The Shopping List
One-of-a-kind gifts are hard to come by if you’re browsing your way around an unfamiliar city. With the big Christmas day just around the corner (less than two weeks to go) here are a few tips on where to start the search in Dublin for the long gift list you’re probably mulling over already.
The Kilkenny Shop, 6 Nassau Street, Dublin 2.
Always known for its consistent focus on Irish crafts and design, The Kilkenny is great for locally made bags and accessories, crystal, pottery, ceramics and jewellery. Some of the best-known and most contemporary Irish designers sell their work here, but it’s also the place to go for the more traditional side of Irish design. It’s pricey though, so you may need a healthy credit card.
Georges Street Arcade, South Great Georges Street, Dublin 2.
Once known as South City Markets, George’s Street Arcade is Dublin’s first and only purpose built Victorian Shopping Centre. A semi-open air venue, it is topped with a green tinted iron cover and lined with small shops and open stalls packed with mostly artisan-made goods. Besides an art gallery, some great food stalls, bookstores, jewellery stores and quirky fashion, Spin Dizzy Records sells some of the most classic LPs for a gift with a difference.
The Powerscourt Centre, South William Street, Dublin 2.
Just behind Grafton Street and a stone’s throw from The Georges Street Arcade, The Powerscourt Shopping Centre is another lovely historical building-turned-shopping venue. The second floor of this refurbished Georgian building is lined with small shops selling jewellery, antiques and crafts. Emma Stewart Liberty specializes in silver, Michael Perry in diamonds (!!!) and Patrick Flood is a general jeweller and will design on site.
House of Tea. CHQ Building, IFSC, Dublin 1.
Everyone knows that the Irish like their teas, normally of the traditional variety. But this is a teashop with a difference – it stocks over 100 different varieties of tea at any time. Pretty much any blend can be found in the glass interior, ranging from the regular stuff to Oolong and Pu Erh for those with more exotic tastes. Packaging looks great, so it’s definitely a runner as a gift idea.
Avoca Handweavers, Suffolk Street, Dublin 2.
The place to go for wool scarves, throws, mohair, and contemporary Irish women’s fashion. Started originally in 1723, it’s is Ireland's oldest surviving business, a family owned craft design company which had its beginnings at the Old Mill at Avoca in Co.Wicklow.