Whether you want a sentimental picture for a loved one, or to knit a hat and mittens for the newest member of your family, the market on Meath Street has it all.
Liberties legend Larry Mooney, a trader for around 50 years, says his customers and the market staff are like his family.
He started selling wool in the Liberty Market back in the 1970s and said it’s the tight-knit community spirit that keeps him going.
Larry sells all different types of wool, baby clothing, shawls, and teddies from his stall. But one of the most popular sellers are buttons.
“We’re getting people from Cork, Tipperary, from all over. The people I get have been coming here for years, I call them recycled teenagers,” he said.
“We’ve the same faces every week. We’re starting to get young people for finger wool, some kids do it in the creches. We get lads and ladies from the Philippines and China who come in and buy that wool. I’d teenagers from Tallaght last week looking for wool.
Liberties legend Larry Mooney, a market trader for over 50 years
“The people who come here are human beings, in other shops, they’re just a number. Here, they talk. It’s important, they mightn’t see another sinner if they don’t come here.
“You’re able to tell people that you like their hair when they get it done, it means an awful lot to them, people don’t realise.
“Other shops, you’re in and you’re out. Here, I’ll show people how to do the loops with the wool, that’s what it’s all about in this place.
“I’d never give it up, what would I be doing in the house on my own? I’d prefer to come here and meet people. It’s a real family; everyone rallies around one another.”
A few stalls down is Richard Mangan, who sells personalised gifts from slates, keyrings, jigsaws, mugs, candles, and cushion covers, along with a new line of dog clothes.
“Normally, I do very well at Christmas, they are a great gift. You just need to get the picture ready, give it to me and we’ll have it done in 30 minutes. We print it while you have a ramble around the market,” he said.
“You always get the story behind the photo. Sometimes they bring in a physical photo if they don’t have it on their phone.
“We use the best of inks, even our personalised mugs are still perfect after years and years, you can put them in the microwave and dishwasher. Quality is very important to me.”
Richard Mangan, who sells personalised gifts from slates, keyrings, jigsaws, mugs, candles, and cushion covers
Around the corner is Pat Clare of Whopper Gadgets, who has plenty of perfect stocking fillers for teenagers this Christmas.
“When you put Whopper G into the internet, I think Burger King comes up, but if you go a little further, you might find me,” he said.
“I sell gadgets and gizmos, mostly blokey stuff. We’ve speakers, watches, podcast kits; people are going for them this year.
“I was here one day, and a couple of kids came in. I was selling crazy stuff that people haven’t seen before, they kept saying that’s whopper, so I said okay; Whopper Gadgets.
“I love the buzz here at Christmas. Everyone here is great. I love my customers. I have a website called WhopperG.ie, I believe there are folks who can’t make it into the market.
“Sometimes it’s tough for people to come in, but there’s always bargains in the Liberty Market. I’m semi-retired, but I come here a couple of days a week just for fun. I serve tea and coffee to everyone; it means they have to come to me for a chat.”
Pat Clare of Whopper Gadgets at Liberty Market
Niamh O’Dwyer personally sources unique designer clothes, both new and second-hand, for her stall in the Liberty Market.
“Our stall is called Assisi; Saint Francis of Assisi is a beautiful Italian saint. He had the idea to get rid of all his luxury,” she said.
“St Francis took the vow of poverty, to echo that sentiment, we have a €1 rail. We just don’t have Versace, Dolce and Gabbana, all those fabulous designers. We have a €1 rail in support of Penny Dinners up the road.
“We have print trousers by Prada that were used in Sex and the City. Carrie wore them in the show. They’re about €350, but the great thing is that you can haggle in here.
“The great thing about the market is that we love interacting with everyone. We’re like an art gallery, we have clothes for accountants, people on dating apps over 60, and DJs.”
Just outside the front door, customers can find Billy Armstrong, who has the biggest shoe stall in the country. At Christmas time, he also sells cards and wrapping paper with the full proceeds going to a local charity.
“The market has been here 51 years and I’m here 51 years. For 10 years, I was in my father’s shop just down the road, 61 years on Meath Street,” he said.
“My father started the markets here on Meath Street, people were so interested and would come every week to see what he was selling. You’d be sure it’d be cheap and good value. From this, the butchers moved in, the jewellers.
Matt Burke, the founder of Magic Minds Foundation, is set up at the Mind Your Little Self stall
“I sell Christmas cards with all the proceeds going to charity, last year I gave €850 to the D8 Food Bank. That provided meals for 55 people on Christmas Day.
“This year, we’re doing it for Arthur Griffith Park. My grandson is in it and this year, the profits are going to buy their kits, and it’ll help pay for their minibuses.”
Matt Burke, the founder of Magic Minds Foundation, is set up at the Mind Your Little Self stall.
“I sell holistic products, incense, crystals, buddhas, and jewellery. I see it as an opportunity to exchange energy, these products are all love, kindness, compassion, help, inspiration, and support,” he said.
“For the last 17 years, I’ve been into this. I had a challenging childhood and a challenging life, then I started turning things around, I turned to meditation and mindfulness. I love helping people now.”
