A 21st-century twist on a 700-year tradition

A 21st-century twist on a 700-year tradition


Ciara Galvin

The town of Ballinrobe was a market town for hundreds of years. The market was held every Monday and was well attended, according to Pigot’s Provincial Directory (1824) of market towns. Producers at the market sold wheat, corn, potatoes and linen, among other things.
Now, local Ballinrobe businesses have come together to revive Ballinrobe’s status as a market town by transforming the town’s library and its grounds into a traditional country market.
Following on from the success of the Christmas market in the town, traders and a dedicated committee are putting the final touches on what is hoped to be a monthly country market. The first of these takes place in the library grounds this Friday on Saturday, and it will feature 25 stalls, including artisan food producers and crafters. Although advertised as a country market, modern twists include an onsite style coach and stained-glass, millinery and jewellery stalls. Billed as ‘a fun weekend for all the family’, there will also be face painting, a bouncing castle, a pet farm and a sweet stand, as well as some free tastings and live demonstrations.
Behind the venture is a committee made up of local businesspeople Mary Walkin, Ann Marie Murphy, Trisha Vaughan and Vera Kelly. Speaking to The Mayo News about the market, Mary Walkin, of Walkin’s Gift Shop, said the summer market was a natural progression from  the ‘great success’ of the Christmas market, as well as the town’s history. “Ballinrobe was always a market town and we’d love to revive it. It’s a great way for people who don’t have a shop front to get an opportunity to showcase their wares,” explained Mary.
Participating businesses will also be having promotional days this Friday and Saturday, and there will be free parking throughout the town on both days.
“We’re hoping to bring a country market to a country town and bring people to the centre of the town,” said local florist Vera Kelly. “The library grounds is a lovely setting for the market. People can have a ramble around and sample what’s on offer.”