Dublin Weekend Break
Shopping in Dublin
Like most of the world's capital cities, Dublin has most of the big name stores and designer labels that you would expect, and nearly all are within easy walking distance of one another. This makes serious shopping another possible highlight of a Dublin weekend break.
Dublin town center is divided by the river Liffey and the city's main shopping districts span both banks.
On the Southside of the Liffey there is the popular area around Grafton Street (this zone is very popular with those on Dublin breaks). This district has many small roads, all in the Grafton Street area and all are full of shops, boutiques and stalls. Also on the Southside of the river is the famous Temple Bar district which, aside from its many pubs, has all manner of shops and fashionable stores. This area in particular is a must for any tourist visiting Dublin.
To the Northside of the Liffey there is a collection of streets, namely Henry Street, Talbot Street and O'Connell Street and these pool together to create another (although less popular) shopping zone.
Also in (and on the outskirts of) Dublin there are some large shopping and shopping and entertainment malls. You can find out more about these on our Dublin Stores page.
Dublin Shopping zones in more detail
Grafton Street is Dublin's top shopping area and both Grafton Street and many of the other streets surrounding it are pedestrianized. Most consider Grafton Street to be the most appealing shopping point in the city and the street itself is very attractive with an “old world” air and lots of quaint shops.
Running off Grafton Street are plenty of other shopping streets for the tourist to explore and at the “Saint Stevens Green” end of the street is the large Stevens Green Shopping center.
When you tire of wondering around, Grafton Street has some of the city's best pubs and bars – perfect for topping up the energy reserves before you move on to the next district.
More about Dublin's stores, centres and shopping below these resources
Temple Bar is without doubt the hottest spot in Dublin for pubs and shops. Over recent years it has evolved into a fashion conscious district with plenty of clothes shops, music stores and art emporiums. It is also an area with a plentiful supply of clubs, restaurants and places to have a snack. All told it is the social and fashionable heart of the city and a place where the trendy and not so trendy seem to polarise to. A visit to this city without a visit to the Temple Bar area would definitely omit something from a weekend break in Dublin.
O'Connell Street runs through central Dublin and has the shop filled streets of Henry Street and Talbot Street radiating off it. Both these streets have a number of Dublin's larger and more notable stores like Arnotts, Clery's and Dunnes and they are also populated with cafes and bars. This is yet another of Dublin's mini shopping Mecca's and you will see some famous fast food eateries that are ideal for families with children.
Shopping centers and malls
Dublin has 6 major shopping centers in and around the city with all the big name stores and brands that you would expect.
Two of these malls (Blanchardstown Shopping center and Dundrum Shopping center) are not just retail parks , but complete entertainment center with cinemas, restaurants and other entertainment activities like ten pin bowling.
All of the city's shopping center and retail parks are easily accessible by bus from Dublin city center.
Dublin markets
Surprisingly Dublin is no longer a major "market town" in the real sense although it does have some city markets.
The Liberty market, which fills an area close to Christ Church, is Dublin's best known market and it opens on Friday and Saturday (and Sundays leading up to Christmas). This market sells everything that you would expect and is always busy.
Moore Street market is probably Dublin's other main street market and is located in Northside (north of the river Liffey). This market is primarily food oriented and of less appeal to the city's visitors.