Queens Visit to Cork!

This morning I was in the city centre early and decided to stroll through the English Market (while I still can) which due to the impending visit of Queen Elizabeth next Friday is becoming the talk of the town!It will be closed off to the public during the visit for security reasons but after the visit everyone is welcome again,and I believe hampers similar to one given to the Queen will be available to buy online at www.localmarkets.ie .Everything from meat,fish,veg.cakes,household,clothes and cafes make up the market and a visit is a must for the tourist.The Farmgate cafe upstairs is my favourite to spend an hour and people watch from the lofty heights!
The focal point in the market is this colourful fountain where there were plenty of tourists around it this morning.The hen on the left is not real by the way!
Not sure about the no laughing area sign here,maybe the stall holder is a sensitive guy?
View from the upstairs cafe in the market looking out onto Princes St.
Mini Irish and coffee for me!
The self service side upstairs at the Farmgate cafe,normally by 11.00am it is hard to find an empty seat!Lovely teas/coffee,sandwiches and desserts are served,and you can have a good old spy on everyone walking through the market as well!

The table service side of the Farmgate cafe upstairs in the market where a sign proclaims "the market is our larder",all ingredients are sourced downstairs from the various stalls and local cuisine like Irish Stew,oysters,sheperds pie,bacon and cabbage can be enjoyed.
OConnells fish stall is a landmark stall here for many years being started by the boys late Mother and now run successfully by them.If it swims they sell it!
The ABC bread company are always very busy selling their various breads.
Now to await the next VIP to our country!