Shopping

Ireland is fast shaping up to be one of Europe’s most stylish shopping destinations. From the supremely fashion-conscious streets of Dublin and Belfast, to the small artisan craftshops hidden down quaintly cobbled lanes, Ireland is the ideal place to find something chic, stylish and utterly unique.

Glass by design

If you’re looking to bring something typically Irish home, Ireland is famed for its exquisite crystal and glassware with Galway, Tipperary, Tyrone and Waterford.

With outstanding reputations for excellent craftsmanship, the leading crystal companies embrace both traditional and contemporary styles following collaborations with some of Ireland’s top fashion designers. These include Louise Kennedy for Tipperary Crystal and John Rocha for Waterford Crystal.

Newbridge Silverware has also launched an elegant glassware collection with famed Irish designer Paul Costelloe. Meanwhile, Jerpoint Glass Studio is a small, family-run glassblowing studio in Kilkenny where you can see both the glass being blown and pick up an individual piece to bring home with you.

From Aran to cashmere

Ireland has a worldwide reputation for knitwear and woolen goods, so it makes a fantastic hunting ground for something to keep out the cold. Traditional Aran sweaters have a unique style all of their own, while designers such as Jimmy Hourihan are turning out elegant capes in a mix of cashmere and wool. Good places to seek out traditional Irish knitwear are Kilkenny Design, Blarney Woollen Mills, Dublin Woollen Mills and Avoca Handweavers.

If you’re looking for something more contemporary, then try the internationally renowned Irish knitwear designer Lainey Keogh or cashmere designer Lucy Downes’ Sphere One collection.

Souvenirs

You’ll be spoiled for choice with a whole host of souvenir shopping opportunities. A couple of our recommended favorites are Parian china from Belleek; linen from the Irish Linen Centre; lace products from the various craft shops and, of course, a fresh or smoked Irish salmon.

Additionally, for something a little different, try The Cowshed Studios in Kesh, County Fermanagh, where you will find unusual hand painted Batik art and Celtic garden sculptures.

Irish Designers & Boutiques

Ireland is home to some wonderful designers making their mark on the world stage. Some of Ireland’s top designers include Louise Kennedy, Quin & Donnelly, Oakes, Paul Costelloe, John Rocha, Lainey Keogh, Michelle O’Doherty, Joanne Hynes, Orla Kiely and haute couturier by Jen Kelly.

Visiting Ireland gives you the opportunity to go home with something uniquely Irish by taking a peek inside the eclectic collection of boutiques across the country. In Dublin, gorge on unique boutiques including a raft of stores along Clarendon Street and South William Street. Look out for one-off designer pieces at The Design Centre, Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, and Brown Thomas, Grafton Street, or rummage for something cool at the Cow’s Lane Market (Saturday 10am-5pm, Old City, Temple Bar, Dublin 2).

In Northern Ireland, you simply must visit the Lisburn Road, Belfast, which is fast becoming a shopping hot spot! From antiques to fashion boutiques, craft stores to designer shoe shops, delicatessens to interior designs, you’re sure to find something special. In towns, such as Ballymena, Newry, Londonderry and Coleraine, you’ll find intriguing stores to please every taste.

Meanwhile, around the rest of the country, check out Beth in Cork (Douglas Shopping Centre, Cork) and Les Jumelles (11 Upper Abbeygate Street) in Galway.