Shopping in Ireland
Ireland is home to a wide variety of shopping options, from high-end boutiques and department stores to traditional markets and craft shops.
Some of the top places to shop in Ireland include:
Grafton Street: located in the heart of Dublin, this is one of the city's main shopping districts, with a variety of high-street and designer stores, as well as street performers and buskers.
St. Stephen's Green Shopping Centre: located just off Grafton Street, this shopping center features a wide variety of shops and restaurants.
The Powerscourt Centre: located in the heart of Dublin, this collection of designer boutiques and antique shops offers a unique shopping experience.
Brown Thomas: a luxury department store in Dublin and Cork, and a great place to shop for designer clothes, shoes, and accessories.
Cork City: Cork is the second city of Ireland and offers a range of shopping experiences from the high street to independent boutiques, it's a great place to explore.
If you're looking for traditional Irish crafts, there are a number of shops and markets that sell handmade goods, such as:
The English Market: one of the oldest markets in Cork, the English Market is a great place to find local produce, as well as handmade crafts, jewelry, and clothing.
Avoca Handweavers: a chain of stores that sell handmade woolens, pottery, and other crafts.
Kilkenny Design Centre: features a wide range of Irish crafts, including jewelry, pottery, and clothing.
Galway Market: Located in the heart of Galway, it's a great place to find handmade crafts, jewelry, and clothing.
It's also worth noting that Ireland has a Value-Added Tax (VAT) rate of 23% on most items. However, if you are a non-EU resident and spending over a certain amount ( currently 315eur) on goods in Ireland, you may be able to claim back the VAT paid as a refund when you leave the EU. Make sure to ask the store for a Tax-Free Shopping Form.
Keep in mind that while many stores in Ireland are now open, some are still closed or operating with reduced hours, so it's always a good idea to check the store's website or call ahead to confirm the store's hours before visiting.
