The Best Shopping Districts in Ireland

Discover some of the most highly sought after and lesser-known shopping districts in Ireland. These include one of Europe’s largest shopping and leisure centers to an open air, top designer outlet shopping center south of Dublin.

Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin

By Lerato Bambo

One of the best things to know about Ireland is that people travel from all around the country to shop at Dundrum – one of the most affluent suburbs in Dublin. Dundrum Town Centre is where most women dream of shopping in Ireland!

Unlike most shopping areas in Ireland, where you have to walk down the shop-lined street, it’s a mall with everything in one building. Dundrum opened in March 2005 with many retail firsts to Ireland like Harvey Nichols, House of Fraser, H&M, and Massimo Dutti.

Today you’ll find the most elegant small boutiques, trendy large chains, as well as a cinema, indoor and outdoor restaurants.

Dundrum Town Centre is located within easy walking distance of the Luas (Dublin tram), you can also easily get there by bus or taxi. If you’re planning a visit and need transportation, consider exploring the city with ease by hiring a car at Dublin Airport.

The best hotel to stay near Dundrum is Herbert Park Hotel and Park Residence, a 5 minutes walk from the world-renowned Aviva Stadium. The best part is that you can easily walk to Dublin city center, it’s not too noisy, and there are many amazing things to do in Dublin within walking distance like admiring art at the National Gallery of Ireland or dining at Girl and the Goose or The Lobster Pot.

Grafton Street, Dublin

By Juliet Tompkins

Grafton Street is one of the several staples in Dublin’s high streets. Located in the epicenter of the city, Grafton contains a variety of shopping options from classy boutique shops to cute little cafes. What better way to get to know Ireland’s most famous city?

Whether one is a tourist or a local, the best way to explore Grafton is to simply walk because it is highly pedestrianized, making it not the most vehicle friendly street in the district.

Walking is likely to create a better experience for any visitor since they will not have to deal with the hassle of driving and parking a car in the crowded city.

Brown Thomas is one of Grafton’s most popular department stores. They sell a wide range of extravagant clothing in vibrant colors for both men and women. Another highly valued shop is River Island. It not only provides adorable fashion but it is also kid friendly.

With fine dining being another one of Grafton’s prominent characteristics, Bewley’s will no doubt leave tourists aching for more. After all, it is not every day that most people go to a cafe surrounded by beautiful stained glass windows.

Luckily, Dublin has major advantages for every season tourists wish to visit. If walking around outside is strongly valued, then summer may be the season for you to visit Grafton Street. However, if appreciating the coziness of the taverns and cafes is more important, then fall or winter may be best.

Regardless of the season, the wonderful Westbury hotel will be awaiting guests to provide a luxurious, peaceful stay in Dublin with their overall positively reviewed services.

Henry Street, Dublin

By Cath Jordan of Travel Around Ireland

Want to plan a visit to Dublin and shop while you’re at it? Henry Street shopping center will welcome you with open arms at each of their boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.
One of the best shopping districts in Ireland is Henry Street in Dublin.

Located on the north-side of the River Liffey, technically the district spans both Mary Street and Henry Street between Jervis Street and O’Connell Street, but many simply refer to this completely pedestrianized road as Henry Street.

Henry Street is easily accessible on the northside and can be accessed from the southside by crossing the River Liffey. You can also conveniently access Henry Street by getting the Luas Red Line and alighting at the Jervis Luas stop.

Along this shopping street, you will find two shopping malls/centers, a large Primark known as Penneys in Ireland, the prestigious department store of Arnotts and many more high street shops. The two shopping centres are the Jervis Shopping Centre, a clean and modern addition to the city centre, and the older Ilac Centre.

There are many places to eat in the Jervis Centre and in the side streets or on Abbey Street, which runs parallel to Henry Street. One of the best places for a full Irish breakfast before a day of shopping is Ann’s Bakery on Mary Street.

Or for lunch or dinner, head to the Church on the corner of Mary Street and Jervis Street, where you can also enjoy a drink.

If you are looking for somewhere to stay close by, consider staying in the Morrison on Lower Ormond Quay, or the Gresham on O’Connell Street.

Kildare Village, Kildare

By Juliet Tompkins

Kildare Village is a highly adored outlet mall located in Nurney Road is more likely than not, to enhance one’s time spent in Ireland. With Dublin being less than an hour away, there are endless opportunities of leisure in front of you.

Depending on where visitors are commuting from, the train is often the most convenient choice of transportation into Kildare. There are operating services in Cork, Limerick, Waterford, and Portlaoise.

Kildare Village is most famous for carrying many of the famous high end fashion labels. These include Michael Kors, Jimmy Choo, Fossil, etc. Kildare also includes less expensive chains like Nike and New Balance. But that is far from where the list ends.

Kildare is more likely than not to make saving money a challenge since there is so much to discover. However, if you’re on a budget one tip is to avoid indulging at those luxurious stores and to stay within your means.

Some of the best times to visit Kildare are anywhere from the beginning of June to the end of September. However, winter is also a good time to visit to see the seasonal holiday decor.

Regardless of the time of year one chooses to visit, The K Club is waiting to serve tourists their lovely vintage style bedrooms and indoor pool so swimming can be enjoyed any time of the year.

Shop Street, Galway

By Pamela of The Directionally Challenged Traveller

One of the best Ireland shopping districts is Shop Street in the heart of Galway. Nestled comfortably on the west coast of Ireland, Galway is a charming city that will steal the heart of any visitors.

While there are plenty of things to do in Galway, strolling along Shop Street is a must-do. Travelers can enjoy wandering through old brick buildings, colorful storefronts, and of course, traditional Irish pubs.

Live music can be heard coming from restaurants around town, while street performers entertain throughout town. Find an old book at Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop, home to thousands of books of all genres. Or, buy a traditional Claddagh ring at McCarthy’s Jewellery Shop. The Four Corners is a staple of the area, dating back to 1918.

Despite its name, there are other things to do on Shop Street besides shopping. You can visit one of the best preserved ancient buildings in Galway – Lynch’s Castle, for a look into the past. There, visitors can learn about the legend of the Claddagh Ring at the Claddagh Museum.

If you’re staying overnight in Galway, check out The House Hotel. Located in the city center, the four star hotel has incredible dining as well! If you visit during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) you’ll avoid the crowds and get better deals on accommodation.

Stephen’s Green, Dublin

By Victoria Heinz of Guide Your Travel

Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre is located in the heart of Dublin between Temple Bar and Portobello. You can conveniently reach the mall by public transport such as the Luas Green Line. The centre opened in 1988 and has been a favorite amongst both locals and tourists for shopping in the city ever since.

There is a great selection of shops including a great mix of mid-priced and more expensive options. Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre is also a great spot for a quick lunch. There are plenty of little cafes to choose from such as Perc Up Café, Café Sol or Gurman’s. Visitors will also love the fantastic selection of fashion stores which makes this shopping mall the perfect spot to go for an afternoon out on the town. There are over 100 shops and restaurants to choose from so you’re guaranteed to find something you enjoy.

Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre also hosts regular events especially for holidays such as Christmas or New Year’s. The mall is also known for its Irish craft stores where you can purchase and shop traditional products or look for the best souvenirs to take home with you.

For a great place to stay in Dublin look into the Clontarf Castle Hotel.

Wexford Town

By Chelsey Evans of Chelsey Explores

Wexford is a lively town in southeast Ireland, at the mouth of the River Slaney. Located just 2 hours from Dublin by car, train or bus. The town is known for its beaches, historic sites, and pretty streets where you’ll discover trendy boutiques and vintage shops.

Gourmands will want to visit La Côte for gourmet seafood or Greenacres where you can dine in or find everything from the great selection of Irish food items to take home as souvenirs or gifts.

Wexford town is lined with bakeries, cafes, shops, and it’s a great option for a leisurely morning or afternoon’s shopping in Ireland. Enjoy exploring the neighborhood and streets leading to Wexford Quay, from DV8 to Penneys, Dunnes, and the fabulous Shaws department store. There is a little something for everyone to enjoy in Wexford!

Another popular place, much like TJ Maxx in America, you’ll find a little bit of everything at the TK Maxx, from fashion, skincare products, home decorations, and make-up.

The best hotel near Wexford is Ferrycarrig Hotel – known for its scenic river views, a spa, and spacious rooms. Wexford town is ideal for taking a break from the bigger cities to enjoy a moment of daily Irish life.

Visiting Northern Ireland?

The shopping destination every one should know:

Victoria Square, Belfast

By Olivia from the Girl With Blue Sails

Victoria Square is one of the best shopping districts in Ireland. Located in Belfast, Northern Ireland, this modern spot is the place to come for everyday shopping needs. The entire shopping district is covered by a giant, beautiful glass dome. This glass dome allows the location to be enclosed while maintaining a view of the sky. Visitors can also head up into the dome to catch a view of the Belfast city skyline.  

Containing over 70 shops, a movie theater, and several restaurants across four levels, Victoria Square has just about everything all in one place. Notable clothing stores include Hugo Boss, Hollister, Top Shop, H&M and Urban Outfitters. Popular restaurant favorites include The Ivory, Cosmo, Pizza Express, and Nandos. 

Victoria Square is centrally located in Belfast. For those traveling by automobile, there are car parks located nearby. Or, there is one located right underneath the square for an hourly fee.

For those visiting from out of town, Victoria Square is a 3 minute walk from the lovely 5 star Merchant Hotel. 

Fun fact: The ornate, yellow fountain out front of the shopping center is called the Victorian Jaffe Fountain, and was built on that original spot in 1870.

Be sure to visit Victoria Square during the winter holidays for great shopping sales and amazing colorful decorations, including a giant Christmas tree located under the glass center dome.