Shopping in Dublin is a pleasure. The city is so compact that shoppers can easily walk between all of the key stores. But more than convenience, it comes down to atmosphere. Dublin has dozens of charming boutiques, offering everything from women's clothing to designer shoes and Cuban cigars.

Avoca

Fans of Anthropologie in the U.S. will love Avoca for its girlie, vintage vibe. The Dublin location has a shabby chic look, with pine floors, crystal chandeliers and painted furniture. This family owned company has been in business since 1723, and many of the garments are still hand woven at the mill in County Wicklow. Avoca is the place to stock up on women's cashmere sweaters, as well as mohair throws in a rainbow of colors. It's also a perfect place to pick up gifts, ranging from beautifully packaged soaps and cookbooks to gourmet food, as well as cute mittens and scarves. If you need to rest your feet, there's a café on the top floor.

Avoca
11-13 Suffolk Street
Dublin 2
Phone: +353 1 677 4215

www.avoca.ie

Pia Bang

This two-storey shop sells everything from shoes to garden furniture, but what they all have in common is good design. The overall look of the shop is pretty and feminine, with hardwood floors, crystal chandeliers and white-washed furniture. The street level floors sells women's clothing, shoes and accessories, while the upstairs is devoted to housewares. This is where you can stock up on gauzy linen curtains, pillows, votive candles and wrought iron garden furniture.

Pia Bang
46 Grafton Street
Dublin 2
Phone: +353 1 671 5065

Brown Thomas

Brown Thomas is the best department store in town- think of it as the Harvey Nicks or Barneys of Dublin. This family owned department store carries all the top designer labels, from Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Chanel as well as Prada and Matthew Williamson. What makes it standout are services such as its new bespoke tailoring, where customers can have suits whipped up from Brioni's and Hermes's tailors. There's also a Denim Bar and an in-house, old fashioned barber shop.

Brown Thomas
88-95 Grafton Street
Dublin 2
Phone: +353 1 605 6666

www.brownthomas.ie

Cherche Midi

This little shop is the best place in town for designer shoes, attracting everyone from young fashionistas to an older crowd in search of a stylish, high quality shoe. Brands carried include Emma Hope, Kate Spade, Jane Brown, Sonia Rykiel and Givenchy. 

Cherche Midi
23 Drury Street
Dublin 2
Phone: +353 1 675 3975

 

 

Costume

This two-story boutique carries a wide range of clothing from top designers including Alice Temperley and Anna Sui to newer labels such as Hoss Homeless.

10-11 Castle Market
Dublin 2
Phone: +353 1 679 4188

 

 
 

The Design Centre

The Design Centre is the shop that launched Louise Kennedy, and now serves as a showcase for up and coming talent, like Aideen Bodkin, known for floaty knit coats. Snap up Patrick Casey and Synan O'Mahony's couture evening wear here. The Irish prime minister's daughter, Georgina Ahern, chose O'Mohany to design her wedding dress to Westlife singer Nicky Byrne. Also available are Philip Treacy hats, and Matthew Williamson accessories. 

The Design Centre
Powerscourt Townhouse Centre
59 South William Street
Dublin 2
Phone: 353 1 679 5718

www.designcentre.ie

The Decent Cigar Emporium

And finally, one for the guys. The Decent Cigar Emporium is much more than just a cigar shop. With its hardwood floors, orange walls and leather club chairs, it feels like a very civilized living room. Owner Guy Hancock is usually there, and will hand guests a cup of Cuban coffee or a glass of wine and let them linger as long as they want. He's also a great source for local haunts- his top recommendations were the Oval Office bar at Shanahan's on the Green (www.shanahans.ie) and George's Wine Bar on 29 South Frederick Street. The shop offers over 60 hand rolled brands of cigars, including Cuban, Honduran, Dominican, Jamaican, and Nicaraguan.

The Decent Cigar Emporium
46 Grafton Street
Dublin 2
Phone: +353 (1) 671 6451

www.decent-cigar.com

5 Scarlet Row

Opened in 2004, 5 Scarlet Row is a one stop shop for cutting edge fashion and shoes. Located in Temple Bar, the store is partly owned by shoe designer Eileen Shields and has a minimalist interior, with concrete floors and velvet curtains. The shop carries clothing and shoes by Irish designers Sharon Wauchob and Helen James, as well as Eley Kishimoto and Bali Barrett. 

5 Scarlet Row
No. 5 Scarlet Row
Essex Street West
Temple Bar
Dublin 8
Phone: +353 1 672 9534

Smock

Smock is one of the best stores in Dublin for designer clothes. Brands stocked include Marni, Mayle, Veronique Branquinho and Pearson. One of the best parts about shopping at Smock is owner Karen Crawford- she's more than happy not only to help you find the perfect outfit, but as a self-confessed foodie, share her tips on the newest and best restaurants in town. She sent us to 66 The Grocer (www.brasseriesixty6.com)  and Gruel, which we both loved.

Smock
Unit 5
20-22 Essex Street West
Dublin 8
Phone: +353 1 613 9000

Kilkenny Design Centre

The Kilkenny Design Centre showcases the best of Irish design, and although there are a few Aran sweaters and knickknacks covered with shamrocks, there are items from top designers such as Orla Keily, John Rocha, and Aideen Bodkin. The crystal department is also a standout, featuring Waterford crystal. In case you have the munchies, there's also a top floor café. Try the Guinness casserole with a garlic crust, or Kilkenny banana bread. 

Kilkenny Design Centre
6-10 Nassau Street
Dublin 2
Phone: +353 1 677-7066

www.kilkennydesign.com

Louise Kennedy

Louise Kennedy is one of Ireland's leading designers. Her clothes appeal to women looking for understated quality, and her evening wear, coats and suits are standouts. Celebrity clients include Meryl Streep, Gwyneth Paltrow and British first lady Cherie Blair. Her shop, which is appointment only, is spread over three floors of a beautiful Georgian townhouse on Merrion Square. Her showroom displays her line of clothing as well as accessories and housewares, including her range of crystal and sliver. The overall atmosphere is very polished, civilized and sophisticated””just like her clothes.

Louise Kennedy
56 Merrion Square
Dublin 2
Phone: +353 1 662-0056

Weir & Sons

Weir & Sons, established in 1889, is a wonderfully old-fashioned jewellery store, selling engagement rings, watches, silver and leather. All of the top brands are sold here, including Chopard, Mikimoto, Bulgari and Gucci. The antique silver department stocks a wide selection of Irish and British silver from the 17th, 18th and 19th century. Weir & Sons also offers a hand engraving service.

Weir & Sons
96 Grafton Street
Dublin 2
Phone: + 353 1 677 9678