Three Hours Shopping in Dublin's Creative Quarter
© Julie MatkinYour typical guidebook to Dublin is going to tell you that one of the places you can’t miss is Grafton Street, the city’s biggest pedestrian shopping area. But as a local (and as an author of a not-so-typical guidebook to the city), I’m going to tell you to walk right on by the overcrowded street. Just a few blocks west of Grafton Street, you’ll leave the chain stores behind and discover independent boutiques, cool cafes serving locally roasted coffee, and some of the best people-watching in the city.
The Creative Quarter is one of the neighborhoods that has emerged stronger than ever through the last several years of recession in Dublin. You’ll find Irish design, Irish food, and lots of Irish people doing their shopping and meeting friends. Here’s how to spend a delightful three hours in Dublin’s Creative Quarter.
© Julie MatkinSt. Stephen’s Green
A great spot for people-watching is the city’s busiest and most popular park, St. Stephen’s Green. Year round, you'll find flowers, fountains, and locals feeding the ducks and pigeons. In the spring and summer months, keep an eye out for the resident swan family raising their yearly brood of fuzzy babies.
© Julie MatkinThe Irish Design Shop
For souvenirs, there’s no better spot to stock up before heading home than the Irish Design Shop. Its owners, Clare Grennan and Laura Caffrey, have stocked their shop with only Irish-designed and -made goods, from beautiful pottery to jewelry made in their upstairs studio space. If you want to get your hands dirty while you’re visiting, sign up for one of their jewelry-making workshops. (41 Drury Street, Dublin 2)
© Julie MatkinFallon & Byrne
One floor gourmet grocery store, one floor wine bar, and one floor swanky restaurant, Fallon & Byrne is nearly one-stop shopping for the foodies in Dublin. Looking for an ingredient that you can bring home in your carry-on? Irish Atlantic Sea Salt is light and travel-friendly. (11-17 Exchequer Street, Dublin 2)
© Julie MatkinIrish Georgian Society
Free and open to the public, the Irish Georgian Society building sits right next to the Powerscourt Centre, and is the home to a voluntary group dedicated to preserving and protecting the country’s architecture. Its headquarters on South William Street often hosts art and photography exhibits. (58 South William Street, Dublin 2)
© Julie MatkinStop into A. Rubanesque for gorgeous ribbons and trimmings, This is Knit for everything you’d need to knit your own Irish jumper, Article (pictured) for beautiful tabletop homewares, and MoMuse for Irish-made jewelry. (59 South William Street, Dublin 2)
© Julie MatkinPowerscourt Centre
What was once the residence of the Third Viscount of Powerscourt—a man who enjoyed throwing parties—is now home to boutiques and cafes, antique shops, a covered courtyard, and even a few nightclubs in the later hours. The Powerscourt Centre is one of your best bets for shopping in the city.
© Emily WestbrooksClement & Pekoe
Clement & Pekoe is a popular spot for locals to stop for coffee, tea, and treats. If you’re lucky (and if the weather cooperates), nab a spot on their front porch and watch the city buzz by in front of you. (50 South William Street, Dublin 2)
