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PERHAPS THE MOST successful Farmers Market in the Leinster area is the unique gathering of more than 60 stallholders each Friday, from 11am to 7pm, at Leopardstown Racecourse.
The weekly event draws large crowds of eager shoppers from all over the country, as well as a steady stream of city dwellers. There are more than 40 food stalls and another 20 country craft stalls. Products on display range from basic vegetable stalls, boasting a very large range of organic vegetables, to more unusual products, including a large selection of exotic mushrooms, herbs and spices.
The market consists of both indoor and outdoor stalls, which cost from €40. "I want to create a real market on a proper shopping day.

"If you go to France or Italy, they have markets every day of the week, and it's a normal shopping experience for them," explains Sean McArdle, organiser of Leopardstown Farmers Market.
The first thing that strikes the customer about the market is the heady smell of cheeses, fish, pates, breads, organic meat, fish and game.
Jean Campbell Jives in Dromahaire, Co Leitrim, she makes a glorious selection of patés, the ingredients of which include "chicken with potcheen and cranberry" and "duck, apricot and brandy". Jean's
Company, Bay Tree Pate, does not use additives or preservatives.
"The idea of making pate came about during the foot-and-mouth crisis, when it became clear that there were very few Irish producers of pate. Retailers found it almost impossible to source pate during the restrictions," explains Jean.

"A local shop asked me to supply some pate on a small scale and the business idea grew from there. I did a 'women in business’ course, organised by the county enterprise board, and took it from there. I have 14 types of pate and can deliver the product nationwide. I supply delis and attend various markets around the country. I have built up a regular clientele and employ one person in the business," adds Jean.
Jean's father, James, was in Leopardstown to lend a hand. Jean has two children, aged 14 and 6, and is expecting a third child in the New Year.

June Knowles, from Glenealy, Co Wicklow, was a first timer at the Leopardstown market last week. June makes dough dolls and had a fine display of products available last Friday.
Each item is individually made and completely unique. Originally from North Wales, June moved to Wicklow with her husband who is a gamekeeper

"! mainly sell my products in a craft shop in Wicklow town, but 1 decided to try the market in Leopardstown. It's nice to be able to speak to each customer and listen to their comments," says June.

Mary Walsh is one local lady who didn't have far to travel. Mary and her sister, Alma, are from Leopardstown. They make all kinds of cakes and pastries: carrot cake, Belgian chocolate cake and an assortment of pastries.
"We also make wedding and birthday cakes. We both trained in Ballymaioe, and Alma, a pastry chef, set up www.ScrummyFoods.com. The online company was set up in February, and most of our business is repeat business.
"It's great to be able to get feedback from the customers, and we try and vary the products from week to week," explains Mary.