Shopping in Ireland: A Top Insider Guide

Updated On: April 08, 2024 by   ConnollyCove

Ireland is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Nicknamed the Emerald Isle for its lush green landscapes, a quick stopover at it, even for a night or two, can be incredibly rewarding.

Shopping buffs will be pleased to know that Ireland is actually a treasure box of artisan, handmade, and local heritage products. It has everything from vibrant local independent shops to a buzzing creative scene and a well-established and fine-tuned sense of fashion and design that has put it front and centre as one of Europe’s most dynamic destinations for shopping tourism.

Wander the streets and shops around Dublin’s city centre, or, better yet, drive half an hour from Dublin to the rolling countryside to explore the charming shops in nearby Kildare Village.

If the luck of the Irish is with you, you will find a thing or two worth squeezing into your suitcase to bring home. Here are some insider tips about shopping in Ireland and how to get around. Slàinte!

First, a Little Bit of History

In the middle of the 20th century, most shops in Ireland were small family-run businesses. There was no abundance of substantial department stores as it is now, except for one large department store in Dublin called Clerys.

To your knowledge, Clerys was one of the world’s first and most prominent department stores, and it was founded on the corners of O’Connell Street in Dublin in 1853. To shed even more excitement, there are plans to renovate the store and make it brim with customers again.

Since the 1940s onwards, many bigger shops have opened in Ireland. The first-ever Dunnes Stores shop was opened in Cork at the beginning of this. The first Dunnes Stores were drapery shops; however, in the 1960s, Dunnes also opened as a grocery store.

The first-ever shopping centre (mall) built in Ireland was Stillorgan Shopping Centre in Dublin in 1966, which houses over 50 retailers, including Tesco and Dunnes Stores.

Things to Shop for in Ireland

Irish Chocolate

Ireland is one of the best places in Europe to go to if you are a fan of milk chocolate. The secret to Irish chocolate is Ireland’s super creamy milk. Due to the country’s year-round temperate climate, Ireland is rich in healthy and nourishing green landscapes.

This perfect weather benefits dairy cows, and hence, cow’s milk becomes much more creamy and rich. Of course, Cadbury’s is the biggest chocolate brand in Ireland and perhaps its finest.

If you have a little more money and want to indulge in a refined taste, head for Butlers Chocolate. They have a wide range of products, including hot chocolate, chocolate bars, and blocks of chocolate in various flavours. You can also buy a gift box of different luxury-filled chocolates.

Butlers always have something to suit everyone (they even have Irish whiskey-flavoured chocolate!). Furthermore, chocolatiers such as Bean and Goose use local Irish ingredients like elderflower, blackberries, fennel, and rosemary in their cult-favourite confections.

Pottery

Ireland is full of experts in pottery. The range runs from traditional, Celtic-themed pieces for everyday use to one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted modern objects. You can visit craft shops like Kiltrea Pottery, Belleek Pottery and Castle Arch Pottery.

There are functional pieces such as a platter, mugs or bowls, or perhaps look for something more decorative, such as a wall plaque or Christmas ornament.

Claddagh Ring

The Claddagh Ring is a traditional ring that represents love, loyalty, and friendship. It can be worn by both men and women. The ring has three sections: the heart, which symbolises love; the crown, which symbolises loyalty; and the clasped hands, which represent friendship.

Fun facts: when it is worn on the right hand with the tip of the heart pointed towards you, it means you are in a relationship. If it’s pointed outwards, you are single and available.

Dissimilarly, wearing it on the left hand with the tip of the heart pointed towards you means you are married. If it’s pointed outwards, it means that you’re engaged.

Foxford Blankets

There’s a reason Foxford is one of the last working mills in Ireland. You see, their lavish blankets stand the test of time and are very accommodating for a chilly Irish night.

Founded in 1982, the mill uses traditional techniques passed down through generations to produce blankets of all kinds, from sturdy wools to luxurious mohairs in more contemporary styles and conventional Irish tartans.

Donegal Tweeds

Sturdy tweed fabrics have been a part of Irish design and craftsmanship culture for centuries. These fabrics are usually made to withstand brutal cold and rainy climates. Nowadays, County Donegal in the north of Ireland is the country’s last fort of splendid garment manufacturing.

Magee, Molloy & McNutt is the largest remaining mill in the country, dating back to 1866. The mill produces much of the region’s tweeds, as well as others produced at the homes of local artisans. Handweaving itself is a fascinating skill that has been passed down through the generations.

Irish Aran Wool Knits

When looking for Irish Aran garments, whether sweaters, gloves, scarves, or hats, there’s something to suit everybody. These gorgeous knits will keep anyone warm and stylish. Available in a range of designs and colours for men, women, and children, there’s something to suit everybody.

What’s fascinating is that every single stitch is steeped in tradition and symbolism: the cable knits symbolise fishermen’s ropes and a wish for a massive catch; diamond stitches symbolise the Irish moss farmers use to fertilise fields, and zig-zag stitches recall the craggy cliffs along Ireland’s coast.

Our Recommendations for Shopping In Ireland

Dundrum Town Centre — Dublin

Whether it’s the old aroma of renowned fancy department stores that you crave or the glamorous nature of open-air markets and stationaries, there is always something within walking distance in Dublin’s city centre.

The Dundrum Shopping Centre has become the prime suburban shopping centre in the country and features a broad range of shops and restaurants to keep you occupied for the entire day.

Several high-end department stores feature lavish products, while boutiques, sports, supply shops, and baby-oriented stores are all under one roof. The centre itself is airy and bright, with the Mill Theatre nearby, a mini-golf park, and a cinema. There is plenty to occupy both adults and children well into the evening.

The shopping centre will make for an enjoyable shopping experience in Ireland!

Blanchardstown Shopping Centre — Dublin

The Blanchardstown Centre is one of Ireland’s most prominent shopping centres. It is a two-story mall with 120 shops, restaurants, and a nine-screen multiplex cinema. The main entrances are highlighted by large pavilion structures with white steel superstructures incorporating coloured sails.

Extensive use of natural light and ventilation and a selection of internal finishes, including a light-reflecting mirror, ceramic tile flooring, stone cladding, and white plaster ceiling and walls, create a fresh, crisp, bright interior. Planting is extensive internally and externally.

Whitewater Shopping Centre — Newbridge, Co. Kildare

The 27,500-square-metre Whitewater Shopping Centre opened its doors in April 2006 and has more than 70 retailers, including Debenhams, Marks & Spencer, Boots, Starbucks, River Island, Zara, and H&M. It is Ireland’s largest regional shopping centre. The centre also has a 6-screen cinema that opened in December 2009 and approximately 1,700 parking spaces.

Mahon Point Shopping Center — Cork

The Mahon Point Shopping Centre is Munster’s second-largest shopping centre. With over 2000 free parking spaces and over 50 shops, you won’t get bored in this fantastic centre.

Mahon Point has a wide range of retail outlets, including Debenhams, Oasis, Zara, Next, Monsoon, French Connection, Carraig Donn, Champions Sports, Best Menswear, and Pamela Scott. For the kids, there is a Kid Zone centre for the younger ones and a cinema for the older kids.

With many places to sit down and eat, you can spend the entire day at Mahon Point Shopping Centre, a great shopping experience in Ireland.

Jervis Shopping Centre — Dublin

Since 1996, Jervis Shopping Centre has established itself as one of Dublin’s most successful and vibrant shopping destinations. It is strategically located on Dublin’s busiest shopping street, Henry/Mary Street, and is also near Temple Bar and O’Connell Street.

Its tenant line-up includes a carefully selected mix of domestic, UK, and European retailers such as Miss Selfridge, M&S, Bershka, Next, and Stradivarius. The building essentially houses a wide range of stores, including fashion, books, music, technology, and an envious selection of dining options on several floors. The car park, accommodating 750 vehicles, is accessed via Jervis Street.

Eyre Square Centre — Galway

Eyre Square Centre is the most modern shopping centre in Ireland, but it also has a historic element. Located in Galway City, the centre is a lively and attractive meeting place offering over 70 shops, including a mix of local Irish retailers as well as the best-known.

High-end brands include Penneys, New Look, JD Sports, Mothercare, Specsavers, Vera Moda, Jack and Jones, Dunnes Stores, and many more. The Shopping Centre also has a selection of cafe-style eateries offering shoppers a range of choices from tasty nibbles to coffee and snacks.

Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre — Dublin

At the top of Grafton Street and in the heart of town stands a striking iron and glass shopping destination called Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, like none you have seen before. Always crowded with local visitors and tourists, the retail hub’s impressive interior is astonishing to look at and boasts elegant balustrades and staircases, a giant centrepiece clock, and a gleaming glass roof and dome.

Over 100 shops inhabit its three levels, from the large Dunnes at the back to many smaller independent units dotted throughout, offering many retail possibilities and gift goodies.

Interrupt your shopping and enjoy dessert, coffee and a people-watching spot at The Dome Restaurant. It opened in 1988, and the centre is worth your time.

The Ilac Centre — Dublin

The ILAC Centre is off Henry Street and borders Moore Street across from the Dublin Central site. A substantial refurbishment of the ILAC shopping centre was completed in 2008 to accommodate the needs of everyday shoppers.

It comprises 27,084 square meters of retail space, excluding anchors and is connected to 1,000 car spaces. ILAC is brimming with Dunnes Stores and Debenhams.

Shopping in Ireland is underappreciated. Whether you’re after jewellery by a local contemporary designer or buying traditional goods, the options are exciting and vast. You will get to sample Dublin’s best cinnamon buns and picnic-picking at gourmet food halls.

Shopping in Ireland should be an unmissable experience for anyone visiting the Emerald Isle, not to mention scoping the city’s ‘antique street’ and pouring over Irish poetry in an independent bookstore.

ConnollyCove would love to know where your favourite places to go shopping in Ireland are. In the comments below, share your shopping gems.

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