Shopping

Dublin:
The two main shopping areas in Dublin are located on Grafton Street and Henry Street. On both of these streets only foot traffic is allowed. Grafton Street is where you can find trendier shops and designer stores, such as Weirs, an exclusive jeweler. Powerscourt Town Center is a small shopping center that is also located in this area. Henry Street has a host of department stores such as Arnotts. Nearby is Moore Street, which is known for the food market located there. In this area is also O’Connell Street, known as Dublin’s main street, where you can find Eason’s Booksellers and Clery’s Department Store.

Dublin offers several markets including the Blackrock Market, Irish Farmer’s Market and the Temple Bar Book Market. The Blackrock Market is considered Ireland’s best weekend market, and is open Saturday from 11am to 5:30pm and Sunday from 12pm to 5:30pm. Here, you can find any range of items from fine art to usual flea market trinkets.

Waterford:
For shopping in Waterford, the place to be is City Square. It is conveniently located in the center of Waterford’s downtown, between the Clock Tower and the General Post Office. Its primary stores are the Irish department stores, Dunnes and Roches. City Square Shopping Center also offers contemporary international stores, fashion shops, jewelry boutiques, perfumeries and restaurants.

County Cork:
Cork offers shopping along the newly remodeled St. Patrick Street. Following St. Patrick Street takes you through the major shopping district to fulfill any shopping lover’s delight.

County Kerry:
Shopping in Killarney has become an excellent experience. It offers premiere retail outlets, gift boutiques, as well as department stores. Between the months of May and October, downtown Killarney stores are open late, offering plenty of choices for fashions and souvenirs.

Galway:
As the Western region’s capital of Ireland, Galway offers a variety of shops to fill the needs of locals and visitors. A good place to find interesting shops is in the city center around Eyre Square, also known as JFK Memorial Park. Many of these stores sell unique locally-made gifts. Shop Street, which changes names several times until eventually leading to Wolfe Tone Bridge, has many commercial European stores. As an alternative, most of the larger shopping centers are located outside of the downtown area on the outskirts of the city, such as Tuam Shopping Center.

Sligo:
On High Street and Grattan Street, there are many national and international retailers. Sligo boasts unique shopping from local shops. One of these, EJ’s Menswear, won Best Independent Retailer 2004 in Ireland and Great Britain. The QuaySide Shopping Center offers a modern shopping experience with a multi-level parking garage and popular European stores including TJ Maxx, Oasis, River Island, Jane Norman and Next.

Derry:
At the heart of Derry is The Craft Village, which gives visitors a chance to travel back in time to witness Derry during the 16th to 19th centuries. Here, you can see artisans at work and tour an exhibition of Derry’s history. This village is located from Shipquay Street to Magazine Street. In Londonderry is the Lisnagelvin Shopping Center. This shopping center is easily accessed by any visitor and provides a variety of value-driven retail stores. Another center to check out is the Northside Shopping Center on Glengalliagh Road. The main purpose of Northside is to provide one-stop shopping with a selection of higher quality shops in a comfortable setting.

Belfast:
As the capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast allures shoppers of all tastes. Along the streets Donnegall Place to Royal Avenue is the primary shopping area. Within this area is St. George’s Market, which hosts a Variety Market containing an array of products and local goods every Friday morning. An expansive indoor fish market is also located in St. George’s Market. For a local selection of fine foods, make it to the Farm & Specialty Food Market. This Saturday morning market is sure to delight any epicurean. If upscale shopping is your desire, then Lisburn Road, located in the southern region of the city, will impress you with its multitude of trendy designer boutiques. Plenty of outdoor cafes are also located in this area, allowing you to take a break from shopping and grab a bite to eat.