Have you been missing your local farmers’ market?
Locally, the Kilkenny (Thursday) and Carlow (Saturday) markets have been scratched since March, a case similar around the country. Now, for those of you craving your weekly trip for cheese, flowers, breads, fish, pies, crafts and more, you can indulge from this week.
On the food front, local farmers’ markets are included in Phase 1 of Ireland’s roadmap for reopening the economy.
Outdoor Shops & Activity
Under the heading of outdoor shops, “shops that are mainly outdoor (for example: garden centres, hardware stores, farmers’ markets) can reopen so long as social distancing measures can be put in place.”
Carlow Farmers Market are already raring to go this coming Saturday 23 May.
“After 2 months of being closed we are delighted to say we will reopen again on Saturday the 23nd of May. 👍👍⭐️☘️ In line with government guidelines all necessary safety measures will be in place.”
The Carlow market had already implemented distancing measures, hand washing and hygiene stations before closing up two months ago.
If you’ve been short on cooking supplies, homeware specific shops will remain closed in this phase though the likes of Woodies will reopen, where they’re primarily garden and hardware driven, but have a smaller homewares section.
Also included in the phase 1 reopening from today are allotments, so if you’ve been missing your outdoor growing, while the weather is still good, now’s the time to get to tending.
Other points of note from Phase 1, effective today, 18 May
- Cafés, restaurants, hotels and bars remain closed except for takeaway/delivery service only
- You should still stay at home as much as you can
- Remote working is still in place if you’re able to work remotely from home
- Up to 4 people who don’t live together can meet outdoors while keeping at least 2 metres apart
- Teachers can now have access to school buildings to organise remote lessons
- Other retailers openign include opticians, car dealers, bike shops, electrical stores, phone shops. Parks, beaches, walkways that were closed may reopen.
Phase two is expected to come into effect in three weeks time on Monday 8 June, with an official review likely the Friday previous. View the full roadmap here.
Neighbourfood
For those who won’t be making the trip to their local farmers’ market, or you’re looking for an alternative, the Neighbourfood movement continues to gather steam around the country.
Local to me in Kilkenny, there’s already facilities in place in Carrigeen, Callan and most recently, Kilkenny city. For full details of order and collection spots around the country, check neighbourfood.ie.
