Introduction to Dublin

Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland. It is a compact city but has plenty to offer to shoppers. Major tech firms such as Facebook, Google, LinkedIn and Twitter have established offices in the city, strengthening the local economy including retail. In May 2019, property developer Hammerson unveiled plans to overhaul the city’s O’Connell Street and Moore Street to include an open-air shopping area, two public squares, offices, a hotel and a residential development. Although the city has undergone modernization, it has a strong sense of history with preserved historic sites.

Demographics

The population of Dublin is estimated to account for over 28% of the total population in Ireland. The city has become more ethnically diverse over the past 10 years, with residents from the UK, Poland, Asia and more.

Top Five Shopping Areas

1. Drury Street: Located in what is known as the Creative Quarter, Drury Street is one of the trendiest locations in Dublin. Shops here are dedicated to high-quality Irish-designed products, fashionable interiors and gifts.
2. Grafton Street: Full of global fashion brands as well as unique stores, this narrow street is lined with boutiques showcasing the creations of Ireland’s designers.
3. Stephen’s Green Shopping Center: Stephen’s Green Shopping Center is a large indoor mall with a large variety of stores, from high-end brands to fast fashion.
4. Cow’s Lane: Located in the Temple Bar District, Cow’s Lane is home to an outdoor designer art and crafts market that is held every Saturday.
5. Crown Alley: Located in the Temple Bar District, Crown Alley houses vintage stores and speakeasies.

Top Innovative Retailers

Nowhere [caption id="attachment_97930" align="alignright" width="286"] Source: totallydublin.ie[/caption] Nowhere is a progressive menswear store that offers new and innovative designs. The retailer aims to challenge the traditional perceptions of masculinity and conducts a podcast called ‘A Nowhere Man’ in which it discusses men and culture. All of the brands available at the store are exclusive, and the majority are up-and-coming designers that have been on the market for less than five years. The retailer carries one of every item in every size. The store was designed by abgc, Irish architects, and a progressive and futuristic feel. Location: Nowhere, 65 Aungier Street, Dublin 2.   Scout [caption id="attachment_97931" align="alignright" width="277"] Source: scoutdublin.com[/caption] Scout was established in 2008 in Powerscourt Townhouse Center, but moved in 2014 to Temple Bar District’s historic quarter, alongside independent boutiques. The store began as a womenswear retailer, but has now expanded to homeware, children’s clothing, accessories, apothecary and unisex items. Scout aims to provide a range of timeless products; it focuses more on functionality than trends. Scout’s portfolio features local designers such as Arran Street East, Kathryn Davey, Liadain Aiken, McNutt of Donegal, Electronic Sheep, Sally Caulwell, Clean Slate and Original Aran company. The store also houses international brands from France, the Netherlands, Sweden and the UK. Location: Scout, 5 Essex Street West, Temple Bar, Dublin.   Parfumarija [caption id="attachment_97932" align="alignright" width="273"] Source: parfumarija.com[/caption] Parfumarija is a perfume shop in Dublin that houses rare, unique scents. Marija Aslimoska, the Founder and Creative Director of Parfumarija, curates collections of niche perfumes from around the world. The store offers factory tours to see how the perfumes are made. The fragrances at Parfumarija can be described as imaginative and rare. Parfumarija offers scents for men and women. Location: Parfumarija, 25 Westbury Mall, Clarendon Street, Dublin.   Irish Design Shop [caption id="attachment_97933" align="alignright" width="270"] Source: irishdesignshop.com[/caption] Irish Design Shop was established in 2008 by Clare Grennan and Laura Caffrey, two jewelers. The store represents emerging and established Irish designers, providing a platform to showcase their work. The curated collection of products combines traditional skills with a contemporary aesthetic. Some of the brands stocked in the store are Adam Frew, a ceramicist, and The Atlantic Equipment Project. Caffrey and Grennan also produce their own jewelry in a workshop located on the second floor of the store. Location: Irish Design Shop, 41 Drury Street, Dublin.   Tamp & Stitch [caption id="attachment_97934" align="alignright" width="271"] Source: tampandstitch.blogspot.com[/caption] Tamp & Stitch is a boutique-café hybrid in the Temple Bar District that offers independently roasted coffee a small collection of apparel for men and women. The store also sells jewelry. Location: Tamp & Stitch, Unit 3 Scarlet Row, Essex Street West, Temple Bar, Dublin.   Carousel [caption id="attachment_97935" align="alignright" width="282"] Source: ilovecarousel.com[/caption] Carousel was established 17 years ago and is run by Tom Walsh, who had buying experience for Selfridges. Carousel has its own vintage-inspired womenswear range called “Circus.” The apparel is produced at a factory in India called Good Earth Factory, which claims to be an ethically and morally conscious manufacturer. Carousel started off as a brick-and-mortar store but has now expanded to include an online platform. Location: Carousel, 20 Exchequer Street, Dublin 2, DO2 Y295.   MoMuse [caption id="attachment_97936" align="alignright" width="274"] Source: momuse.ie[/caption] MoMuse is a jewelry store that stocks products designed in Dublin by Margaret O’Rourke. The store has a minimalistic design with an emphasis on geometric shapes; this reflects the core product collections, which feature stars, moons, circles ,bars and squares—inspired by the sky and space. Location: MoMuse, Powerscourt Townhouse, Unit 5, 59 William Street S, Dublin, D02 HF95.   Atrium [caption id="attachment_97937" align="alignright" width="273"] Source: atriumdublin.com[/caption] Atrium is a leading multi-brand concept store in Dublin, carrying pieces from Irish designers and European brands, including Ale Walsh, Beatriz Palacios, Electronic Sheep, Edge Only, Emma Manley and Edel Traynor—the latter of which won the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland’s Future Maker award for fashion in 2016. This modern concept store is located in the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, which is a Georgian building that has turned into a shopping hub. Location: Atrium, Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, Top Floor, 59 South William Street, Dublin 2.   The Collective [caption id="attachment_97938" align="alignright" width="279"] Source: thecollectivedublin.ie[/caption] The Collective is a jewelry store on Drury street in Dublin City Centre that aims to support the work of emerging Irish jewelry makers. The designer and creator of the store is Madeleine Blaine. The Collective also holds exhibitions, often showcasing guest jewelers from across Europe who are launching new collections.  Location: The Collective, 24 Drury Street, Dublin.   Books Upstairs [caption id="attachment_97939" align="alignright" width="273"] Source: dublintown.ie[/caption] Books Upstairs is an independent and literary bookshop in Dublin City Center. The store specializes in humanities, particularly Irish literature, poetry, culture and history. There is a café on the first floor of the store. Books Upstairs hosts many events such as interviews, discussions, book launches and poetry readings. Location: Books Upstairs, 17 D’Olier Street, Dublin 2.   Must-See Street: Castle Market Castle Market is located between two popular shopping streets, Drury Street and William Street South. Castle Market is home to vintage stores and unique boutiques that are worth a visit:

1. Cullen & Co Jewelers: A quaint jewelry store that offers a personalized experience to every customer.
2. Turret Boutique: A women’s boutique with Bohemian-style clothing.
3. The Harlequin: A vintage clothing store offering menswear and womenswear.
4. RARE Jewelry Design: A jewelry store that was established by Denise O’Connor, a third-generation jeweler. The store aims to provide a tailored and personal approach to jewelry design.
5. Costume: An apparel boutique featuring brands like Zadig & Voltaire and Isabel Marant.