I was thrilled to finally attend the Original Navan Market. This was my second outdoor market experience, but the sheer scale – easily 175 vendors sprawling across the grounds – was breathtaking. The weather was a comfortable 25C with a little rain now an again but mainly a warm sunny day.

 A quarter of the vendors offered food and drink – a veritable feast for the senses! From fiery pizza cooked in an outdoor fire pit to delicate authentic Indian foods, craft beers to creamy ice cream, the choices were endless. Tables and chairs dotted an area of the market, inviting patrons to relax, dine, and enjoy the entertainment – a lively mix of enthusiastic young singers, line dancers, and the three-hour-long set by Dean Rodd, whose performance kept the crowd dancing throughout the afternoon. Jan (my ever-supportive partner, and fellow animal lover) and I were particularly captivated by the sheer variety of dogs present, with a breed representation so diverse it became more enjoyable than people-watching.   

The market buzzed with activity – a wonderful blend of tantalizing aromas and cheerful chatter. You could spend hours wandering, and sampling delicious treats, chatting with artisans, and admiring unique home décor items and exquisite jewelry. We encountered a couple of magnificent wolfhounds, a very long dachshund that moved at an incredible slow speed, various bulldogs, terriers, and sheepdogs. A stunning black and white Newfoundland, freshly groomed, caught our eye, as did a tiny Scottish terrier named Millie who decided the shade beside my booth was her kingdom for the day. The sight of her elderly owners trying (and failing!) to coax her away was endlessly amusing. The heat got to the Newfoundland – she was panting heavily and drooling. Jan and I offered her water from a small bowl, which she lapped up with gusto, much to her owner’s surprise. The owner never thought she would drink out of such a small bowl.

Amidst the excitement, I even managed to sell two plant stakes, though for reasons I never anticipated. Instead of beautifying potted plants, my customers were using them to safeguard their rose bush from the over-zealous attentions of their gardener’s lawnmower. Apparently, the stakes would act as a visual deterrent, ensuring the gardener would see, and therefore avoid, the prized roses. Leaving the market, both Jan and I were exhausted but exhilarated. The Navan Market wasn’t just a marketplace; it was a vibrant, community-driven event that had left a lasting impression. And I hope to have the opportunity to return.