of a self-catering break is having the freedom to enjoy local food at your own pace. From morning pastries and coffee to evening meals made from farmers’ market finds, staying at Croan is a feast for the senses.
Book your food-lovers’ break now: https://www.croancottages.com/book.htm