Dublin Destination Guide

  Places to See in Dublin

  Events & Nightlife in Dublin

  Eating out in Dublin

  Shopping in Dublin

  3 Perfect Days in Dublin
 
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Shopping
Guide to Shopping in Dublin

Dublin is a pleasant place to shop with mainstream European stores well interspersed with markets and specialist shops selling an eclectic mix of arts crafts and clothing. Although unlikely to be a destination for a dedicated shopping holiday it's certainly worth spending a day exploring for the sheer variety of merchandise on offer.

Be aware that during public holidays opening times may vary, and some stores will not open at all.

Where to Shop

Best areas

For the most part, shopping in Dublin is centred around the two pedestrianised shopping areas on either side of the river. On the North Side there's the area around O'Connell and Henry streets, and on the South Side, only a few minutes' walk away, is Grafton Street, address of some of the most expensive and best shops in the city. Also, check out the Castle Market area behind the Powerscourt Townhouse near Grafton Street, an area full of small shops and eateries, and a perfect browsing environment.

The Powerscourt Townhouse itself - or Powerscourt Centre as it is officially known, on South William Street, is one of the best places to find original clothes and household items. Located in a Georgian townhouse, the stylish shopping centre is home to the Design Centre which stocks clothing by leading Irish and international designers as well as several antiques shops selling predominantly jewellery, but also collector's items such as silverware and portrait miniatures. A number of more run-of-the-mill high street and independent stores and a choice of cafés and restaurants make it easy to spend several hours here if you so wish.

One place to look out for is the House of Ireland on Nassau Street (south of Trinity College), a must-visit shop if you're on the lookout for decent quality Irish souvenirs, including crystal, knitwear and linen. Department stores in Dublin include Brown Thomas in Grafton Street and the huge Arnott's in Henry Street, both chock-full of decent stock. Avoca (11-13 Suffolk St) is also definitely worth a look with its seven floors of clothes, accessories and household items, much of which is produced by Irish designers.

Markets

If you like your markets then Dublin is definitely the city for you. A popular haunt is the Blackrock Market. Geared towards tourists it sells locally produced arts, crafts and fine foodstuffs. Located in a Georgian period building on Main Street it is undoubtedly one of Dublin's most attractive market settings. Open: Sat 11h00-17h30; Sun 12h00-17h30.

Cows Lane Fashion & Design Market is a good spot to hunt for original jewellery and clothing, most of it emanating from the vibrant scene of young Irish designers residing in the city. It is held on Saturdays from 10h00-17h30.

The frenetic Temple Bar quarter of the city offers yet more markets. A book fair is held every Saturday in the square. Some collectable works are hidden among the mounds of secondhand paperbacks that tourists energetically paw through so some careful rummaging often pays off. The quarter's second market is held in the district's Meeting House Square and offers fine, delicatessen-style foods. There is an Irish flavour to it all with the country's best and most inventive producers hawking local oysters, handmade chocolates and specialist cheeses. It's well worth having a look and a taste of what's there each week.

What to Buy

Ireland's tourist shops are inundated with "themed" souvenirs. In Ireland this means leprechauns, shamrocks and all the tricoloured fripperies you can think of, often cheaply made. The exception is the genuine Guinness merchandise, which is of surprisingly good quality. Cheap imitations aren't uncommon however.

If you want to spend a bit more Dublin offers a good line in arts and crafts. Look out for jewellery in particular. Dublin is very much a jeweller's city and it's worth roaming around to find exactly what you want. Celtic designs in silver and white gold have become extremely popular and the traditional Irish design of the "Claddagh" (two hands holding a heart) makes a good souvenir. Start at Weirs, on Grafton Street.

Other items to look out for include Irish linen - still regarded as among the best quality in the world - and Waterford crystal, which, although not produced in Dublin, is widely available in the city.

Opening Hours

Shops are generally open from 09h00-18h00 or 19h00 Mon-Sat. Stores have late night opening on Thursday until 21h00 and are open from 12h00-18h00 on Sundays.

Tax Refund

Value added tax (VAT) of 21% is levied on most goods and services in Ireland. When leaving the country, non-European tourists can apply for a tax refund on any goods bought that are to be exported.

To reclaim your tax you need to purchase goods from shops participating in Tax-free Shopping programme (look out for the Tax-free Shopping logo displayed in the window). Simply show your passport when you make a purchase and you will be given a Tax-free Shopping Cheque showing the refund you are owed. As you leave the country, customs officials will stamp your cheques allowing you to claim your refund immediately from the Tax-free Shopping desk. Alternatively you can have the refund sent to you.

Please note, that not all shops participate in the refund scheme, so it is best to ask before you buy.

 

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