Shopping and retail options in Ireland: Ireland's main shopping centers: Dublin, Galway, Cork. Grocery chains: Tesco, SuperValu, Dunnes Stores. Popular department stores: Brown Thomas, Arnotts. Traditional markets: English Market, St. George's Market. Tax-free shopping for tourists available. Irish craft shops: Avoca, Kilkenny Shop. Boutique stores in Dublin's Grafton Street. Farmers' markets for fresh, local produce. Online shopping widely available and reliable. Seasonal sales: January and mid-July.
Ireland's main shopping centers: Dublin, Galway, Cork.
In Dublin, key shopping centers include the Ilac Shopping Centre, Jervis Shopping Centre, St Stephen's Green Shopping Centre, and the large Dundrum Town Centre, which offers a wide range of retail, dining, and entertainment options. In Galway, notable shopping centers are the Eyre Square Centre and the Galway Shopping Centre, both featuring a variety of shops and dining options. In Cork, prominent shopping centers include the Mahon Point Shopping Centre and the Wilton Shopping Centre, which are among the largest in the region. For more detailed information, explore the comprehensive guides available at Visit Dublin, a helpful resource for planning your shopping adventures across Ireland.
Grocery chains: Tesco, SuperValu, Dunnes Stores.
In Ireland, major grocery chains include Tesco, which offers a broad selection of products, online shopping, and a Clubcard loyalty scheme. Meanwhile, SuperValu stands out as a symbol group with independently owned stores, providing own-brand products and online shopping options. They also feature a Real Rewards loyalty scheme. Another prominent name is Dunnes Stores, an Irish chain known for a reasonable selection of products and own-branded items, along with a VALUEclub loyalty scheme, although it does not offer online grocery shopping. For those interested in a comprehensive guide on Grocery Shopping In Ireland, there are numerous resources available online to assist with a smooth transition to Irish shopping habits.
Popular department stores: Brown Thomas, Arnotts.
Brown Thomas and Arnotts are two of Ireland's most prominent department stores. Brown Thomas, known for its luxury brands in fashion, beauty, and homewares, operates multiple locations across Ireland, including Dublin, Dundrum, Cork, Limerick, and Galway. Arnotts, Ireland's oldest and largest department store since 1843, is located on Henry Street in Dublin and offers a wide range of services, including restaurants, a barber, and a travel department, along with a diverse collection of designer brands. For more information on this esteemed retailer, visit the Brown Thomas website.
Traditional markets: English Market, St. George's Market.
The English Market in Cork, established in 1788, is one of Europe's oldest and best covered markets, renowned for its fresh, local produce and traditional Cork foods, with a strong emphasis on personal service from local and independent traders. In contrast, St. George's Market in Belfast, built between 1890 and 1896, is the last surviving Victorian covered market in Northern Ireland. This vibrant hub offers a variety of products, including fresh produce, antiques, crafts, and a significant fish market. Each week, St. George's Market features different market themes on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, making it a beloved destination for both locals and tourists seeking a unique shopping experience.
Tax-free shopping for tourists available.
Tax-free shopping in Ireland is a fantastic opportunity available for non-EU residents, including those from Great Britain, with a minimum spend requirement of EUR75. To qualify, shoppers must obtain a Planet Tax Free form, get it validated by customs, and return it to Planet to receive their VAT refund, which can be up to 23% of the purchase price. This process allows visitors to benefit significantly from their purchases while exploring the beautiful country.
Irish craft shops: Avoca, Kilkenny Shop.
Avoca and Kilkenny Shop are prominent Irish craft shops. Avoca, with 14 locations, offers a range of products including ceramics, clothing, and artisanal foods, along with award-winning cafes, food markets, and gardens. Kilkenny Shop, with 17 stores nationwide, specializes in Irish-designed products such as pottery, glassware, and textiles, and also features in-store cafes and a thriving online shop.
Boutique stores in Dublin's Grafton Street.
Grafton Street in Dublin is home to a variety of boutique stores, including Weir & Sons for watches, jewelry, and other specialty items; the Disney store for official Disney merchandise; Card Gallery for greeting cards and gifts; and & Other Stories for chic women's clothing and accessories. Additionally, there are unique shops like Avoca Handweavers, Kilkenny Shop, and Ted Baker, offering a range of Irish crafts, gifts, and high-quality fashion. Discover more about these charming shops by visiting their official Grafton Street webpage.
Farmers' markets for fresh, local produce.
In Ireland, Farmers' Markets offer a vibrant shopping experience with fresh, locally sourced produce, artisanal goods, and a strong community spirit. Markets like the English Market in Cork, St George's Market in Belfast, and Naas Farmers' Market in County Kildare provide a variety of organic produce, fresh breads, farmhouse cheeses, and other local specialties, reconnecting consumers with the food they eat. Discover more about these exciting markets by visiting the official website and immerse yourself in the unique charm of these cherished community hubs.
Online shopping widely available and reliable.
Online shopping in Ireland is widely available and reliable, with top sites like Amazon.co.uk, Donedeal.ie, and Dunnesstores.com offering a range of products and services. These include marketplace, Ecommerce, and department store options with features like online shopping, click and collect, and loyalty programs. For a detailed overview of the top e-commerce platforms, visit the SimilarWeb site, which provides comprehensive insights into Ireland's digital market landscape.
Seasonal sales: January and mid-July.
In Ireland, seasonal sales typically start around St. Stephen's Day (December 26th) and continue into January, with many online and in-store sales beginning as early as Christmas Day. For more detailed information about these events, you can visit the Money Guide Ireland, which offers a comprehensive overview of the start and duration of winter sales. Summer sales are not specifically mentioned in this context, but winter sales usually run from late December through January.