Milltown

Slow Times at Milltown Market

In this crazily hectic world in which we live, we've become all too familiar with the concept of Fast Food. There are, however, alternatives – the polar opposite to Fast Food being Slow Food.

Founded on the belief that everyone has a fundamental right to pleasure, the Slow Food movement believes that with this right comes the responsibility to protect the heritage of food and the tradition and culture that make this pleasure possible. The movement is founded upon this concept of eco-gastronomy - a recognition of the strong connections between plate and planet.

Slow Food is good, clean and fair food that tastes great and is produced in a way that does not harm the environment, animal welfare or people's health.

The Milltown Farmers Market embraces the concept of Slow Food and is one of the most comprehensive organic markets in Ireland, taking place in the Old Church every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Old Church is also home to the organic center from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. every Tuesday to Friday.

"The market has been here for roughly six years and was set up by Mary O' Riordan to provide a market place for local producers while at the same time preserving this beautiful old church" said Mr. van Kan, "and my wife, Rebekah, and I have been running it for the past year or so."

The Market has up to fifteen stalls selling a full range of foods, including meat, fish, vegetables, bread, wine and prepared food. In addition, a full range of products for organic gardeners and farmers, from worm systems to seeds and fertilizers, is also available.

The Old Church in Milltown is full of character and the Farmers' Market is full of characters, like Giovanelli Daniele, an Italian living in Glenbeigh. There may be a more entertaining way to buy sun dried tomatoes, which are actually cheaper than the supermarket chains, but I've not found it.

For more information on the Milltown Market log on to http://www.milltownfarmersmarket.com/ or call Rebekah van Kan on 066 976 7869