Whether you’re a fashionista in search of one-off style, you’re looking for design inspiration for your home, or you just want to indulge in selfie heaven, Dublin is a feast for the senses. There are shops set in Georgian townhouses, the Daniel Libeskind-designed Grand Canal Theatre and the restaurant in the basement of the Dublin Writers Museum boasts a Michelin star.
Dublin isn’t short on talent, so make sure you go home with a bagful of that creative genius. Every Saturday (10am-5pm), Designer Mart pitches up on Cow’s Lane in Temple Bar. This market of handmade craft and design is a showcase of work by Irish and Ireland-based artists and you can often buy direct from the person who actually made that silver ring, painted that picture or knitted that shawl. A colourful highlight of the weekend.
Designer Mart
Cow’s Lane
Temple Bar
Dublin 8
In the Powerscourt Townhouse, home to big-name boutiques and regular fashion events, The Loft Market offers a chance to see what Ireland’s most exciting upcoming designers are doing. The focus is on clothes, jewellery and art, with pieces from a wide range of independent names included in the collective. While you’re at Powerscourt, stop for some of the best food in the city. Pyg is a hip hangout whatever time of day you come. If you’re an early bird, the breakfast and brunch menus suit all tastes and waistlines. Or kick back at the end of a day’s shopping with cocktails and tapas.
The Loft Market
Top Floor
Powerscourt Townhouse
59 South William St
Dublin 2
Dublin isn’t short of stylish hotels, but House scores high all round. Its rooms are modern, airy and sumptuous, but even if you’re not staying here, the lounges are open for general dining and drinking (gin, rum and whiskey are specialities). If you can take your eyes off the decor, there are jazz evenings and regular screening nights in their very own cinema, too. Alternatively, head out into the night for seriously stylish subculture – try the Anseo for dive bar music vibes, or the Vintage Cocktail Club for speakeasy surrounds.
House
27 Lower Leeson St
Dublin 1
There’s nothing like browsing shoulder to shoulder with the hippest locals to feel like you’ve really got under the skin of a city. Vintage boutiques from all over Dublin make sure they’re well represented at the Ha’Penny Vintage & Craft Market. Every Saturday (noon-6pm) the Grand Social music venue gives over its space to stalls of pre-loved clothes, designer fashions, records and books, bric-a-brac and retro furniture.
The Grand Social
35 Lower Liffey St
Dublin 1
When it’s time to eat, make sure you’ve still got something great to look at. Inside and out (depending on the weather) this airy, glass and brick restaurant overlooks the Liffey and the Ha’Penny Bridge. The food’s good too. From the team who found acclaim with The Winding Stair, the menu offers an innovative modern take on Irish classics. Even gruel gets a foodie makeover. Or for Michelin-starred platefuls including a stellar vegetarian menu, Chapter One, below the Dublin Writers’ Museum, is open for lunch (Tue-Fri) and dinner, including pre-theatre sittings (Tue-Sat).
42 Lower Ormond Quay
Dublin 1
