Kilmallock has long been a market town. The mart is held once a week and attracts a large gathering of people from throughout the area.

Historically, Kilmallock once held the largest hiring fair in Munster where labourers would travel from Kerry and North West Cork offering their employment.

The town was an important junction in the south of Ireland often referred to as the Cross roads of Munster. This created a place where many peoples paths crossed.