During the last fifteen years Dublin has become a hot shopping city to rival any capital in Europe and you can expect to leave with twice the luggage you came with.
Strolling through the pretty city center, you’ll hit upon a wealth of highend shops, with major luxury brands sitting next to chic boutiques, antiques and local crafts. For native Irish produce, look for crystal, jewelry and decorative arts, as well as epicurean delights such as cheese and whiskey. Whether you want the latest Gucci clutch or a Waterford Crystal carafe, Dublin offers some rich pickings indeed.
BEST SHOPPING AREAS / DISTRICTS
The best way to explore Dublin’s main shopping areas is to walk from the Central North district over the River Liffey, through the vibrant Temple Bar neighborhood and end at Grafton Street in Central South.
A good starting point is O’Connell Street, which will take you past the remarkable Millennium Spire and across O’Connell Bridge with its charming river views. Grafton Street is the city’s main shopping promenade, with the exclusive Brown Thomas department store, Weir & Sons Jewelers and a colorful array of street performers. Many treasures are to be found in the lanes off Grafton Street, particularly Duke, Dawson, Nassau, and Wicklow Streets, while the tiny Cow’s Lane has some exquisite boutiques with collections by local designers. A meander down Grafton Street will lead you nicely to St. Stephen’s Green where well-deserved refreshment awaits.
BROWN THOMAS
The most prestigious department store in Dublin, Brown Thomas is an essential port of call for the Elite Traveler.
It houses the world’s most exclusive brands from fashion and accessories to beauty and homeware, as well as collections by top Irish designers such as Paul Costelloe, Lainey Keogh and Louise Kennedy. The palatial Beauty Hall boasts the very latest products by MAC, Giorgio Armani, Bobbi Brown, Jo Malone, Laura Mercier, Tom Ford, Crème de la Mer, Givenchy and Hermès. The Designer Room houses international collections from Gucci, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Lanvin, Balenciaga, Bulgari, Chanel, Christian Lacroix, Christian Louboutin, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Hugo Boss, Issey Miyake, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton, Manolo Blahnik, Marc Jacobs, Moschino, Mulberry, Ralph Lauren, Tod’s, Valentino, Versace, Yves Saint Laurent, Zegna and Victoria Beckham, not forgetting contemporary favorites like Michael by Michael Kors, Tory Burch, Marc by Marc Jacobs and DKNY. Jewelry, accessories and watches by Tiffany & Co., Cartier and Omega can be found in the extensive Luxury Hall, and men can choose from a wide range of suits by Tom Ford, Brioni and Canali. For premium crystal and ceramics, head to the unique Waterford Crystal and Wedgwood flagship boutique on level three. The personal shopping service is second to none and Michelle Curtin will tailor your visit with excellent attention to detail. For hip designer labels and denim check out the sister store BT2 at 28-29 Grafton Street.
Michelle Curtin, Personal Shopper
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+353 1 605 6666
88-95 Grafton Street, Dublin 2
HARVEY NICHOLS
Harvey Nichols Dublin, located just a few miles south of Dublin city center, is the centerpiece of the new Dundrum Retail Centre.
You’ll find three floors of the best beauty and fashion brands, as well as Harvey Nichols’ famous Food Market, a sexy cocktail bar and the deluxe restaurant, First Floor. Expect exclusive collections by Chloé, Hoss Intropia, Lara Bohinc, Marc Jacobs, Markus Lupfer, Opening Ceremony, Project D, Siwy and Twenty8Twelve, and beauty products by Omorovicza, Elemis, Tända and Silkskin. Men can find the latest collections by Harris and Denham. Contact Elizabeth Moor for an exceptional personal shopper service.
Elizabeth Moor, Personal Shopper
+353 1 291 0488
elizabeth.moor@harveynichols.com
Dundrum Town Centre, Sandyford Road, Dublin 16
www.harveynichols.com/dublin
POWERSCOURT CENTRE
Set in the 18th century Powerscourt Townhouse, this elegant shopping mall is a must for independent boutiques, beauty salons and art, craft and antique shops.
The Antiques Gallery contains a myriad of jewels, silver, china and crystal, and the two art galleries boast an extensive collection of contemporary Irish art. The second floor Design Centre sells works by some of Ireland’s leading fashion designers, as well as coveted international labels. With tall ceilings and original Adamesque plasterwork, the courtyard café is a charming spot for a bit of rest and recuperation. Combine culture with shopping by taking a guided tour behind the scenes at this unique townhouse.
Shireen Marcus, Private Guide
+353 1 679 4144
59 South William Street
JEWELRY & WATCHES
Phone: +353 1 677 9678
Address: 96-99 Grafton Street, Dublin 2
Phone: +353 1 679 0759
Address: 18 St. Andrew’s Street, Dublin 2
Website: www.chopard.com
PAUL SHEERAN JEWELLERS
Phone: +353 1 635 1136
Address: 7-9 Johnson Court, Grafton Street, Dublin 2
Website: www.iwc.com
WEIR & SONS
Website: www.patek.com
ERNEST JONES
Phone: +353 1 679 7599
Address: 81 Grafton Street, Dublin 2
Website: www.tagheuer.com
APPLEBY JEWELLERS
Phone: +353 1 679 9572
Address: 5-6 Johnson’s Court, Grafton Street, Dublin 2
Website: www.vancleef-arpels.com
