Car boot sales are a great place to spot a bargain. They are a form or market where individuals come together to sell their household or garden goods. It is very popular in the UK, which has progressed to Ireland. They are often referred to as “car boots” as you essentially fill up your car boot full of your goods to sell to the public. A number of these take place in Ireland, and there are some fantastic ones. You should check out a car boot sale in Cork.
Kilcully Car Boot Sale
Directions: Kilcully Scout Campsite, Cork City
Admission Fees: Adult €2 | Children Free
Ballydehob Car Boot Sale
About: Another fantastic car boot sale in Cork is the Ballydehob one. It again features both an inside and outside area for traders. The car boot sale will run from 8 in the morning to 3 in the afternoon. Similar to other sales you must bring your own displays so get there earlier and start setting up your table. There are refreshments and toilets available on-site.
Location: The Community Hall, Ballydehob, West Cork
Seller Fees: Car or Van €10
Admission Fees: Free
Next Sale: Sunday 16th October
Belgooly Car Boot Sale
Location: Belgooly GAA Grounds, Belgooly, Co.Cork
Seller Fees: Car €10
Admission Fees: Adult €2 | Children Free
Blarney Car Boot Sale
Location: Blarney GAA Club, Castle Close Road, Blarney, Co.Cork
Seller Fees: Car €15 | Van €20
Admission Fees: Adult €3 | Club Members Free
Carrigaline Car Boot Sale
Location: The Circus Field, Crosshaven Road, Carrigaline, Co.Cork
Carrigtwohill Car Boot Sale
Location: Carrigtwohill Community Centre, Carrigtwohill, Co.Cork
Castlemarty Car Boot Sale
Location: Castleymartyr GAA Grounds, Castlemartyr, Co.Cork
Castletownroche Car Boot Sale
About: Castletownroche is a fun and lively car boot sale, one of our favourites. There are lots of spaces to park. You will find several trading pitches available for traders inside and outside. Some car boot sales will require you to book in advance but feel free to rock up at Castletownroche Car Boot Sale.
It is an excellent location for a car boot sale in Cork as there is an inside area, perfect for the Irish weather. There are also food and beverages available inside, so don’t worry, you won’t go hungry in Castletownroche! It’s a great way to get mingled in with the community, especially if you’re new to the area.
Location: Castletownroche, Co.Cork
Sale: Sundays fortnightly
Seller Fees: Car €8 | Van €15
Admission Fees: Adults €2 | Children Free
Rathcormac Car Boot Sale
About: The Rathcormac Car Boot Sale is run exceptionally well, and you will find stewards around if help is needed. There are plenty of refreshments available on-site, so you don’t have to go far for a cup of tea! Of course, toilets are essential, and there are toilet facilities on-site if you require them.
It is always advised to set up early to get an excellent location to start trading. You will need to bring your own display so get creative with this. Traders typically use tables or sheets to display their items. We would recommend at least using tables, it looks more professional.
Location: The Community Field, Rathcormac, Co.Cork
Seller Fees: Cars €10 | Vans €15 | Large Vans €20
Buyer Fees: €2
Next Sale: Sunday 9th October.
Preparing as a Car Boot Sale Seller in Cork
- Inventory: Start by gathering items you no longer need but believe could find a new home. This can range from books, DVDs, clothes, toys, to small pieces of furniture.
- Pricing: Label your items with clear, reasonable prices. Consider bundling items for a deal (e.g., three books for €5) to encourage more sales.
- Presentation: Your stall’s layout is crucial. Use tables, racks, or even a colourful cloth to make items more accessible and visually appealing. A well-organised stall can significantly increase your sales. Usually when we see a disorganised stall we tend to drive on and look at the next one.
- Change and Payments: Ensure you have plenty of change and consider using a money belt. With the rise of digital payments, exploring portable card readers could also broaden your customer base. We also recommend taking digital payments. you could always use something like Revolut.
Tips for Buyers
- Early Bird Gets the Worm: Arriving early at a car boot sale can give you access to the best items. Sellers are more likely to negotiate prices towards the end of the sale, but the selection might be limited.
- Haggling: Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices, but always be respectful. We always recommend to offer a fair price that benefits both you and the seller.
- Inspection: Thoroughly check items for any damage or wear and tear. Ask sellers if you can test electronic devices or inspect items out of their boxes.
- Reusable Bags: Bring your own bags to carry your finds. Not only is it eco-friendly, but it also makes shopping at multiple stalls more manageable.
Finding Car Boot Sales
While this guide focuses on Cork, car boot sales are a nationwide tradition. Websites, social media groups, and community boards are excellent resources for finding sales in your area or across Ireland. We can’t always update the post so if you have any info on upcoming or your local car boot sale isn’t listed contact us today by email at info@irishcars.ie.
Ciaran is an automotive enthusiast with a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Creative Digital Media from MTU in Ireland and over three years of experience in digital marketing. His unique background combines a love for storytelling with a strong grasp of engaging content creation, making complex car topics relatable and easy to understand. Through years of managing this blog, Ciaran has expanded his automotive knowledge while helping everyday drivers gain new insights.
Passionate about demystifying the driving world, Ciaran focuses on simplifying car trends, tech updates, and practical driving tips. He believes that everyone should feel confident and informed behind the wheel, offering content that empowers readers to make smart, well-informed decisions.
