6 of the most wondrous Cork destinations for vintage and antique hunting
Antique shopping is truly an art form.
There’s something deeply satisfying about uncovering that perfect, one-of-a-kind piece and breathing new life into it—whether it’s a weathered mirror, a vintage chair, or a forgotten treasure.
For those looking to live more sustainably without sacrificing style, antique and vintage hunting is the perfect way to furnish your home with unique, thoughtful ‘forever’ pieces—often for the same price (or less!) than a quick trip to IKEA.
Lucky for us, Cork is full of hidden gems. The city boasts a variety of quirky antique stores, each one run by passionate, seasoned spotters who can help you uncover your next statement piece.
Here are six shops to check out this weekend:
1. Mother Jones Flea Market
Where: York Street (off Mac Curtain Street), Cork City
Mother Jones Flea Market in Cork is a beloved local treasure, brimming with charm and character. Situated in the heart of the city, this eclectic market is a hotspot for vintage lovers, bargain hunters, and those who appreciate quirky, one-of-a-kind finds
The atmosphere is always buzzing with energy, and you’ll often find a good crowd of regulars and newcomers alike, all exploring the diverse range of furniture, vintage clothing, odds and ends and decor.
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2. RH Vintage
Where: Connonagh, Leap, West Cork
This well-known vintage and antique store has been enticing treasure hunters down to Cononnagh in Leap for years. Offering a curated selection of unique, high-quality affordable pieces, they stock two large rooms with vintage furniture, home decor, and accessories.
Whether you’re after mid-century modern furniture, quirky collectibles, or timeless antiques, RH Vintage Cork has something for everyone.
Plus they’ve got a gorgeous new coffee shop and flower market right outside.
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3. Salvagem
Where: 6 and 7 MacCurtain Street, Cork City
This antique and vintage workshop and store located on MacCurtain Street is owned by Michael Wall, who had humble Harry Potter-style beginnings when he first started out, operating from under a stairwell in 27a.
The name ‘Salvagem’ reflects the purpose of this unique Cork business: to salvage and repurpose old furniture that would otherwise end up in the skip.
All of Michael’s pieces are handmade and repurposed using upcycled material. There are beautiful lamps crafted with frames from the 1930s and 50s, with lampshades made from old Japanese kimono silk and vintage designer fabrics in cotton and natural fibres.
Other pieces such as dressers, couches, chairs and tables are all given a new lease of life in the Salvagem workshop before they hit the shop floor.
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4. St Luke’s
Just up the street is the HQ of St. Luke’s, an online store that sells some very unusual vintage pieces found in Ireland, the UK, France and America as well as a lovely collection of new and trendy homewares.
From vintage French tableware and stoneware, to enamel signs and quirky antique posters, these curators of unusual and once-sentimental objects are sure to have something to spike your curiosity.
It’s a brilliant spot to find a fabulous gift for a vintage fan too. You can check out the website here.
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5. Willow Antiques
Where: Douglas Road, Cork
Open by appointment only, Willow Antiques offers a combination of antique furniture and home decor pieces, all artfully arranged and utterly covetable.
Their chairs, tables and dressers add an inviting, warm vibe to any room – it’s no wonder that pieces featured on their Instagram fly out the door.
Check out their feed for more details or shop online here.
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6. The Store Yard
Where: 94 North Main Street, Youghal
The Store Yard will appeal to fans of furniture that is almost aristocratic with hints of maximalism – a trend that is currently seeing a real resurgence in the home decor space.
If you’re on the hunt for a handsome refectory table or a lush button-back sofa, this should be your first port of call. You’ll see plenty of larger-than-life pieces in-store with shops in Youghal and Portlaoise, but you can also shop online.
The Store Yard in Youghal opens on Fridays by appointment only and on Saturdays from 10am to 5pm.
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