Ireland (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Fionn Davenport [108]
Citizens of non-EU countries can reclaim the VAT paid on purchases made at stores that display a cash-back sticker; ask for details.
Most department stores and shopping centres are open from 9.30am to 6pm Monday to Saturday (open to 8pm Thursday) and noon to 6pm Sunday.
Department Stores & Shopping Centres
Arnott’s (Map; 805 0400; 12 Henry St) Occupying a huge block with entrances on Henry, Liffey and Abbey Sts, this formerly mediocre department store has been completely overhauled and is now probably Dublin’s best. It stocks virtually everything you could possibly want to buy, from garden furniture to high fashion, and everything is relatively affordable.
Brown Thomas (Map; 605 6666; 92 Grafton St) This is Dublin’s most expensive department store, suitably stocked to cater for the city’s more moneyed shoppers. You’ll find every top label represented here. The 3rd-floor Bottom Drawer outlet stocks the finest Irish linen you’ll find anywhere.
Dundrum Town Centre (Map; 299 1700; Sandyford Rd, Dundrum; 9am-9pm Mon-Fri, 8.30am-7pm Sat, 10am-7pm Sun) Modern Ireland’s grandest cathedral is this huge shopping and entertainment complex in the southern suburb of Dundrum. Over 100 retail outlets are represented. To get here, take the Luas to Ballaly, or catch bus 17, 44C, 48A or 75 from the city centre.
George’s St Arcade (Map; www.georgesstreetarcade.ie; btwn South Great George’s St & Drury St; 9am-6.30pm Mon-Sat, to 8pm Thu; noon-6pm Sun) Dublin’s best nonfood market (there’s sadly not much competition) is sheltered within an elegant Victorian Gothic arcade. Apart from the shops and stalls selling new and old clothes, second-hand books, hats, posters, jewellery and records, there’s a fortune teller, some gourmet nibbles and a fish-and-chipper who does a roaring trade.
Powerscourt Townhouse Shopping Centre (Map; 679 4144; 59 South William St) This absolutely gorgeous and stylish centre is in a carefully refurbished Georgian townhouse, originally built between 1741 and 1744. These days its best known for its cafes and restaurants but it still does a top-end, selective trade in high fashion, art, exquisite handicrafts and other chichi sundries.
St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre (Map; 478 0888; St Stephen’s Green) Inside this flash shopping centre you will discover a diverse mixture of chain stores and individual shops.
Jervis St Centre (Map; 878 1323; Jervis St) Just north of the Capel St Bridge, this is an ultramodern mall with dozens of outlets.
Clery’s & Co (Map; 878 6000; O’Connell St) This graceful shop is a Dublin classic. Recently restored to its elegant best, it caters to the more conservative Dublin shopper.
Debenham’s (Map; 873 0044; Henry St) This UK giant hit these shores in 2006; it’s bold and glass-fronted on the outside and holds street-smart fashion labels such as Zara, Warehouse and G-Star on the inside, as well as the obligatory homewares and electrical sections.
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DUBLIN MARKETS
Blackberry Fair (Map; Lower Rathmines Rd; 10am-5pm Sat & Sun) You’ll have to rummage through a lot of junk to find a gem in this charmingly run-down weekend market that stocks furniture, records and a few clothes stalls. It’s cheap, though.
Blackrock Market (Main St, Blackrock; 11am-5.30pm Sat & Sun) This long-running market, in an old merchant house and yard in the seaside village of Blackrock (Map), south of Dublin, has all manner of stalls selling everything from New Age crystals to futons. Take bus 5, 7, 7A, 8, 45 or 46A from city centre to Blackrock.
Cow’s Lane Designer Mart (Map; Cow’s Lane; 10am-5pm Sat) For the best in new Irish design, artwork and clothing, you’ll find everything here, including yarn spun right in front of you and Ireland