Shopping in Dublin | Where to Go, What to Buy & Insider Tips
No matter if you are searching for high-street fashion or seeking something exclusive to buy in Dublin, the Irish capital has a multifunctional retail experience. It combines the charm of the past and the luxury of the modern day.
Shopping in Dublin is so good because it is a tight fit. One can pass through the designer windows of Southside to the noise of high-street centres of Northside within ten minutes.
This Dublin shopping guide would cover the best-known streets of the city, the biggest shopping centres in the city and the secret markets where the locals discover their best treasures. We have also added a first-of-its-kind shopping itinerary in order to move through the city like a professional.
Best Shopping Streets in Dublin
Dublin is a two-sided story, with the River Liffey. Both sides present a different vibe. The southside has a general connotation of luxury and old-money grace.
Whereas the north is the centre of high-street chic and big-hitting department stores. A stroll in between these places will see you have the full gamut of the Dublin crowd, from busking musicians to trendy locals.
Grafton Street – Classic Dublin Retail
Grafton Street is certainly the most well-known shopping street, situated in the Southside. It is the location of high-quality brands with its refined red bricks and buskers of global quality.
- What to purchase: luxury cosmetics, designer handbags and luxury Irish crystal.
- Highlights: The jewel here is Brown Thomas. It is the best luxury department store in the whole of Ireland. To get more local, visit the local Powerscourt Centre, which houses a number of local boutiques in Dublin specialising in antiques and jewellery.
- Note: When the crowds get too big, take a rest in one of the older local pubs, such as Kehoes or McDaid, both of which are just off the main street. Check out the best pubs in Dublin for more local options nearby.
Henry Street – High Street Finds
Henry Street on the Northside of the river is a more accessible shopping environment with higher energy. It is the location where one does low-end shopping in Dublin.
- Best in: huge fashion stores and huge department stores.
- Highlights: You will get Arnotts, one of the oldest and largest department stores in the town, and a huge assortment of international and Irish brands. To buy cheap fashion, the Penneys flagship (also called Primark in the world market) is a tourist place to avoid losing money.
- Vibe: It is usually more hectic than Grafton Street, which is ideal when one is on a mission to renew his or her wardrobe without spending a fortune.
Temple Bar and Surrounding Streets
Although people usually do not consider it more than a nightlife area, Temple Bar shopping in Dublin has developed into a niche of local boutiques and independent designers.
Going beyond the main square, which is overly crowded with tourists, to the so-called West End of Temple Bar (around Cows Lane), there are artisan sellers that offer handmade leather items and knick-knacks, odd lettering, and independent Irish fashion.
This space serves to bridge the needs of the shoppers who are willing to get something really unique which cannot be found in an average shopping mall.
Best Shopping Centres and Markets
In the event of an Irish weather change of heart, then shopping centres and historic markets of Dublin would be the ideal indoor retreat.
Dublin’s Top Retail Hubs
| Centre | Focus | Key Brands |
| Dundrum Town Centre | Ireland’s Largest Mall | H&M, Zara, Harvey Nichols |
| Jervis Centre | City Centre High-Street | Stradivarius, Bershka, JD Sports |
| Ilac Centre | Practical & Budget | TK Maxx, River Island |
Dundrum Town Centre – Ireland’s Largest Mall
Dundrum Town Centre shopping is a day-long affair and is situated within a short Luas (light rail) ride of the city. It has more than 160 stores, a cinema and dozens of restaurants. It is the ultimate place to be able to find all things under a single roof, including high-end fashion, technology, and home products.
Ilac & Jervis Centres
These two malls are situated right close to each other in the Northside, in case you want to stay within the city centre. Jervis Shopping Centre has especially been popular among younger age groups due to its stylish fashion designs, whereas Ilac Shopping Centre has practical and everyday shopping and good discount deals.
Dublin Markets to Visit
To experience a true Dublin feel, you have to go to the markets.
- Liberty Market: Liberty Market is one of the oldest markets in Dublin. It is rough, noisy and full of all the things under the Earth, including clothes and basic household needs at bottom prices.
- Temple Bar Food Market: (Saturdays) Closest to getting Irish artisan cheese and snacks when doing some shopping.Â
- The Street Arcade in George: A magnificent Victorian indoor market. It has the best vintage clothes, vintage vinyl records, and other alternative gifts from Ireland.
Where to Buy Authentic Irish Gifts and Souvenirs
Forget the mass-produced t-shirts on the theme of lucky clover and go in search of the genuine Irish gift that displays the best of craftsmanship.
Kilkenny – Irish Design Hub
The Kilkenny Shop at Nassau Street is an edited showcase of the finest Irish design. It is the most popular Kilkenny-Dublin shopping venue with the finest quality pottery (such as Nicholas Mosse) and hand-woven fabrics, as well as modern Irish jewels.
Local Craft Boutiques and Independent Shops
In order to discover something really special, go to these places that are usually overlooked by competitors:
- Irish Design Shop (Drury Street): It offers functional and beautiful objects that are produced by local artisans.
- Sheridans Cheesemongers: To enjoy a bit of Ireland at home (vacuum-packed to travel).
- The Loft (in Powerscourt): A group of young Irish designers that provide the latest sustainable fashion.
Shopping Tips and Practical Info
Dublin is not hard to navigate as long as you are familiar with the local rules of the road when it comes to shopping.
Best Time to Shop
- Hours: The majority of the shops operate between 9.00 am and 6.30 pm. Dublin has late-night shopping on Thursdays, and a variety of stores remain open until 8.00 or even 9.00 PM.
- Sale Seasons: The largest sale periods occur immediately after Christmas (since 26th December) and in July.
How to Get Around Shopping Areas
Dublin is a very walkable place, though with large luggage, the Luas is required.
- Green Line: This route links the Southside (Grafton St) to Dundrum.
- Red Line: Travels through the Northside shopping district (Jervis/Henry St).
- Pedestrian: The distance between most major areas does not exceed 15 minutes. The most picturesque way between shopping areas is across the Ha’penny Bridge, with nearby spots like St Stephen’s Green Park and Phoenix Park Dublin to explore along the way.
Budget and Money-Saving Strategies
In case you are a visitor from outside the EU, you should remember to take your tax refund in Ireland. You can find the Tax-Free Shopping sign in the windows.
You will be able to get a refund of your VAT before you fly back home, as the amount saved on the one or two high-value items will be up to 23%.
Sample Shopping Itineraries
In order to get the most out of your day, use the following recommended paths:
The “All-Rounder” Full-Day Route
- Morning: Henry Street to essentials in the high streets and a coffee in Arnotts.
- Noon: Have a crossing with the river on the Ha’penny Bridge and visit the antique stalls in George’s Street Arcade. If you have extra time, check what to do in Dublin for a day to add more attractions to your itinerary.
- Afternoon: Take a stroll on Grafton Street to enjoy the luxury window shopping and conclude with the Kilkenny Shop to have a souvenir.
- Evening: an evening drink in a pub close to South William Street.
The “Hidden Gems” Half-Day Route
- Start: Drury Street & William Street South for independent design shops.
- Next: Explore Cows Lane in Temple Bar for artisan crafts.
- End: Liberty Market for a dose of real Dublin culture.
Conclusion
From visiting the buskers of Grafton Street to the old stalls of the Liberty Market, it is not just shopping in Dublin but an enjoyable experience. You can be sure of the best shopping experience in Ireland in the capital. No matter if you want the luxury that Brown Thomas offers you or the independent attitude of the boutiques at Temple Bar.
