| Whether you're a big spender or just casual | | | | bus services, but if you bring the car you're |
| shopper, a days roaming the stores of Dublin city | | | | better off parking in one of the many |
| is bound to do some damage to your credit card. | | | | multi-storey car parks. |
| Dublin really is the 'Mecca' for Irish shoppers. Here, | | | | If you're short on time, or just prefer to do all |
| you can immerse yourself in a shopping frenzy, | | | | your shopping under one roof, then make your |
| due in no small part to the wealth of shopping | | | | way to the Dundrum Shopping Centre . It's the |
| centres, boutiques and stores located in the city | | | | largest shopping centre in Ireland with over 160 |
| centre. | | | | shops. There's plenty of car parking and if you're |
| Of course, there's lots of accommodation all over | | | | travelling by public transport just hop on the |
| Dublin city, so you can really make the most of | | | | green Luas line - it stops right outside! |
| your shopping spree! You'll get an excellent choice | | | | Outside of the capital other cities like Waterford, |
| of hotel, guesthouse, B&B and self catering | | | | Kilkenny, Cork, Limerick and Galway also have |
| options wherever you want to stay, so why not | | | | their fair share of shops, while many of the |
| put a few days aside to enjoy yourself? | | | | smaller towns and villages in rural Ireland have |
| A good starting point for your shopping trip is | | | | great souvenir and craft shops, along with some |
| Henry Street. Lined with high street shops and | | | | really stylish boutiques. |
| two prominent shopping centres called the Illac | | | | If you're wondering about getting some typically |
| Centre and Jervis Street Shopping Centre. It's a | | | | "Irish" gifts to bring home from your shopping trip |
| completely pedestrianised street popular with | | | | to the Emerald Isle, we've a few ideas you might |
| tourists and locals alike. Another good shopping | | | | be interested in... |
| arcade on this street is the Roches Stores | | | | Waterford Crystal can be a special souvenir or |
| complex - home to over 20 top international | | | | gift and is sold in most gift shops all over the |
| brands as well as a fine make-up and beauty | | | | country, but if you happen to be in Waterford |
| section. | | | | itself be sure to visit the home of the world |
| While you're on Henry Street have a stroll down | | | | famous crystal to see how it's made. Aran |
| Moore Street - the colourful and lively market | | | | knitwear is another popular souvenir - so if you |
| area made famous by the urban legend Molly | | | | fancy an "authentically Irish" jumper, cardigan or |
| Malone, who sold here 'cockles and muscles' at | | | | pair of socks then that's the one for you. Tweeds |
| this very place.. Moore Street has become an | | | | and linen also feature near the top of the |
| attraction in itself and once you've had a look | | | | shopping list, and you can even buy a piece of |
| you'll find out why. | | | | Irish turf in a gift pack if you fancy it! |
| Follow the 'Spire' from Henry Street and you'll | | | | Of course if you're really stuck for something to |
| come to O'Connell Street, which isn't really | | | | buy go to the local tourist office (all major towns |
| recognised as a major shopping street, though it | | | | have got one in the centre or thereabouts) which |
| does have Penny's and Cleary's, two excellent | | | | are brimming with quirky little souvenirs and |
| department stores. Penny's is one of the biggest | | | | gadgets. |
| in the country and is regularly ram raided by | | | | Most shops in Ireland are open from 9am - 6pm |
| shoppers looking for a bargain, so it's definitely | | | | Monday to Saturday and some have late opening |
| worth popping your head in here. | | | | hours on Thursdays and Fridays. Major credit |
| Cross the bridge over to Grafton Street and | | | | cards are widely accepted but you'll need a PIN |
| brace yourself for the real deal. Grafton Street is | | | | number for your card. And don't be surprised if |
| another pedestrianised street where you'll find | | | | the shop assistant asks you to pay for a plastic |
| exclusive designer fashions in the famous Brown | | | | bag as there is a levy applied. |
| Thomas store (think Harrods, with a touch of | | | | So wherever your travels take you in Ireland be |
| Irish elegance!). It has all the major names, from | | | | sure to treat yourself to a little bit of retail |
| Louis Vuitton, Dior and Gucci, to Chanel, Valentino, | | | | therapy. We're sure you'll find it to be a |
| and Jimmy Choo - so your credit card will | | | | thoroughly enjoyable experience - and you might |
| definitely get good a run for its money here! | | | | even pick up a few bargains along the way! |
| Transport wise, Dublin is well served by train and | | | | |