The 11 best places to go shopping in Dublin

It’s not only the well-maintained Victorian-era building that’s impressive – inside this city centre arcade, a host of regularly changing stalls and shops offer plenty to keep the credit card busy. For feel-good souvenirs, make your way to Maktus, home to everything from cheeky greeting cards to Paul Mescal pins. If you’re feeling spenny, pop into Lou’s Lot for vintage designer gems. Elsewhere, there’s a tarot reader for all your prediction needs while Loose Canon is perfect for a glass of wine, cheese toastie and a spot of people-watching.

Hodges Figgis is Ireland’s oldest bookshop. Founded in 1768, it has since evolved into an expansive four-floor literary utopia (now under the stewardship of Waterstones). It’s stacked full of academic books, partly because of its location opposite Trinity College, but the renowned Irish section covers photography, travel, nature, folklore, cookery and literature, too. There’s a sizeable bestsellers section, and it hosts regular events with visiting authors.

On Saturdays, Cow’s Lane transforms from a spacious pedestrianised thoroughfare bordered by independent stores like Gutter Bookshop and Scout into a busy design market. Traders and makers pitch up to sell everything from hand-forged jewellery to antique maps, making it an ideal spot for a weekend wander. Here, more than anywhere else, you get the sense you’re supporting local craftspeople – as often they’re the ones selling the goods, too. Win-win.

For a luxury shopping experience with an Irish twist, look no further than Westbury Mall. Located off Grafton Street, this indoor shopping mall is home to a selection of independent boutiques, specialist stores, and art galleries. Elevate your wardrobe with Irish-made linen, cashmere and wool clothing from STABLE of Ireland. Explore the world of niche fragrances in Parfumarija – spoiler: you won’t find Joop! here. Follow in the footsteps of Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift, and pick up a pair of iconic gloves from Paula Rowan. After all that, poke your head into Solomon Fine Art, one of Ireland’s foremost contemporary galleries.

The relaxed fishing village of Howth is a popular day trip, and this small weekend Howth Market only adds to its charm. Much of the area is given over to food trucks, so it’s a handy place to stop and refuel before tackling the Howth Head coastal walk. But you’ll also find stalls brimming with foodie gifts – homemade jams, juices and oils – plus handicrafts, jewellery, art and lotions. It gets busy at peak times on sunny days, so be prepared to jostle for space.

Famed for their Irish homeware and food, the multi-storey Suffolk Street branch of Avoca is crammed with all manner of (quite pricey) products with a modern country aesthetic – think pastel blues and pinks and stylish floral prints. Avoca’s range extends to candles, soaps, bohemian-tinged clothing – and some eye-catching blankets.

Georgian townhouse-turned-quirky shopping mall Powerscourt Centre is lined with excellent high-end boutiques, specialising in everything from plants to pendants. In the light-filled atrium, you’ll find three levels of winning stores like Article (for sophisticated homeware), Cloon Keen (for Irish luxury fragrance) and MoMuse (for minimalist jewellery). Grab a bite to eat in The Pepper Pot Café, which overlooks the interior courtyard and is one of the most charming lunch spots in the city. 

Opened in 1849, Brown Thomas is the chicest department store in Ireland and the first port of call for Prada, Gucci and Chanel fiends. Make your way past the uniformed attendants greeting customers on Grafton Street, and spread across four floors, you’ll find a designer jewellery, homeware and clothing paradise. There’s a restaurant and café, an extensive lingerie section, and a make-up bar for those readying themselves for a night out.

Bringing together Irish and international makers, Designist offers a decent selection of refined gifts that give equal primacy to form and function. They’re strong on baby presents, stylish kitchenware, and Dublin-related art and books. Their cards are designed by Irish illustrators, so blow-ins might not get all the references, especially when they’re in Gaelic, but that makes them all the more fun to riffle through.

Ideal for rainy days, Dundrum Town Centre is the largest mall in Ireland. It’s mostly filled with international chains, so expect to amble past Hollister, Harvey Nicks, Marks and Spencer, House of Fraser, H&M and Penneys (aka Primark). All the usual extras are here including bars and restaurants; a playground, soft play centre and crèche for kids; indoor mini-golf for kids and adults alike; and a multiplex cinema that often hosts preview screenings. It’s south of the city but easily accessible by tram.