Charles and Camilla begin Ireland tour with trip to Cork's English Market

Charles and Camilla are making their fourth successive visit to the Republic and have spent the past few days touring Northern Ireland.

After visiting Belfast on Tuesday the couple ended their visit by travelling to Omagh on Wednesday, travelling to the scene of one of the biggest mass killings in the Northern Ireland conflict.

The heir to the throne and his wife reflected in silence at a memorial garden dedicated to 29 people and two unborn babies killed by the Real IRA Omagh car bomb blast in August 1998.

Clarence House said about the visit to the Republic: “Made at the request of the British Government, their royal highnesses’ visit to Ireland will highlight the essential partnership and friendship between the two nations, as well as the deep connections between their people.

“This is the fourth visit their royal highnesses have made to Ireland in as many years, and offers a further opportunity to celebrate the enduring nature of the relationship.”

Charles and Camilla will begin their day at Cork’s English Market, which is celebrating its 230th anniversary this year.

It first began trading meat in 1788 but fish, vegetables, fruit and other goods were later added and today it serves all markets, from those wanting the latest trends in cuisine to locals buying traditional fare such as tripe or blood pudding known as drisheen.

Later the heir to the throne and his wife will attend a civic reception at Cork’s City Hall where the prince will give a speech to invited guests.

The couple will carry out separate itineraries with the prince visiting University College Cork, the National Maritime College of Ireland and a naval base, while the duchess will tour the Cuanlee Refuge, and the National Guide Dogs Training Centre.