Dublin is Ireland’s shopping mecca. You’ll find something for everyone here from luxury designers and high-street favourites to independent and second-hand shopping. You’ll find craft markets in local parks and super-sized shopping centres – nothing beats a shopping trip to Dublin city centre.
Save money on overpriced Dublin hotels on your shopping trip; choose an alternative accommodation type with a budget hotel like DCU Rooms. We offer a range of accommodation options from suites to shared facility bedrooms. You can choose the accommodation type you need and save money to spend on more shopping!
In this article, we’ll list down 5 of the best shopping experiences in Dublin Ireland!
1. High Street Shopping
If you’re a follower of trends and love a bargain, head to Dublin’s main shopping thoroughfare Henry Street & Mary Street. You’ll find high street favourites like Zara, H&M, Bershka, River Island and so many more packed with the latest fashions. Aldo, Clarks, and Schuh will provide on-trend footwear while Boots, The Chemist Warehouse and the Perfume Shop are packed with cosmetics and scents to remember your time in Dublin. Ilac and Jervis shopping centres are on Henry Street and have over 100 shops stores and outlets combined.
You can also pick up a quick and tasty meal from McDonald’s, KFC, O’Brien’s and many other restaurants along the way. You’ll be spoiled for choice.
2. Luxury Shopping in Dublin
For a more high-end shopping experience, walk across the River Liffey, about 15 minutes from Henry Street to Grafton Street. Grafton Street has lots of luxury brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Space NK, And Other Stories and so many more selling the perfect gifts for you or your loved ones.
Stephens Green shopping centre, an architectural work of art inside, has over 100 stores with clothing, accessories, and homeware, many of which are alternative and independent shops. Brown Thomas is Ireland’s leading luxury brand store, and they stock all of the well-known brands like Gucci, Balmain, Louis Vuitton, Charlotte Tilbury and plenty more.
Grafton Street is also the best spot in Dublin to listen to some of our talented buskers.
3. Independent Shopping in Dublin
While we love the range of brand names and shops available in Dublin, there is something extra special about shopping small. At a time when independent businesses need our help more than ever, shopping in local Irish brand shops is so important to ensure their future.
You’ll find lots of alternative boutiques dotted along the side streets around Grafton Street, down Camden Street and in more unique shopping malls like Georges Arcade. Here you’ll find truly unique and great quality clothing and gifts, ideal to remember a great day out in the city. Pick up some art in the fantastic Jam Art Factory, cards and gifts in Designist or locally made jewellery and skincare in the Irish Design Shop.
This is where shopping in Dublin really shines.
Also Read: 4 Things to Consider When Promoting Your Event on Social Media
4. Vintage and second-hand shopping in Dublin
With all this talk of reduce & reuse and the circular economy, how can you justify a shopping trip to Dublin? Simple; take the opportunity to browse the many, MANY second-hand and vintage clothing shops on both sides of the river and in many suburbs.
You find a great selection of unique shops along Camden and Georges Street selling things like books, textiles, shoes and toys. For a more tailored experience try vintage shops like Nine Crows, Dublin Vintage Factory, Kilo, Tola Vintage and many more dotted around the city. Give clothes shoes and accessories a second chance and enjoy browsing for a bargain. You’re sure to find something unique that you’d never find on the high street.
5. Markets in Dublin
While Dublin doesn’t have a single long-standing market, there are plenty to choose from around the city on certain dates. The colourful neighbourhood of The Liberties in Dublin 8 has the lovely Patricks Park Book Market every Sunday with a good selection of stalls where local people sell books, records, gifts, crystals and more – perfect Sunday afternoon activity.
The Digital Hub, across from the famous Guinness Storehouse, has a market on the last Sunday of every month, sometimes with a fun theme. Closer to home, The Red Stables Market is open Saturdays from 10am-4pm in St Annes Park once a month and is filled with local food suppliers and producers. Stoneybatter Farmers Market is a weekly affair where you can pick up some crafts or the makings of a fantastic meal.
Keep an eye out on social media and local noticeboards for the most up-to-date markets.
Author Bio: Katie McGarr is one of the passionate writers for DCU Rooms, a cheap accommodation in Dublin for frugal travelers who’d love to experience the astonishing beauty of the city on a budget. This travel buff enjoys writing and sharing articles about money-saving hacks on hotel accommodation, airfare, dining, shopping, and getting around the city.
