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Mother Jones Flea Market

Cork’s lively indoor weekend flea market, packed with vintage clothes, vinyl, antiques, crafts, and local flavour in the heart of the city.

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Housed in the historic Thompson House on York Street, Mother Jones Flea Market is Cork’s vibrant indoor weekend bazaar. Packed with vintage clothing, retro furniture, vinyl records, bric‑a‑brac, handmade crafts, and local jewellery, it’s a treasure‑hunter’s paradise. A small café serves food and drinks, and the atmosphere is lively with music and friendly stallholders. Open Friday to Sunday, it’s a must‑visit for anyone seeking quirky finds and local character in the heart of Cork city.

A brief summary to Mother Jones Flea Market

  • City, 2 York St, Cork, Centre, T23 DX8X, IE
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.5 to 2.5 hours
  • Budget
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on a Saturday afternoon for the liveliest atmosphere, when most stalls are fully stocked and music is often playing.
  • Bring cash as well as cards; some smaller stalls may prefer or only accept cash, especially for small purchases.
  • Allow at least an hour to browse properly, but be prepared to linger longer if you’re a serious treasure hunter or vinyl collector.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Cork city centre, it’s a 5–10 minute walk along McCurtain Street to York Street. The market is clearly visible at the corner, in the distinctive Thompson House building.

  • Public transport

    Several city bus routes stop within a 5–7 minute walk of the market on St Patrick’s Street and Grand Parade. From there, follow signs towards McCurtain Street and walk to York Street.

  • Car

    Street parking is limited in the immediate area; most visitors use nearby city centre car parks, which are a 5–10 minute walk away. The market is best accessed on foot from these lots.

Mother Jones Flea Market location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Mother Jones Flea Market

A weekend bazaar in the heart of Cork

Tucked into the corner of York Street and McCurtain Street, Mother Jones Flea Market occupies the distinctive Thompson House, a characterful building that now pulses with the energy of a modern flea market. Open only on weekends, this indoor market has quickly become a favourite haunt for locals and visitors alike who love rummaging through racks of vintage clothes, browsing stacks of second‑hand books, and hunting for retro furniture and quirky household items. The layout is informal and inviting, with stalls clustered across the ground floor, each offering a different slice of Cork’s creative and nostalgic spirit.

Treasures, vinyl, and handmade crafts

What sets Mother Jones apart is its eclectic mix. Alongside vintage clothing and well‑loved furniture, you’ll find a dedicated vinyl section – affectionately known as the ‘Vinyl Asylum’ – where collectors can dig through LPs and 45s across genres and decades. Antiques stalls often feature pieces being restored on site, while jewellery cabinets display everything from costume pieces to fine vintage finds. Local artisans sell handmade crafts, prints, and unique gifts, making it a great place to pick up something truly one‑of‑a‑kind. The mix of old and new, practical and decorative, gives the market a distinctly personal, almost cabinet‑of‑curiosities feel.

Food, music, and local atmosphere

A small café within the market serves hot drinks, snacks, and light meals, turning the space into a place to linger as well as shop. On busy days, live music or recorded tunes add to the upbeat, community‑driven vibe. Stallholders are typically friendly and happy to chat about their wares, whether it’s the history of a vintage piece or the inspiration behind a handmade item. The market’s weekend opening hours make it a natural destination for a relaxed afternoon out, especially when combined with exploring nearby streets, shops, and eateries in central Cork.

Practicalities and visitor experience

The market is compact and easy to navigate, with most visitors spending an hour or two browsing at a leisurely pace. It’s well‑suited to casual exploration rather than a long, structured visit. Because it’s indoors, it’s a good option on rainy days, and the weekend timing fits well with a city break itinerary. While there’s no formal admission fee, spending depends entirely on how many treasures you choose to take home. The atmosphere is relaxed and inclusive, appealing to solo browsers, couples, and small groups who enjoy browsing and discovering unexpected finds.

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