The Midleton Farmers Market

Midleton Farmers Market 

Nowadays most people are conscious of what they eat. Where it is sourced how far it travelled to get to your table are all factors consumers consider. In Ireland a number of excellent Farmers Markets have established themselves in various locations around the country. One, in particular, is Midleton Farmers Market. It has an array of food stall set up by local artisan food makers and growers. The very famous from Darina Allen is an Irish chef, food writer, TV personality and founder of Ballymaloe Cookery School in Shanagarry, County Cork, Ireland. Equally famous Ballymaloe Cookery has a stall providing some superb local produce. There also is Frank Hederman supplying excellent cured fish. His company for the weekend farmers markets in Cobh and Midleton. The smokehouse also produces freshly smoked fish and our kitchen produces a range of simple own-recipe smoked fish pâtés, salads and fishcakes.

Willie Scanlon of Ballycotton fame is also there with his excellent potatoes. Because Ballycotton is a coastal location potatoes can be produced in the sandy soil very early in the year.

Many people now holiday in Midleton either at the Park Hotel or the numerous self-catering accommodation in and around this East Cork location.

So if you are staying in Midleton the Farmers Market on Saturday morning is a must. If enjoying a self-catering break in either area make sure either market is on your must visit list.

In relation to Farmers Market a number of concepts and version have sprung up.

Original farmers’ market

This is a producer market with an organic ethos at its heart. It is an organic-based market, with growers and meat producers. There is a strong bias towards health food. These markets tend to live a long time and invoke loyal shoppers. Middleton one of the first is an excellent example. It is Ireland’s possibly finest example and one of the oldest in the country. It is long-established and has a steady flow of regular shoppers.

Lunchtime trade market

This type of market works in office areas, city centre urban environments, and trading estates. Our lunchtime markets fill a gap with an unusual mix of multicultural food experiences which would not normally be available to the hungry lunchtime worker.

Event market

Event markets add to the culture and heritage of a local area and have proved extremely popular. These markets are tourist-biased. They are based in traditional tourist hubs. They attract huge volumes of people, being a concept both familiar and attractive to continental tourists.

In East Cork Midleton Cobh and Youghal have their own versions of Event Markets during the summer months. If your staying self-catering at the Paddocks Holiday Village or Fota House enjoy any of these event markets

Shopping in the Portimao

By chance you find yourself on a self catering holiday in Portimao Lagos area of the Algarve there are a few great shopping locations.
Great value to be had combined with the latest fashions.  In particular shoes for all ages and styles can had a bargain prices.
Here are a few of a self catering holiday experience.
Portimão Retail Park

A fire in September 2012 destroyed the Retail Park. Only time will tell if it will be rebuilt   This was a huge loss to location area.  When open had some great outlets.

Portimão Retail Centre

Portimão Retail Centre is just off the roundabout where the Avenida V6 meets the EN125 (opposite MaxMat DIY store). The shops on the Retail Centre are open daily from 10.00 to 22.00 and Maxmat is open 08.00 to 21.00 Monday to Saturday; 09.00 to 20.00 Sundays and holidays.
There is a plenty of parking and again, easy access to all the shops for disabled shoppers. The shops include Casa(things for the home - china-ware, kitchen gadgets, decorative items, candles etc), C & A (clothing and accessories for all the family), Page One (fashion), Worten (Electrical), Sportzone (sports equipment/clothing), Brinka (toy shop),Opticália (opticians, sunglasses), Mini Preço supermarket, a phone shop and a self service cafe

Aqua Portimão Shopping CentreThe newest shopping centre, Aqua Portimão, opened in April 2011. It is near to the Portimão Retail Centre just off the roundabout where the V6 meets the EN125 and easily spotted by it's landmark orange tower. It has a vast selection of shops including H&M and Primark which are new in the Algarve but very familiar to our UK visitors! It has 2 floors of shops, plenty of parking with both underground and ground level car parks, and a third floor with a wide choice of restaurants. From 7.30pm each evening the restaurant area has a variety of entertainment to accompany the diners and at weekends a programme of children's activities takes place during the day.Aqua Portimão includes a large Jumbo supermarket which has it's own electrical / photographic outlet, Box, and it's Health and Well-being shop.

The IRISH PUB Experience is a phenomenon

The IRISH PUB Experience in self catering Algarve is a great experience.  They are some great Irish pubs there such as The Black Stove in Alvor. Typically Irish friendly staff great atmosphere. During day sport coverage given preference over music. They even have their own self-catering accommodation.  Marina Bar in Lagos it has very much a  nautical theme but they run it in an Irish fashion loads of sport  good food and drink albeit that Derry can be uniquely cranky at times.Its also has a great sun set.  No better place to watch sport on TV big screens good sound system.  Near holiday rental and self catering accommodation.

Jacks in Praia da Luz is more English themed and can be a very relaxing place to sit and chat with friends.   Friendly staff  great location to watch a match they don't play music during important matches. Chances are you ll meet John Aldridge there from time to time.   He is not renting a holiday he has his own villa in Praia da Luz

If you live in Ireland you take the Irish pub scene some what for granted. Though the phenomenon of the Irish pub maybe in decline the overall concept is very much alive.  Yes it is a phenomenon because the good ones and impressive and extraordinary.  The bad ones are simply awful.

Irish Pub

For me their uniqueness and their attention to comfort and detail in the goal to attract entertain and retain clientele.  Many get make overs every few years where the old sometimes change from Art Deco to Modernist not always a fan of these makes because sometimes atmosphere is lost.  But the majority have food drink and good food in common.

Have to say the English put experience can be particularly  attractive.  On the downside they have lost a certain uniqueness.   The huge pub chains like Wetherspoons, Yeats Tobys and others just give the feeling of being copied.  Watch out Ireland Wetherspoons are there to stay.  On the other hand these large pub chains certainly give value for money and bring completion to the market.

But here I have to put my verbal foot down  the idea of a slot machine in a pub sitting clumsily in a corner adds nothing to the culture or atmosphere or enjoyment.  English pubs have them but glaring colour techno lights and pinging bells sound do nothing to create and atmosphere.

But in the interest of fairness I must mention the Wetherspoons Breakfast.   Its excellent and the efficient way they serve it is second to none.  I have being eating them for a few years and always very impressed.  In centre city Birmingham could purchase a breakfast for £2.69 how good is that for value.

Here is what they have to offer.  

Oats, blueberries, smoothies, bagels – there are healthy options galore on our morning menu.

The Wetherspoon traditional breakfast continues to be a number-one seller, at pubs across the UK and in the Republic of Ireland, with 200,000 breakfasts being served every week.

We like our breakfast served with a steaming cup of freshly-ground Lavazza coffee. Selling over 50 million cups of coffee a year, our staff are carefully trained to deliver you the perfect cuppa. Lavazza is Italy’s favourite coffee, and is Rainforest Alliance certified. We even offer free refills until 2pm.*

Offering quality ingredients and great value for money, it is little wonder that the award-winning dish is such a popular choice. For the most important meal of the day, we only use the highest-quality ingredients. 

However, if a combination of free-range British eggs, award-winning Lincolnshire sausages, bacon, tomato, hash browns, Heinz beans and poppy seed bloomer toast is not to your taste, there are plenty of other options available for breakfast at your local.

For a nutritional, healthy and filling breakfast, our MOMA! Porridge, now made with no gluten, offers a tasty alternative start to your day.  

Now guys just get rid of the slot machines. Goholidaylets has some excellent self-catering accommodation nearby.

Relax in a Cork 5 Star self catering holiday home

Kinsale to the west of Cork city in the south of Ireland  is very much sought after location for holiday or short break.

But Midleton to the east of Cork City is a rising star with the Cork tourism industry.

Midleton home to the Jameson |Distillery has an array of 4 star and 5 Star self catering accommodion

Image below is that of Castlemartyr Resort established in a grandiose  17th century country manor

Five of our favourite restaurants in Lagos on a Self catering Holiday

Boats at anchor in Lagos

Portuguese dining is based on valuable good wholesome food.Various fish dishes are available together with an assortment of meats.Port is traditional and all rend to be cook in a slow succulent way. Similarly wines are highly prized and the house wines are hard to pass.

We have chosen the following restaurants as a flavour of what is available as a dining experience during your self catering holiday in Lagos.   We are passionate about the self-catering option, personally despite my love of a huge fry in the morning doesn't sound as good as it did 10 years ago.  I think habits and food desires change.  That's why the self-catering holiday rental suits my style.

O Antonio Praia Porto do Mos

This one that seeing is believing.   Great place to bring family and friends.  Location is over looking the magnificent beach (praia).  As with most Portuguese restaurants they don't get excited if your only calling for a coffee of bottle of water.  As long as you sit and relax and enjoy the surroundings.  The food is certainly worth ordering  I recently had Hake Portuguese style on chips. It was excellent.  One of my companions had a Monkfish kabad which she could finish.

No Patio

No Patio has to be one of our favorite restaurants in Lagos. It ticks all the boxes all at once. An excellent mix of Portuguese and English cuisine coupled with unique ambiance and friendly service. Highly recommended to have No Patio on your list of must try restaurants. If you’re here for a week long self catering holiday it would be wise to book a table beforehand 00351 912 582 636 or 00351 282 763 777. Its located Rua Lançarote de Freitas 46 very our listings at No 2 Mullens and No 3 Nah nah bah. Sunday lunch is worth a visit with traditional roast and seasonal vegetables.

Mullens

Mullens - Is situated at Rua Candido dos Reis 86. It is and does give the appearance of old style Portuguese Taverna. It happens to be one of the oldest in Lagos. An assortment of fish and meat dishes are on the menu. With an excellent wine list comprised of a selection of red and white Portuguese wines. But dinner has been served the restaurant revert once again to a music venue. Local musicians gigs here on regular nights.

Nah Nah Bah

NahNahBah is situated on Travessa do Forno 11 in an area where a few hostels are located. It produces one the best burger money can buy. Coupled with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, it seems to have got the mix and blend just right. On a self catering trip to Lagos Nah Nah Bah should definitely be on your list of restaurants to visit. When your walking up Travessa do Forno look for the red door. Or why not call 00351 966 207702 or 00351 912 962885 for a reservation

A Forja or Blue Door as its wide known is a great fish restaurant. It certainly serves meat dishes but its popular is gained on the strength of it wholesome fresh fish. It open early this year after being closed for an extended period for total refurbishment. On reopening it was business as usual with the familiar professional homely service men and women.Most English speakers know it as the Blue Door. Yes it is oblivious it has a Blue Door so easily to find.

It is located not far from Praca de Gil Eanes on Rua Ferreiros. In high season expect to queue for a table. If its your first time and you like fish try the Seabrass for less than €10 you wont be disappointed.  House wine is also excellent served in an earthenware carafe.

The website www.goholidaylets.com list some beautiful holiday rental accommodation in the Lagos area.

Self Catering holiday and attractions in Midleton Co Cork Ireland

The Paddocks Holiday Village or Fota Island Resort Lodges  in Midleton Co Cork area  are a great base for a self-catering holiday in East Cork. There are numerous places of natural beauty and attractions to be seen. 

The Jameson Experience is located in Midleton, Co. Cork situated in the Old Cork Distilleries Company distillery just of the Main Street in Midleton.  This distillery operated for 150 years, from 1825 until 1975, when the workers clocked off on a Friday in July, to start work in the new Midleton Distillery the following Monday.  A decision was later made to turn the original distillery into a heritage centre known today as the Jameson Expereince. 

A tour of the Jameson Experience is a journey through the story and making of Irish whiskey.  If for any reason you are in Midleton and have some time to spare this is well worth a visit.  If your having a self-catering holiday here for a few days it is a must see experience. Guided tours are available throughout the year a number of different languages are spoken  and all tours commence with  an audio-visual presentation, retracing the history of whiskey in Ireland.  The tour takes in all aspects of whiskey distilling ending up with the  cooperage make and repairing barrels and the warehouses where the important task of blending takes place. Of course at the end of each  tour volunteers get the chance to take part in a comparison whiskey tasting, learning the differences between Scotch, American and Irish whiskey. 

Once  completed, guests are rewarded with a much coveted Irish Whiskey Taster Certificate, as well as a complimentary glass of Jameson with a mixer of their choice.

The village of  Cloyne is another place of historical significance.  In has a huge connection with George Berkeley 12 March 1685, 14 January 1753, also known as Bishop Berkeley (Bishop of Cloyne), was an Anglo-Irish philosopher whose primary achievement was the advancement of a theory he called "immaterialism" . This theory denies the existence of material substance and instead contends that familiar objects like tables and chairs are only ideas in the minds of perceivers, and as a result cannot exist without being perceived.Berkeley is also known for his critique of abstraction, an important premise in his argument for immaterialism.

Cloyne is a lovely place you can still see the front of old commercial stone building and  stone houses on the side of the street , the  old round tower that was once part of a medieval monastic settlement, thought to have been established by St Colman in 560. The structure is one of only two such towers existing today in County Cork.

 

In recent centuries, the tower underwent renovations after lightening struck, destroying the original conical roof.

All there attractions are within easy reach  the Paddocks Holiday Village andFota Island where 2 and 3 bedroomed houses are available as self-catering accommodation.  See www.goholidaylets.com for further details.

Fota Wildlife Park is a joint project between the Zoological Society of Ireland and University College Cork (UCC), an idea originally conceived in the 1970s by former Director of Dublin Zoo, Dr. Terry Murphy.

The Park was officially opened in 1983 by the then President of Ireland, the late Dr. Patrick Hillery, and has gone from strength to strength since - welcoming record visitor numbers in the years after a significant redevelopment of facilities in 2010 and 2011.  

It has been listed as one of Ireland's Top Ten visitor attractions and is the most popular tourist destination in Cork.

Fota is a non-profit organisation, limited by guarantee, and is also a registered charity. It is completely self-financing, relying entirely on gate receipts and membership fees for its income, and any financial surpluses generated are reinvested in order improve infrastructure and promote the company's core objectives of conservation, education and research.

Fota house is next to Fota Golf Club where this years Irish Open was played and the golf club is part of Fota Resort the location for the self-catering accommodation that can be found on our website www.goholidaylets.com

 

Another place you should put on your itinerary  is Garryvoe Beach is located just off the road from Ladysbridge to Shanagarry in County Cork. It is a mixed pebble beach and a great destination for families. The beach has a public car park, toilet facilities and wheelchair access is provided. 

It is lifeguarded during the bathing season and more information can be found on the notice board located at the beach.

Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens has a wealth of things to see and do. The arboretum has a renowned collection of tender and exotic trees and shrubs from the southern hemisphere. These were discovered and brought back by the intrepid plant hunters of the 18th and 19th centuries. You can also visit the fragrant rose garden and pleasure grounds and the atmospheric Victorian fernery. The delightful and tranquil gardens at Fota were laid out by James Hugh Smith-Barry in the first half of the 19th century and are a must see when visiting this area. Entry to the arboretum is free. 

Guided tours of the house, arboretum and the beautifully restored Victorian walled kitchen garden are available by appointment for a small charge. Self-guided tree trails of the arboretum can be purchased from Fota House from April to September.