THE GLOSS X Shopkeepers.com Best Shop Ireland 2022 list is here! THE GLOSS team, led by Sarah McDonnell, editor, Paula Flynn of TheShopkeepers.com, and Amanda Pratt, designer and former creative director and owner of Avoca, have been sifting through nominations for our Best Shops Ireland 2002. With your help, readers and followers, we have found a fabulously diverse and exciting bunch of independent retailers. Store owners, we salute you for your creativity, your hard work, your perseverance in tough times, and your inspiring ability to bring us joy: they don’t call it retail therapy for nothing. We will continue to support you because we want your shops to remain open and thriving, in our cities, towns and villages. Let’s start spreading the word …

While every effort has been made to ensure the information reflected in the list below is accurate, up to date and correct, please email digital@thegloss.ie with any issues, corrections or queries.

BEAUTIFUL SOUTH, Swan Centre, Unit 3D Castlewood Avenue, Rathmines, Dublin 6

Coinciding with – or preempting? – the cool-ification of Rathmines (so many interesting places to eat and drink; young, diverse vibe) Grainne Wynne’s BEAUTIFUL SOUTH has had an elevating influence on the D6 village. Among other elegant labels, find Ros Duke cashmere, Cleo Prickett tailoring, Eudon Choi separates, Daki Daki jewellery, Aoife Lifestyle bags and Alohas shoes. Think cool architect aesthetic – beautifully cut, restrained pieces with minimal detail and a contemporary edge. Pop in after a delicious bowl of pasta in nearby Sprezzatura … or maybe before! @beautiful.south. Grainne wears black silk double-breasted jacket, Reuben Avenue; black leather trousers, MM6; brown leather mules, Alohas. Photograph by Emily Quinn.

COSTUME, 2, 10/ 11 Castle Market, Dublin 2

The Tucker sisters, Tracy and Anne, have been steering the COSTUME ship for almost 20 years and it has been consistently brilliant, ahead of the fashion curve and abreast of everything on the runway with a bias towards elegant-with-an edge clothes we really want to wear. They did Isabel Marant first! Zadig first! Yves Salomon first! The phrase “unerring eye” is a little staid to describe the Costume approach to buying. This season check out in particular Soeur, Les Ottomans, Rupert Sanderson and Markus Lupfer. www.costumedublin.ie. Tracy wears horse print silk dress, Zadig & Voltaire. Anne wears pink blouse, white denim jeans; white leather boots; all Isabel Marant.

ELECTRA, 16 Donnybrook Road, Dublin 4

French Girl style has a home and it’s ELECTRA, in Donnybrook. Owner Sadbh Fahy, who lived in Paris for years, is the perfect poster girl for the look. From Vanesso Bruno to APC, Christian Wijnants to Isabel Marant, Maison Kitsune, to Forte Forte, pieces are classic yes, but with a contemporary cut, with an ever-present soupçon of sexy. Look out for Astier de Villatte ceramics and Aurélie Bidermann and Ginette NY jewellery. www.electra.ie. Sadbh Fahy wears knit top and skirt by Christian Wijnants; white leather boots by Isabel Marant.

EMPORIUM KALU, South Main Street, Naas East, Kildare

Kalu has been stocking innovative designers including Vivetta and Vivienne Westwood for over 20 years. The duo are known for their edit of beautiful, boundary-pushing occasionwear. Run by Louise Flanagan and Kate O’Dwyer Kalu is for the fashion-conscious who want original artistic pieces this boutique is a must-visit; www.emporiumkalu.com. Louise and Kate both wear dresses by Austrian brand An An Londree AW22.

ENVOY OF BELFAST, 4 Wellington Street, Belfast, Co Antrim

Timeless and understate ENVOY OF BELFAST’s selection of clothing and accessories are chosen for their distinctive quality of design, fabric, and craftsmanship. Clothes that have the ability for the wearer to create their own look, rather than the clothes defining the individual. Owner Ruth Spence selects pieces from international brands in Europe, Japan, and the USA. www.envoyofbelfast.com

GALLERY 9, Sallins Road, Naas East, Naas, Kildare

Few leave GALLERY 9 empty-handed, such is the range of designers and styles (including Saloni, Stella Nova, Stine Goya and Self Portrait). From clothing and accessories to jewellery, owner Niamh McCoy’s taste is impeccable. Look out for printed co-ords by Copenhagen brand Munthe, minimalist cool-girl jackets and sweatshirts from Anine Bing and GLOSS favourite Gia Couture shoes. www.gallery9.ie. Owner Niamh McCoy wears Victoria Beckham with Deepa Gurnani earrings.

HAVANA, 2 Anglesea House, Donnybrook Rd, Donnybrook, Dublin 4

Ireland’s edgiest fashion destination, HAVANA  has been the first port of call for women seeking conceptual fashion for over 25 years. Stocking avant garde Irish and international designers, Nikki Creedon, as prescient about trends and how Irish women want to wear them as ever, says statement skirts and outerwear are a focus for autumn. Colour comes via bags and accessories. “And I’m looking forward to our two-week showcase of the best Irish design and crafts – including pottery and rugs – in November.” www.havanaboutique.ie. Nikki wears a Rick Owens jacket with a Chopova Lowena skirt, Mos Mosh shirt, Eyevan glasses, and orange bag by Wandler. Photographed at Dorian, Donnybrook Road, Dublin 4. Photograph by Doreen Kilfeather.

JUJU, 3 La Touche Place, Rathdown Lower, Greystones, Wicklow

Unusual, contemporary brands have been the remit of JUJU boutique, which stocks Landskein coats, Lis Lareida shirts, Pedro Garcia footwear and Gigi Clozeau jewellery. “Our style is very much timeless and classic – we want our customers to dress in pieces they will cherish forever,” says owner Juliet Ledwidge; www.juju.ie. A model wears a Landskein coat, silk blouse from Lis Lareida and jeans from Citizens of Humanity. Photograph by Jenni Browne.

KHAN, 15 Rock Hill Blackrock, Dublin

Celebrating over 25 years in business, KHAN is an integral part of Blackrock’s thriving village culture. Its loyal cohort of clients return each season to update their wardrobes with Mackay’s focused edit of brands which includes Paul Smith, Fabiana Filippi, Annette Gortz and Irish designers Roisin Linnane and Lainey Keogh. “Lasercut detailing, quilted outerwear, sleek suiting and the return of the LBD are key looks for AW22,” she explains. www.khan.ie. Deryn wears a bell-sleeve tunic; black trousers; both by Dorothée Schumacher.

KIMONO, Provincial House, Bishop Street, Newcastlewest, Co Limerick & Main Street, Charleville, Cork

“I’m wearing Sara Roka, my favourite out of the 40 or so labels we stock, which reflects the style and ethos of KIMONO – nostalgic with a contemporary twist,” says owner Ailish Mullane. Kimono, situated in a former bank (complete with safe), celebrates 20 years in business in 2023, and has recently enhanced its online offering. “Customers love our exclusive range of Soru jewellery too.” www.kimono.ie.

MACBEES, 26 New Street, Monearmore, Killarney, Kerry

In MACBEES boutique, founded in 1984 by Mary McBride, visitors are met with a riot of colour and interesting design. Mary’s daughters Aoife and Doranne, are now at the helm, bringing their experience – in costume design and as a buyer for Saks Fifth Avenue respectively – to the edit of brands stocked. These include Irish knitwear designer Colin Horgan and handbag label August Night. www.macbees.ie. Aoife McBride wears multi-coloured print silk dress, Munthe. Doranne Hickey wears abstract-print pleated kimono, black shirt dress, both Munthe.

MAGEE 1866, The Diamond, Donegal Town, Donegal

The MAGEE store has stood on the same site since it opened in the 1800s and is a true destination shop for womenswear, menswear and gifts (with a great café too). “Our ethos has always been one of ‘slow fashion’, with high quality, natural fabrics our focus,” explains creative director Charlotte Temple. “This season we dipped into our archives and revived some exciting patterns, adding a contemporary slant and new colour palettes.” www.magee1866.com. Charlotte wears the Rebecca dress in a Liberty print, from the AW22 collection.

MILLARS, Main Street, Clifden, Connemara, Galway

Clifden’s iconic yellow-fronted store, led by mother and daughter Treena and Claire Sweeney, has a strong following of Irish and international regulars who appreciate the edit of designers including Magee, Dubarry, Ireland’s Eye and Eco Tree knitwear, Niamh Daniels scarves and Landskein coats and accessories. www.millarsconnemara.ie. Claire Sweeney wears a Landskein coat. Treena Sweeney wears a Rosso 35 silk dress and Eco Tree cashmere wrap.

OM DIVA, 27 Drury Street, Dublin 2

Ruth Ní Lionsigh is a dynamo with a generous appetite for nurturing young talent and creativity. It’s difficult to pass OM DIVA’s extraordinary window – inside is a vibrant mix of new designs and vintage pieces which work together to create a pretty, fey aesthetic with a subtle, punky edge. Sure, Drury Street isn’t a village, but between Loose Canon wine shop, Kaph café and the other independent retailers, it sure feels like one. www.omdivaboutique.com.

PEEL FASHION STORE, 107 Bloomfield Avenue, Belfast

This mini, three-storey department store (and its neighbouring Sale Shop Peel 2), has lured Belfast’s fashion crowd to Bloomfield Avenue for 22 years. For AW22, bold colours, print, pattern and staple black, are on offer, with sleek velvet occasion wear from Qui Privé, embellished kimonos from Essentiel Antwerp, versatile suiting from Emme and edgier pieces from XD Xenia; www.peel.fashion. Manageress Jacquie Martin and owner Elaine Peel both wear Riani. Photograph by Khara Pringle.

PLEASE DON’T TELL, 675 Lisburn Road, Belfast

“I focus on shapes, fabrics and interesting accessories,” says  Ann Donaldson shopkeeper, of her personal style, which she defines as “cool classic”. Her boutique on Belfast’s buzzy Lisburn Road is where you’ll find unfussy trenches from Kassl Editions and oversized corduroy suits from luxury brand Cawley Studio. “This season don’t wait until Christmas to wear your sequins,” says Ann, who will pair hers with a white tank by Dorothée Schumacher. www.pleasedonttell.ie

QUACK+DIRK, Rear Marino Mart, Fairview, Dublin 3 

A charming shop with an equally charming backstory. Deirdre Mahon first opened her shop for the summer of 2003, affectionately naming it after her and her bestie, QUACK + DIRK. When she opened the shop permanently in 2009 she kept the name. Quack + Dirk is a family affair. Deirdre’s architect mother and siblings helped her convert the garage, which housed spare parts for her father’s car mechanic business, into a quirky, vintage-inspired clothing boutique. www.qplusd.com. Photography by Dena Shearer.

ROCOCO, 20 Glasthule Road, Sandycove, Dublin

As part of its 21st birthday celebrations, Roxanna Allen is collaborating with Bl^nk London to produce a range of sustainably made kimonos and scarves, for which the boutique is known. “Rococo has always worked with labels that are making a difference to the fashion community,” says Roxanna, who supports the “Glasthule Goes Green” initiative to reduce the carbon footprint within the local retail community. www.rococo.ie. Photograph by Lois Creighton.

SAMUI, 17 Drawbridge Street, Cork

Foodies visit the English Market; women who love fashion visit Clodagh Cronin’s store SAMUI. Clodagh’s collection has a strong rootstock of iconic designers like Rick Owens and Dries van Noten and Acne Studios, onto which is grafted an evolving, season-by-season selection of the labels of the moment. Samui’s styling videos went viral during lockdown – no surprise, they kept the joy of dressing up alive through the darkest days of leggings and loungewear. www.samuifashions.com. Photograph by Miki Barlok.

SCOUT, 5 Essex Street West, Temple Bar, Dublin 2

“I’m wearing an indigo denim dress by Toast with corozo button detailing, cut in a shape I will wear for many years. It works really well across all seasons too,” says Wendy Crawford. “I love the longevity of Toast pieces. The quality of fabrics is really beautiful and I find their pieces are real workhorses for your wardrobe, something we always bear in mind when buying our collections.” www.scoutdublin.com.

SEAGREEN, 6a, 7a Monkstown Crescent, Monkstown Co Dublin & 45 Ranelagh, Dublin

“At SEAGREEN, we stock timeless pieces that can be worn multiple ways, season after season,” says owner Sarah Gill. “AW22 features lots of print in key colours like hot pink and sapphire blue. We have new Australian label Alemais – lace embroidered dresses with blouson sleeves, 1970s-inspired linen print shirts and tiered and gathered mini dresses.” www.seagreen.ie. Sarah Gill wears blazer; T-shirt; denim jeans; all Anine Bing. Shoes by Rag & Bone.

SLOW STREET, 16 Main Street, Blackrock, Dublin

Step into SLOW STREET – IDI Store Design of the Year 2021 – and you’ll find recycled knits, organic denim and simple, chic silhouettes. “We don’t do trends. My passion is sourcing feelgood, clothes which have a positive impact on people and the environment,” says owner Evelyn Brown. www.slowstreet.ie. Evelyn wears a gingham brushed cotton dress from Beaumont Organic under a trench coat from Embassy of Bricks and Logs.

STABLE Westbury Mall, Balfe Street, Dublin 2 

Sonia Reynolds and Frances Duff have created a fresh and modern take on Irish weaving and craft, presenting old-world skills and traditions in a new light. Stable works with more than 30 different producers to create the clothing, accessories and homewares offered in the shop. www.stableofireland.com. 

SUSAN HUNTER, 13 Westbury Mall, Off Grafton Street, Dublin 2

Step inside Susan Moylett’s tiny store and give yourself over to the charming vendeuse within – who might indeed be Susan herself. This is the place to go when you resolve to spend more time choosing elegant, feelgood underwear (and nightwear) that fits properly and gives you confidence. Don’t wait for a special occasion – be more Frenchwoman this year! This store might actually change your life – it will certainly transform how you regard yourself. www.susanhunter.ie.

CLOTH DUBLIN, 15 Westbury Mall, Balfe Street, Dublin 2

A fabric and haberdashery destination founded by mother and daughter, Deirdre Noonan and Sinead Martin in 2010. The first shop was in Limerick, relocating to Dublin in 2012. CLOTH Dublin offers a wide range of fabrics, both for clothing and home interior projects. Between the two women they have a vast wealth of knowledge on sewing projects and are happy to share all their tips from sewing classes to made-to-measure services either in person or online. www.cloth.ie  Photography by Deirdre Noonan.

HUNTER PAPER CO 366 Upper Newtownards Road, Ballyhackamore, Belfast, Northern Ireland 

After establishing her wholesale card and print business in 2016, illustrator Emma Johnston opened Hunter Paper Co in 2020 with her husband Ross. The shop has a printing press that Emma uses to produce her own greeting cards and stocks beautiful stationery from all over the world. www.hunterpaperco.com. 

KINSALE LEATHER, 46 Main Street, Kinsale, Co Cork

For Dee Mangan the importance of creating a beautiful environment to showcase her handmade leather bags and accessories was instrumental in her opening her shop. The Irish Accessory Designer of the Year appreciates people that want to know the story behind what they are buying and being in the shop allows Dee to share her process with her customers. www.kinsaleleather.com. www.instagram.com/kinsaleleather/. 
Photography by Kate Bean.

OPTICA DUBLIN, 6 Dawson Street, Dublin 2

Deirdre de Síun lovingly oversaw the renovation of the ground floor of a Georgian building to house her luxury eyewear shop. Local artisans were employed to restore and fit the shop with vintage fittings to best display stylish designer frames from around the world as well as Optica’s own Wolfhound collection of Irish linen scarves and eyewear. www.opticadublin.com. www.instagram.com/optica_dublin/.
Photography by Deirdre Young.

PAULA ROWAN, 31 The Mall Lower Main Street, Westbury Mall, Dublin 2

The last two years have seen Dublin glove designer PAULA ROWAN go from local legend to global name. From the Met Ball to the Vanity Fair Oscars party, the Gucci movie to Lady Gaga’s world tour, appearances in W magazine, British Vogue (styled by Edward Enninful) and UK Tatler, her Italian leather gloves in styles like Aida, Monserrat and Caroline, have popped up in the smartest of places. If the little city centre village that is the Westbury Mall, feels a little quiet right now, remember within it are Paula’s well-stocked shop, as well as Susan Hunter, Stable, Stonechat and Cloth. Take a look! www.paularowan.com.

BREAD 41, 41 Pearse Street, Dublin 2

BRINDLE, 34 Lennox Street, Portobello, Dublin 8

Super dog-friendly coffee and wine shop serving organic, low intervention wines, single origin coffee, and local, artisan produce. BRINDLE COFFEE & WINE is located on a picturesque street of pretty storefronts in Dublin’s Portobello. They offer seasonal in-store wine tastings and kits for at-home tastings. www.brindlecoffeewine.com. Photography by Rachel Lynch

COSGROVE & SON, 32 Market Street, Sligo

FUMBALLY, The Fumbally, Fumbally Lane, Dublin 8

Aisling Rogerson and Luca D’Alfonso co-founded the FUMBALLY café in 2012. After years spent travelling and working together, they wanted to create a venture embodying their shared experiences and learnings. In 2020 lockdowns required a business pivot so The Fumbally became a shop selling fresh produce, artisan pantry items, bakery goods, Fumbally Ferments, and take-away dinners. Today, both the café and the shop are thriving, each complementing each other. Photography by Aisling Rogerson. www.thefumbally.ie

KILRUDDERY Southern Cross, Bray, Co Wicklow

The stable yard at 400-year-old Kilruddery is home to Lord and Lady Ardee’s estate’s Farm Shop and Garden Centre as well as the Grain Store Restaurant. Kilruddery’s bio-diverse farm supplies The Farm Shop with chemical-free produce, cut flowers and free-range meats, pantry items and homewares. The garden centre stocks both indoor and outdoor plants, tools, seeds and books. www.kilruddery.com.

Lennox Street Grocer, 38 Lennox Street, Dublin 6

Originally a pop-up, Lennox Street Grocer opened in November 2020. Two years later, the shop conceived by siblings Claire and Chris Arnold (with a combined 20+ years working in various aspects of the food and beverage industries in Europe and North America) is thriving. The shop marries a delicious selection of products from local and international suppliers with a beautifully presented shop. The classic, smartly painted shopfront with its colourful display of produce and the creative signage hand painted by artist Darragh Mulryan. www.lennoxstreet.ie

LILLIPUT STORES, 5 Rosemount Terrace, Arbour Hill, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7

LOTTS & CO, 7 South Lotts Road, Beggars Bush, 46 Clontarf Road, Clontarf, Dublin 3 & 12 Rathfarnham Road, Terenure Dublin 6

SCOTTS FARM, 96 Moneybrannon Road, Coleraine, Northern Ireland

Peter Scott, a member of the long-established family-run Scotts Fresh Fruit & Vegetables Wholesalers, opened the Farm Shop & General Store in October 2020. He was inspired to open a shop where he could interact directly with his customers as he believes the experience of shopping is feeling, smelling, or tasting different products before buying and having a conversation with the shopkeeper. Peter has created such space, he says himself, “the shop has introduced me to some very special people, which I believe is the soul of retail.” Scotts Farm offers a mix of fresh, quality produce from all over the world alongside local artisan produce accompanied by great customer service. www.sydneybscott.com/farmshop Photography Peter Scott.

SELECT STORES DALKEY, 36 Tubbermore Road, Dalkey, Co Dublin

SHERIDANS, South Anne Street, Dublin & Churchyard Street, Galway

The iconic green and white branding of Sheridan’s cheesemongers is familiar to Irish shoppers. A visit to one of Sheridan’s cheese shops is always a joy, the variety of cheeses a sight to behold. The Dublin shop is as petite as the Galway shop expansive, both helmed by a knowledgeable staff. The Sheridan brothers, Kevin and Seamus, got their start in Galway market in 1995, their business growing quickly to encompass 21 retail outlets and a wholesale business. www.sheridanscheesemongers.com

Siopa Uí Lúing, Ventry, Tralee, Co Kerry

A fifth generation family-run business, Siopa Uí Lúing is the only Post Office still open West of Dingle. Serving a wide radius of customers, the post office also operates as a grocery and one-stop shop for general sundries. A passionate supporter of small Irish producers, the shelves are stocked with a variety of goods including vegan cheeses, incense, organic sun cream, cashew cream, natural wine, sliced pan and artisan goods. www.instagram.com/ventryposiopauiluing/. Photographs by Ciúin Tracey

SUGAR PLUM SWEETERY, 19 Dominick Street, Mullingar, Co Westmeath

SUGAR PLUM SWEETERY is a candy lover’s dream, like winning a golden ticket to visit Willy Wonka’s Factory. The purple shopfront is home to a wall of colourful pick and mix sweets, the opposite side houses the chocolate selection. Chocolate is handmade in Ireland by master chocolatiers and presented in signature purple boxes. The vision of Denise Buckley and David Quirke, Sugar Plum Sweetery opened in June 2022. www.sugarplumsweetery.ie

THE LITTLE SHOP DINGLE, Grey’s Lane, Dingle, Co Kerry

Mark Murphy believes that Ireland is home to some of the best cheeses and cheesemakers in the world. So, he features a great selection of Irish goat, sheep, and cow cheeses The Little Cheese Shop, which he took over in 2018. Mark also carries a selection of tasty accompaniments to complement his cheese – olives, crackers, chutney, and wine. Photography by Fiona Morgan. www.thelittlecheeseshop.ie

TOONSBRIDGE, The Old Creamery, Toonsbridge, Macroom, Co Cork & 54 Serpentine Avenue, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 

Toons Bridge Dairy, in both Cork and Dublin, features handmade namesake cheeses from their herd of buffalo in West Cork. Alongside their cheeses, Jenny-Rose Clarke and Toby Simmonds offer a range of cheeses from other makers, Mediterranean foods from sister-company The Real Olive Company, and a selection of gourmet pantry items. www.toonsbridgedairy.com

WAREHOUSE FOOD MARKET & CAFÉ, Unit 14A, Greenmount Avenue, Harold’s Cross, Dublin 12

Chris Chapman started a seasonal, fresh, local produce delivery service to the Dublin area in January 2020. A very much in-demand business model when Covid hit two months later. By the end of 2021 Chris found a permanent home for his food business in Harold’s Cross, suspending his delivery service now customers shop in person. There is a café serving coffee, breakfast, and lunch and international gourmet pantry items. The space offers workshops and is available for private family-style dining. www.warehousefoodmarket.ie. Photography by Liam Murphy.

Brother Coffee, 1a, Market Square, Ballinapark, Bunclody, Co Wexford

Husband and wife, Roscoh and Jess Anthony, learnt the coffee trade in South Africa and Australia. In Ireland their first foray into the coffee business was opening a window hatch coffee shop from inside their friend’s pub, Cherrytree, in Walkinstown. Building on the success of that endeavour and the demand for good coffee they opened their second coffee shop in Bunclody when the perfect corner store location became available.

CLEMENT & PEKOE, 50 South William Street, Dublin 2 & 24-25 Blessington Street, Inns Quay, Dublin 1

Smart black shopfronts, arched windows and yellow accents are the unmistakable design trademarks of tea and coffee purveyors, Clement & Pekoe. The design signature is continued inside where shelves of large black tea canisters hold high-grade loose-leaf teas from around the world. Coffee selections are from both Irish and International roasting houses. The latest addition to their lineup is their own brand of in-house brewed kombucha. www.clementandpekoe.com

COFFEEWERK + PRESS, 4 Quay Street, Galway 

A tall 400 year old building on a cobbled street in Galway is home to COFFEEWERK + PRESS and owned by Dan Ulrichs. There’s much to love about this award-winning, design-driven coffee shop that not only offers delicious coffee but the perfect edit of Japanese and Scandinavian homewares and printed goods. Bright yellow accents feature on the windows and door of Coffeewerk + Press and a carefully edited selection of yellow products punctuate the interior and website. Coffee beans are sourced from roasters in Pennsylvania and a partnership of roasters in Copenhagen that features artwork by local artists on the packaging. www.coffeewerkandpress.com

HATCH, 13 Main Street, Blackrock & 4 Glasthule Road, Sandycove, Dublin

Inspired by the hip Melbourne coffee scene, amongst the world’s best, Mealla Tarrant opened HATCH coffee shop, first in Sandycove in 2016 followed by a Blackrock store in 2020. Great graphics and a minimalist, well-designed interior, Hatch serves 3FE coffee, award-winning treats baked in their own kitchen and a small breakfast and lunch menu.

MARLOWE & CO, 9 Sandford Gardens, The Tenters, Dublin 8

A corner shop serving “coffee, groceries and nice things.” Husband and wife, Patrick Fagan and Danielle Farelly along with Danielle’s sister Lisa Farrelly opened MARLOWE & CO in 2019. The colourfully painted shopfront is by local artist Claire Prouvost, who also designed the illustration on the coffee cups. Inside there is an assortment of fresh produce, bread, pantry items and a selection of books and gifts. www.wearemarlowe.com Photography by Mark Stedman

SØREN & SON, 1 Dean Street, Dublin 8

SØREN & SON established in 2021, is a brightly lit corner coffee shop serving Stillers Coffee and Tea and the Gang teas. The Scandinavian influence interior is stocked with coffee related goods and paraphernalia. Photography by @photography_by_reda_ and @Ruthmariaphotos.

CLOON KEEN, 21a High Street, Galway & Powerscourt Townhouse, Dublin 2

This West of Ireland shop with its medieval-like archway opening onto a cobble-stoned street is the perfect environment for Cloon Keen’s line of poetic perfumes and candles. The founders of Cloon Keen, Margaret Mangan and Julian Checkley, met whilst working on a film production. For them creating scents is akin to weaving a story, with scents informed by the history, nature, and myths of Ireland. All Cloon Keen’s perfumes and candles are composed and hand poured in Galway. www.cloonkeen.com / www.instagram.com/cloonkeen/

DUO, 4 Sarsfield Street, Limerick City, Co Limerick

The peachy interior of Duo exudes wellbeing and positivity, a fitting vibe for a shop specialising in sustainability and wellness. The shelves neatly display a range of natural beauty and skincare products, healthy foods and supplements, and reusable, earth-friendly products. Tucked under the stairs is a coffee bar whilst a mezzanine does double duty as seating area and yoga loft. www.duoireland.com. www.instagram.com/duoireland/. Photography by Joshua Mulholland.

PARFUMARIJA, 25 Westbury Mall, Dublin 2

Classically trained perfumer, Marija Aslimoska, learnt her craft in Grasse, the perfume capital of the world in the South of France. After working with perfume houses in Grasse she returned to Dublin to open her own Perfume boutique. PERFUMAJIA offers a selection of rare and niche perfumes. Photography by Edgar Allan @mredgarallan.

A BROADER PICTURE, 39-40 The Promenade, Portstewart, Northern Ireland

Located on Ireland’s beautiful North Coast, A Broader Picture is a family pursuit to supply the goods to create a comfortable home. The store was originally founded as a picture framing and craft shop in 1998 by retired teacher, Brian Farthing and his wife, Siobhan. Today, under the stewardship of the couple’s daughter and her husband, Hannah and Steven Mackay, the store has evolved into a contemporary home and lifestyle shop. www.abroaderpicture.com. www.instagram.com/abroaderpicture/ 

BTS CONCEPT STORE, 9 Queen Street, Ferguson House, Coleraine, Northern Ireland

Owner Tracy McAllister left her job at a university to pursue her dream of having her own interior and home shop. The result is an ode to coastal living. Her shop, BTS Concept Store, is inspired the colours and textures of the outdoors, coupled with the clean lines and simplicity of Scandinavian design. https://btsconceptstore.com / www.instagram.com/btsconceptstore/. Photography by Tracy McAllister and Jill Campbell

APRIL AND THE BEAR, 213 Rathmines Road Lower, Rathmines, Dublin 6 

“At APRIL AND THE BEAR we encourage you to embrace what you love,” explains owner Siobhan Lam, whose customers beat a path to this eclectic little oasis in Rathmines. Find quirky prints, tablescaping staples by Ferm Living, HK Living and Klevering, gifts and beautiful accessories. This season, look out for new additions – dining chairs by 366 Concept, oak shelving by Moebe and the Era Chandelier by Ferm Living. www.aprilandthebear.com

ARDMORE POTTERY, Cliff Road, Dysert, Ardmore, Co Waterford 

ARDMORE POTTERY & GALLERY overlooks Ardmore Bay in the heart of the Co Waterford village and is co-owned by potters Mary Lincoln and her daughter, Katie. The store stocks a collection of Irish design, craft and art including their own Ardmore Pottery line which has been produced in the pottery for over 40 years. “The colours of the sea are reflected in every piece made in-house,” they say. www.ardmorepottery.com

ARRAN STREET EAST, 43/44 Arran Street East, Dublin 1 & Main Street, Schull, Co Cork

Award-winning Dublin pottery and weaving shop/studio ARRAN STREET EAST is owned by Laura Magahy. It offers a unique first-hand experience in the production of ceramic goods. Customers can view pots being thrown, glazed, and fired, and textile looms in action. This summer Arran Street East opened a creative hub in Cork. The pretty, two-shades of pink shopfront houses a charming outpost that hosts pottery, weaving, and baking workshops. And, of course, there is the full range of Arran Street East’s gorgeous ceramics and textiles. www.arranstreeteast.ie. Photography by Zoe Choy O’Byrne in Schull and Matthew Thompson in Dublin.

ART LOVES AT THE MERCHANT, The Merchant Hotel, 16 Skipper Street, Belfast 

Homeware and gift emporium, ART LOVES is conveniently located at Belfast’s 5 Star hotel, The Merchant. The creative vision of designer Carrie Neely, who has designed most of the vintage-inspired, maximalist wares for sale at Art Loves. The boutique also showcases the work of local and Irish artists, and a selection of goods from Italy and the Netherlands. www.artloves.co.uk. Photography by About Time Photography.

ARTICLE, Powerscourt Townhouse, South William Street, Dublin 2 

The former dressing room of Lord Powerscourt in the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, stately home turned boutique shopping destination, is home to homeware shop, ARTICLE. With a focus on home décor, tabletops, and stationery, Article’s shelves are stocked with a unique assortment of home goods from around the globe. After working with both Habitat and John Mellor in London, owner and shopkeeper John Adams opened his own shop, stocking Article with an edit of goods he personally picks and loves. www.article.ie Photography by Sean Breithaupt @seanbreithaupt

CA Design, 41B Avenue Road, Portobello, Dublin 8

In search of an Eames-style lounger or a Wishbone-style chair? Look no further than CA DESIGN, in Portobello, Dublin 8, where founder Carol-Anne Leyden is celebrating her tenth year in business. CA’s forte is quality mid-century-style furniture, from brands such as Hubsch, Pols Potton, Ethnicraft and Umage. A design consultation service is also available. www.cadesign.ie. 

CHALK AND EASEL, Main Street, Ballinspittle, Co Cork

“We describe CHALK AND EASEL as an interiors store with a difference,” says owner Emily Connell. The eclectic stock in the Ballinspittle, Co Cork store includes Italian Uashmama washable paper products, kitchen gadgets by French brand Cookut and La Bougie candles. www.chalkandeasel.ie. 

CONNEMARA CARPETS, Clifden, Co Galway

CONNEMARA CARPETS has two showrooms, one in Clifden, Co Galway and one at 30 Merrion Street, Dublin 2, where luxury handmade rugs, carpets and wall-hangings can be viewed (and more importantly, touched). Each season Joan Nagle, managing director, releases a new series of exquisitely vibrant hand-tufted rugs and carpets under the house brand Moyard. “There tends to be a hesitancy among Irish clients about using bright colours. We want to get away from dark grey and show some light.” www.connemaracarpets.ie. 

CRINKLE STORES, Green Street, Dingle, Co Kerry 

A former draper’s shop in Dingle, Co Kerry is representative of owner Sarah Dolan’s passion for nature, crafts and contemporary design. Collaborating with smaller Irish artists and designers it offers bespoke pieces by local ceramic artist David Holden, scents by The Home Moment, rare breed undyed Irish sheepskins as well as European brands like HK Living. @crinklestores

DESIGNIST, 68 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2 

Founded by Barbara Nolan and Jennie Flynn in 2010, DESIGNIST is a shop for “remarkable gifts & bright ideas.” A destination for fun, unique, and quirky goods. There is also a handy monthly subscription option, choose from numerous pre-curated packages such as socks or stationery, toys, or wellness. www.designist.com

DISTRIKT BY MIA, Unit 1, Earlton House, South Quay, Wicklow Town, Co Wicklow 

Step into Mia Parson’s exotic concept store DISTRIKT BY MIA, in Wicklow town, where colour and character combine in her edit of art, textiles, furniture, and lighting. The multi-talented Mia, an interior stylist, jewellery designer, and jazz singer, opened her bohemian-inspired shop in 2021 stocking it with a variety of goods from Ireland, Morocco, France, Germany, and Denmark. www.distriktbymia.ie

FINDERS KEEPERS, 1 Little Patrick Street, Waterford 

Downright quirky. A concept store, a cabinet of curiosities … Lisa Connolly, owner of FINDERS KEEPERS in Bray, Co Wicklow, proudly stocks over 40 small independent brands from Ireland, the UK, Europe and Australia. “A big driver for our AW22 buying has been entertaining at home. I guarantee our new homewares collections will be the talk of your next dinner party!”www.finderskeepersthestore.ie

FOREST & FLOCK, 10 New Street, Bantry, Co Cork 

Based on the success of the FOREST & FLOCK pop-up shop in 2017, Bernie O’Sullivan found a permanent home for the business the following year. Showcasing Irish arts, crafts, and design, Forest & Flock features the work of more than 70 Irish artists and makers. Also home to a petite coffee bar, Piccolo serving coffee, hot chocolate, and delicious treats. www.forestandflock.ie

FOXFORD, Providence Road, Foxford, Co Mayo 

The Foxford Mill was founded on the River Moy in 1892 by a nun, Mother Agnes, to bring much needed industry to the impoverished area. In 1987 the business was rescued by a local, Joe Queenan, and designer Helen McAlinden was enlisted to revitalise Foxford’s offering for a new generation of customers. The café located in the original pattern and yarn rooms of Foxford Mill allows customers to view the old pattern books and the Mill manager’s old filing cabinet from 1900 with original labels still adorned. www.foxford.com  Photographed by Karolina Ostrowska. 

GALLERY VALERIE, 26 Main Street, Lismore, Co Waterford 

Valerie Lee spent the best part of six years renovating a mixed-use building in Lismore, Waterford herself. After stripping of plaster the newly exposed stone walls are a backdrop for her design and craft shop, Gallery Valerie. The space is mainly filled with her own whimsical work with cards, prints, stationery, jewellery, and homeware with a selection of carefully chosen crafts by fellow designers.

HARK, 42 Castle Street, Dalkey, Co Dublin 

“In a world full of trends, we remain classic,” says Paul Donovan who opened HARK on Castle Street, Dalkey, mid-pandemic. “Our store is about functionality; we look for products that are well designed and helpful for everyday life, from kitchen items to tools for the garden.” Look out for Toyo steel toolboxes and Vetra workwear jackets. www.harkhomegoods.ie

HEDGEROE HOME, Unit 1, The View, Carrickmines Manor, Carrickmines, Dublin 18

When selecting homewares for their elegant store, mother-and-daughter duo Rhona and Rebecca Roe, of HEDGEROE HOME in Carrickmines, Dublin 18, are inspired by their travels and love of craft. New for AW22 is their debut fabric Salt Marsh, made in Ireland in six colours, and a new collection of pretty lampshades. www.hedgeroe.com. 

HELEN TURKINGTON INTERIORS, 58 Spruce Avenue, Stillorgan

At HELEN TURKINGTON INTERIORS on Spruce Avenue in Stillorgan, customers will find inspirational room sets, bespoke furniture, lighting, accessories, paint and an extensive fabric library. “We have worked hard to build a core range of complementary offerings, so each new drop can supplement or refresh your existing scheme with seasonal newness,” says Helen. www.helenturkington.com. 

IMMA SHOP, IMMA, Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin 8 

An art-inspired gift shop with goods for all ages. The IMMA shop is located on the first floor in the atrium between the east and west wings of the museum. There are plenty of gifts by Irish makers and a range of limited edition fine art prints that is updated with new additions with every exhibition. There are books on design, fashion, art, and architecture as well as a selection of children’s titles. www.theimmashop.com Photography by Ella Litton Byrne.

INDUSTRY & CO, 41a/b Drury Street, Dublin 2 

Brother-and-sister team Vanessa and Marcus Mac Innes opened INDUSTRY&CO in 2010. The shop is a unique collaboration between creative director and interior designer Vanessa coupled with Marcus’ passion for the food and business side of things. Homeware, jewellery, and apothecary items are a mix of local Irish designers and from sources in Europe, the USA and Japan. www.industryandco.com

IRISH DESIGN SHOP, 41 Drury Street, Dublin 2

“We travel the country to source suppliers, finding extremely talented makers who are not stocked elsewhere,” say Clare Grennan and Laura Gaffrey, owners of IRISH DESIGN SHOP on Dublin’s Drury Street. “Among our favourite makers are ceramicist Mark Campden, handweaver Eddie Doherty and furniture-maker Tricia Harris. We also stock a bespoke Irish crystal collection by Criostal na Rinne. Our aim is to cater for every budget.” www.irishdesignshopshop.com

JOYCE’s CRAFTSHOP CONNEMARA, Recess, Connemara, Co Galway

Festus Joyce the owner of the Joyce family Marble Quarry in Connemara founded JOYCE CRAFTSHOP around 1895 to showcase the distinctive green stone. Today, artist and photographer Mark Joyce, the founder’s great-great-grandson, manages the shop. As well as a range of jewellery and goods featuring Connemara marble, including vintage pieces, there is also a selection of Irish handcrafts and books. www.joycescraftshop.com

JULIANNE KELLY INTERIORS, Morehampton Road in Donnybrook, Dublin 4

A stylish fixture on Morehampton Road in Donnybrook, Dublin 4 since 1992, this family interiors business rebranded as JULIANNE KELLY INTERIORS in 2020 and maintains its reputation for good design and, excellent service. “We represent over 100 brands and create bespoke pieces such as sofas, headboards, armchairs and dining chairs. We are opening a second studio and showroom before the end of the year,” says Julianne. www.juliannekellyinteriors.ie.

LINEN AND LATTE, 14 Portland Avenue, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim 

A plant-filled home and gift shop filled with a treasure trove of goods by independent makers. Founded in 2015 by Teresa Murray, LINEN & LATTE has a carefully curated range of kitchenware, homeware, tabletop, serve ware, jewellery, and accessories. Gifts are sorted by category – for him and for her – making for ease of shopping. www.linenandlatte.com

LNV HOME, 679 Lisburn Road, Belfast

Helene Vaillant of LNV HOME, Belfast, likes to mix function with beauty and offers international brands and French antique pieces. www.lnvhome.com.

MAVEN, Reid Memorial Hall, 4a Maryville Ave, Belfast 

Taking a meaningful approach to shopping are Catherine and Patricia McGinnis, founders of MAVEN on Belfast’s Lisburn Road, which sells design brands such as &Tradition, HAY and Muuto, as well as carefully chosen smaller independent Irish makers like Annadale Brickworks, Mourne Textiles and Molloy & Sons. The sisters have just launched a .ie website with prices in euros and no customs duties for customers south of the border. www.wearemaven.ie

MICHELLE MITTON DESIGN GALLERY, 28 Pearse Street, Clonakilty, Co Cork

MICHELLE MITTON DESIGN GALLERY is a design-led gift shop in West Cork established by Michelle Mitton in 1999. As well as goods for the home, there are gifts for every occasion and everyone. Rest assured, Michelle understands the finer details of gift giving and the importance of a beautifully presented package. www.michellemitton.com Photography by Dermot Sullivan.

NB GOODS, 8 Main Street, Wicklow Town, Co Wicklow

NB GOODS, named for its founder, Niamh Browne, opened as a pop-up shop in 2020. A former nutritional therapist, unsurprisingly Niamh has an interest in all things natural health and wellbeing. This is the approach she has taken to her store, stocking it with ethically sourced products from brands that have a respect for nature, our bodies, and our homes. There is a selection of apothecary, pantry and home goods that promote intentional living. www.nb-goods.com

NEST, 127 The Quay, Waterford

“At  NEST, our aim is to offer timeless forever pieces for the home, things that will bring both colour and joy,” says Sinead Palmer of her cool and colourful Waterford store. At Nest you will find Lisa Corte tableware and Margo in Margate prints and a range of rechargeable lamps of which Sinead is a huge fan: “They are fabulous for outdoor dining, dark hallways without sockets and moody dinner table lighting.” In the coming months Nest will also introduce a bedlinen collection. www.lovenest.ie. 

NICHOLAS MOSSE COUNTRY SHOP, The Mill, Bennettsbridge, Kilkenny 

An old stone mill on the River Nore is home to a store celebrating Nicholas Mosse pottery. Nicholas Mosse, and his wife Susan, create pottery inspired by the Irish countryside, patterns that are sponge-printed onto each piece of pottery using an age-old tradition dating back to the 18th century. The mill offers the full range of Nicholas Mosse pottery as well as rooms dedicated to its history, the area, and the pottery, and includes viewing windows to watch potters at work. www.nicholasmosse.com Photography by Susan Mosse.

NORDIC ELEMENTS, 38 Main Street, Blackrock, Dublin 

“NORDIC ELEMENTS is a hybrid of all things design with a Scandinavian ethos,” explains Helle Moyna, founder and creative director of the smart Blackrock showroom, store, and design service. Browse the carefully edited collection of furniture, lighting, and accessories. Nordic Elements is also a brilliant place to pick up gifts, such as pretty candles and holders, and unusual design books. www.nordicelements.com

ORIANA B, 19 Esmond Avenue, Fairview, Dublin 3

Founded by Katharine Deas and Alanna Monks, the aesthetic of ORIANA B in Fairview Dublin 3 is based on a sense of humour and chic European style. www.orianab.com. 

PROVENANCE, Station House Courtyard, Clifden, Co Galway 

Interior designers, Rosie Johnson and Sadhbh O’Gorman joined forces in 2021 to open the home and interior shop and design studio PROVENANCE. They share a love of exceptional local craftsmanship, the restoration of unique pieces, and natural textiles. Signature pieces include stools and chairs upholstered in vintage grain sacks. www.provenance-interior.ie

SAHARA, 69C George’s Street Upper, Dún Laoghaire, Dublin 

Having launched online during the pandemic, SAHARA now has a store on George’s Street Upper in Dún Laoghaire where customers will  find gorgeous African paintings, furniture and accessories guaranteed to add colour to their homes. Sahara’s Ghanaian owner Barikisu Ali Telfer scours villages across Africa seeking skilled artisans to produce high quality original crafts you won’t see anywhere else. www.sahara.ie

SHADY AND THE LAMP, 114 Terenure Road North, Terenure, Dublin 6w 

Interior stylist Sarah O’Dea learnt her unique craft under the tutelage of two master lampshade makers in the UK. Returning to Ireland, Sarah started her own bespoke lampshade business and opened a shop in Terenure. The possibilities are endless – think jewel toned silks with deep fringes, colourful embroidered fabrics, and textured neutrals in a variety of shapes, all handmade by Sarah and her team. www.shadyandthelamp.ie Photography by Eileen Mantel.

SHANAGARRY POTTERY/STEPHEN PEARCE, The Old Pottery, Shanagarry, Co Cork 

Stephen Pearce’s iconic pottery is made from locally dug clay from the banks of the river Blackwater. The same material that his father, potter Phillip Pearce and other Shanagarry area potters have been using for over 250 years. The charming rural pottery in Cork affords visitors an opportunity to learn how the pottery is made. www.shanagarrypotters.com

STOCK DESIGN, 33/34 South King Street, Dublin 2

A staple of the Dublin retail scene, STOCK DESIGN has stood proudly on the same corner of South King Street since 1977. Founded in 1973 the kitchenware and homeware moved to its current premises in 1977, a former factory and abattoir, which partly explains its unusual layout. Known for its impressive assortment of kitchen gadgets and tools, tabletop, barware, and toys. www.stockdesignonline.com

THE BLUE DOOR, 16B Monkstown Crescent, Monkstown, Dublin 

After establishing their shop, THE BLUE DOOR in Naas in 2003, Peter and Eileen Kelly later moved the premises to The Crescent in Monkstown. The Scandinavian-influenced homeware shop has a lovely assortment of goods by craftspeople and designers from Sweden, Denmark, Norway, France and Ireland. There is an adjacent outdoor space for garden furniture and décor. www.thebluedoordirect.com

THE KITCHEN WHISK, 28 Wicklow Street, Dublin 2 

A passion for food and cooking led Mary, a home cook and her Ballymaloe trained daughter, Kate to open The Kitchen Whisk in 2017. The mother daughter duo has filled their shop with a wide range of kitchenware from tableware to the most unusual of kitchen tools, providing equipment for enthusiastic and dedicated home cooks, culinary students as well as experienced chefs. www.thekitchenwhisk.ie

THE LOFT, Brookvale Road, Donnybrook, Dublin 4

The Loft, an industrial-style space in Donnybrook, Dublin 4, is an exciting store as well as the headquarters for owner Cormac Rowell’s ROWELL DESIGN service. Stocking contemporary and mid-century furniture, lighting, mirrors, accessories and a stunning selection of indoor and outdoor plants, it’s packed full of inspiration for indoor and outdoor seasonal revamps. Cormac also provides convenient staging services to transform properties before sale. www.rowelldesign.ie. 

THE OLD MILL STORES, Gortroe, Connonagh, Co Cork

The owners of THE OLD MILL STORES in Gortroe, Co Cork are interior designer Claire Graham and Tom Keane, an experienced retailer. They spotted a gap in the market for edgy homewares. “We trade on our difference, not our sameness,” says Claire. “We have drawn on our design experience to help us choose interesting stock, and regularly add new brands sourced on our travels.”  www.theoldmillstores.ie

THE TRIGGERFISH COOKSHOP, 2b Main Street, Blackrock, Co Dublin

A passionate at-home cook, Bob Toal, has taken his years of travels around the world visiting culinary destinations and shares his wealth of knowledge and experience in his shop, The Triggerfish Cookshop. An emporium that is dedicated to tools and wares for cooking and eating. The shop is stocked with an impressive range of goods he has discovered on his travels, including knives, hard-to-find gadgets, and specialised cookware. www.thetriggerfishcookware.com.

THE WILDS, 23 Weafer Street, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford

Husband and wife, Paula Asple and Simon Nelson opened THE WILDS in 2015, a homeware and gift shop with a café serving local, seasonal fare. The shop boasts a neutral and natural colour palette, materials and texture adding interest to the assortment of vintage, reclaimed, and new homeware. Included in the offering is a selection of jewellery, stationery, and locally grown flowers. www.thewilds.ie

FRESH CUTS, 13 Castle Market, Dublin 2 

An ethical and sustainable multi-brand store, FRESH CUTS got its start in 2015 in Cow’s Lane Designer Market. Husband-and-wife team, Steven and Lorna Murphy are the creators of the brand. Lorna designs the Fresh Cut brand goods for men, women, and kids which are complemented by an assortment of sustainable European brands. www.freshcutsclothing.com Photography by Debs Bourke.

INDIGO & CLOTH, 9 Essex Street East, Temple Bar, Dublin 2

A multi-level lifestyle store and specialty café located in the heart of vibrant Temple Bar, Dublin. Established in 2007, Andy Collins became the new owner in 2018, expanding the menswear offering and introducing womenswear and homeware to the assortment. The ground floor is home to the café serving an ever-changing list of international coffee roasters. Also, on this floor there is a selection of magazines and apothecary items. www.indigoandcloth.com

KEVIN & HOWLIN, 31 Nassau Street, Dublin 2

Founded in 1936 by Jim Kevin and Michael Howlin to provide quality tailoring using tweed fabrics. Jim’s son, Noel, took over the business in 1974. Men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, in a colourful rainbow of tweed fabrics, line the walls. There are jackets, trousers, skirts, and stacks of hats in a variety of shapes. Bolts of fabric are stacked at the rear of store, and are sold by the metre or used for bespoke, made-to-measure orders.

KINDF_OLK, Unit 10 The Corn Store, Middle Street, Galway City 

A modern and airy contemporary menswear store with a selection of books, home goods and apothecary items and a coffee bar. Established in 2021 by fashion industry veteran Declan McGowan, Kindf_olk’s Scandi aesthetic is the perfect backdrop for the mix of ethically-made goods with a focus on sustainability. www.kindfolkgalway.ie Photography by Madison O’Toole.

TRUTH, 8 High Street, Ennis, Co Clare 

TRUTH’s neon green door signals that Conor Harkin’s approach to menswear is fresh and unique. With ten years’ experience, menswear veteran Conor Harkin opened Truth in 2021. There is a tightly edited assortment of athletic and contemporary casual wear merchandised in a modern way that is easy to shop. With frequent deliveries and items chosen to work together, Conor makes it easy for men to update their wardrobe. www.thisistruth.com

A HARTMANN & SON 29 William Street, Galway

This fourth-generation family business is an institution in Galway, specialising in engagement rings, diamond jewellery and fine jewellery brands such as Fope, Fabergé and Marco Bicego. “We are also the west of Ireland’s only stockists of Tag Heuer and Longines watches,” says owner Richard Hartmann. www.hartmanns.ie. 

AMOC, Church Road, Greystones, Co Wicklow 

Danish jewellery designer Mette O’Connor is a trained gemologist, diamond grader and a member of FAIRMINED, an institution that supports ethical, artisan and small scaling mining. The open plan shop/workshop is where Mette handcrafts her pieces. Mette accepts commissions where she will work with the client from sketch to finished piece and will remodel old jewellery. www.amoc.ie Photography by Mette O’Connor.

BLACKBIRD, Unit 4, Bank Place, Ennis, Co Clare

A pretty pink shopfront is home to Blackbird a jewellery shop featuring contemporary Irish and European jewellery designers. Blackbird was opened in 2019 by Katie Rogers whose vision was for a jewellery store more accessible to customers, especially men. She has achieved this using freestanding units rather than having everything displayed in a glass counter as at a traditional jewellery shop. www.blackbirdennis.ie. Photography by www.vagelisart.com.

BOODLES, 71 Grafton Street, Dublin 2

Designed by architect Eva Jiiná, Boodles’ Dublin store is a stylish, welcoming space reflecting the family ethos of the Boodles team who prides themselves on their warm relationships with Irish clients. Known for statement-making, exquisitely designed, elegant fine jewellery, Boodles designs and produces all pieces in house and sources gems from all over the world. Boodles has a long-standing 25- year partnership with Patek Philippe watches, the only other brand stocked in the store. www.boodles.com. 

ESL, 2 Chatham Street, Dublin 2

Known for redesigning clients’ existing pieces with more contemporary settings, ESL also specialises in ethical lab-grown diamonds. Their innovative “Click Clasp” pearl systems allows the owner to match different outfits using one set of pearls with different coloured clasps. Staudt Twenthe watches, from Dutch watchmaker Yvo Staudt, is another ESL exclusive. www.esljewellery.ie. 

GELLETLIE JEWELLERS, Main Street, Wicklow

Gelletlie Jewellers is one of the oldest jewellers and goldsmiths in Ireland, established in 1818. “We have a reputation for handcrafting bespoke jewellery and redesigning customers’ antique jewellery into beautiful, new contemporary pieces,” explains Joan Gelletlie. The now-famous Bobby Bird, a Christmas tree decoration featuring an initial on a delicate silver chain, is one of Gelletlie’s popular designs. “It’s a memorable way to mark a baby’s first Christmas, or a special gift for a friend.” www.gelletlie.com. 

KEANES JEWELLERS 93-95 Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork

Established in 1948, Keanes Jewellers has stores in Cork, Limerick and Killarney. The group stocks the largest range of diamond rings in Ireland, due to its membership of the Houlden International Buying Group, which negotiates competitive prices for all of its members. Impressive Swiss watch brands (Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega, Tag Heuer, Breitling and Longines), high-end jewellery (Fope and Shaun Leane) and fashion brands such as Armani, are further reasons to visit. www.keanes.ie.

HARLOW FINE JEWELLERY, 15 Baileys New Street, Viking Triangle, Waterford City

Lisa Statham is descended from a long line of goldsmiths, dating back to the early 19th century. So, it’s fitting that after gaining experience in the jewellery industry in Ireland and Australia that she open her own boutique. Harlow Fine Jewellery in Waterford’s historic Viking Triangle, established in 2020 features Irish and independent jewellery designers alongside her own designs and is perfect for when you’re searching for that something special, for yourself or for a loved one. www.harlowjewellery.ie 

LOULERIE, 14B Chatham Street, Dublin 2 

“Having a splash of colour beside the face is a great way to update your look, especially on darker winter days,” believes Louise Stokes, who invests in great tailoring and accessorises with pieces from her fine jewellery collection. “The Diamond Martini necklace and 9mm Diamond Huggies are my go-to for everyday wear. In the evening, I switch to a pair of statement Mignonne Gavigan earrings.” www.loulerie.com

MOMUSE, Unit 5, 59 South William Street, Powerscourt Townhouse, Dublin 2 

“Our store mirrors the experience of opening a MoMuse box,” explains owner and jewellery designer Margaret O’Rourke. Understated, with an emphasis on clean lines and geometric shapes, each MoMuse piece is created with versatility and longevity in mind. “Our core collections feature stars, moons, circles, bars and squares rendered in ethically sourced 9kt, 18kt and 14kt gold and are inspired by travel and the night sky.” Customers can visit MoMuse’s new creative studio, on the top floor of the Powerscourt Townhouse, where O’Rourke creates and crafts her collections. www.momuse.ie

RARE JEWELLERY DESIGN 12 Castle Market, Dublin 2

This family-run business, founded by third-generation jeweller Denise O’Connor, specialises in understated, contemporary jewellery. “We bring a thoughtful, considered and practical approach to the Irish jewellery market at a time when there is so much choice.” Rare also supports and nurtures students with internships from colleges in Ireland and abroad. O’Connor says, “This training and development ensures the craft and skills of jewellery design, goldsmithing and gemology continue for generations to come.” www.rare.ie. 

SEOIDÍN, 52 O’Connell Street, Ennis, Co Clare & Limerick & Skerries, Co Dublin

SEODÍN means “little jewel” in Irish, an appropriate name for Maureen Harrison’s jewellery shops. After leaving school, Maureen worked in a local jewellery shop and through repair works in the service department, she learnt she had a natural talent as a jeweller. When the stars aligned, she fulfilled her dream to open her own shop which she did in Ennis in 1996. Leveraging on the success of that first store Maureen has opened three more boutiques, adding another store in Clare and shops in Dublin and Limerick. www.seoidin.com Photography by Leon Murphy.

STONECHAT JEWELLERS, Westbury Mall, Dublin 2

Customers can shop the designs of contemporary Irish jewellers such as Seamus Gill and Helena Malone at Stonechat Jewellers, and also watch goldsmiths making jewellery at their workbenches in store. This interactive experience is part of owner Ann Chapman’s vision for the store, which opened in 2012. Stonechat’s Stepping Stones collection has raised over €30,000 for Aware, the Irish mental health non-profit organisation. www.stonechatjewellers.ie. 

WEIR & SONS 96-99 Grafton Street, Dublin 2 and Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin 16

Founded in 1869 by Thomas Weir, Weir & Sons is still a family business, employing over 80. A team of inhouse jewellers creates the exclusive Weirs Collection and the grand store includes departments devoted to watches, jewellery, silver, leather goods and antiques. Bremont is the latest watch brand to be stocked, while Weir & Sons has just been authorised as a Rolex Service Centre. www.weirandsons.ie. 

HARBOUR ROAD, The Crossroads, Bunbeg, Co Donegal 

A charming gift shop by the sea in coastal Donegal, Lorraine Quinn has stocked her shop, HARBOUR ROAD, with unique Irish and European giftable goods and homeware. There is a range of Frenchic chalk paints, a go-to for upcycling projects, while the coffee corner serves coffee, Italian hot chocolate, and sweet treats to enjoy whilst browsing. www.shopharbourroad.com

HEN’S TEETH, Blackpitts & Mill Street, Dublin 8 

A store, café and gallery, HEN’S TEETH has a wonderfully fun and cheery assortment of goods. The colourful and unique offering includes fine art prints, book, homewares, and personal care goods. Founded in 2015 by friends, Rosie Gogan-Keogh, Greg Spring and Russell Simmons who created a space to share their love of great food, art, music and culture. The Hen’s Teeth Christmas superstore is launching end of November in the Mill Street space. www.hensteethstore.com

RUSSBOROUGH SHOP, Russborough House, Blessington, Co Wicklow 

Russborough House is a magnificent example of Irish Palladian architecture and home to the renowned Beit art collection. Today the house is owned by a charitable foundation who enlisted the creative skills of retail veteran Amanda Pratt to set up a shop in the majestic basement. Inspired by the beauty and heritage of Russborough House, Amanda has chosen a product mix homeware, books, jewellery, textiles, stationery, and gifts that evoke the grandeur of its history. All sales support the foundation of Russborough House. www.shop.russborough.ie Photography by Joanna Barry.

BARN, 21 Exchequer Street, Dublin 2 

A modern kid’s lifestyle store with products for the home, books, toys, clothing, and baby equipment, owned by Marcus and Vanessa Mac Innes. There is a prominent Scandinavian influence, much like sister-store Industry Design. The colour palette of the clothing is neutral and sophisticated, and there is an emphasis on imaginative play. Spread over two floors, BARN is packed with a multitude of options, but not overwhelming as the shop is neatly organised with many goods displayed on pegboard walls. www.wearebarn.com

Flock, 72 Benburb St, Smithfield, Dublin 7

A former grocer’s shop is home to Flock, a wool-felted animal shop and studio in Smithfield, Dublin 7. As all the animals are handcrafted in the studio by founder and artisan, Jamie Lewis, customers are afforded a unique view into the process behind his craft; the blending of wool, water, and olive oil soap to form his adorable pets. www.flockstudio.iePhotography by Jamie Lewis.

HALWAY UP THE STAIRS, 1 Malvern, La Touche Place, Greystones, Co Wicklow 

One of the few bookshops in Ireland specialising in children’s books, HALFWAY UP THE STAIRS was opened by Trish Hennessy in 2019. The bookshop is designed with childhood imagination in mind, from the charming logo (designed by children’s illustrator Michael Emberley) to the mural-painted walls. Alongside a diverse selection of children’s and young adult books, in both English and Irish, there is a selection of wooden and plush toys, and puzzles. www.halfwayupthestairs.ie Photography by Ger Holland.

JANE CARROLL, 1 Main Street, Blackrock, Co Dublin 

Textile designer Jane Carroll opened her first, petite, shop in 2004 to showcase her charming baby and children quilts that can be personalised with a name and date of birth. Based on the success of her business and growing assortment Jane moved her shop to a lovely corner store on Blackrock’s main street. As well as the quilts there is a selection of toys, children’s clothing, and gifts delightfully displayed on custom built doll houses that serve as display units. www.janecarrolldesign.com

Over The Moon, 26 Monkstown Crescent, Monkstown, Co Dublin

Having recently just celebrated its first birthday, Over The Moon in Monkstown (and online) was founded by sisters Katie Guardianelli and Hannah Corcoran in 2021. Offering a specially curated edit of childrenswear, baby gifting, interiors and considered items for new mums and mums to be, it’s a gorgeous treasure trove of gifts and goodies in a pretty pink-fronted shop. www.overthemoonmonkstown.com. 

TALES FOR TADPOLES, 47 Drury Street, Dublin 2

Established in 2016, TALES FOR TADPOLES is inspired by Caroline Sullivan’s love of children’s literature, illustration and picture books. There are both new and secondhand illustrated books alongside a selection of goods, including prints, stationery and toys inspired by children’s books. www.talesfortadpoles.ie Photography by Jonathan Lavery.

The Little Wooden Peg, 55 George’s Street Upper, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin

A sophisticated colour palette of muted tones, and earthy neutrals is unique for childrenswear shop, The Little Wooden Peg. Shopkeeper, Ruth Cross, selects sustainably produced brands and timeless, simple styling for the clothing she stocks. There is a range of toys and books, nursery items and a small collection of womenswear, all of which are exclusive to The Little Wooden Peg. www.thelittlewoodenpeg.com. Photography by Nathalie Márquez Courtney.

WOODEN HEART, 3 Quay Street, Galway 

Established in 1979 by Barbara and Nanke Ulrichs, WOODEN HEART is a family-run toy and gift shop. Housed over three floors in a building dating to 1580, the shop offers high-quality wooden toys that spark childhood imagination and creativity. Expect well-made and classic toys, puzzles, and books, many of which are sourced from traditional, family-run European makers. www.woodenheart.ie

ADONIS FLOWER DESIGNERS, 59-60 Patrick Street, Dublin 8 

Located on the ground floor of the historic Iveagh Trust Buildings, built in 1908 by the Guinness Family, ADONIS FLOWER DESIGNERS was established 30 years ago. One of the oldest trading flower shops in Dublin, the shop also supports small Irish-owned businesses offering an assortment of gifts alongside their floral bouquets. www.adonis.ie

FORMALITY, The Cowshed, Glasthule, Co Dublin 

A charming courtyard is the centre piece of garden design studio and store FORMALITY in Glasthule. Owner, garden designer Karl Barnes has been designing gardens both large and small for more than 25 years. Formality is an opportunity to showcase his favourite elements used in his projects plus a selection of his most-loved goods. www.formalityonline.com

HOPELESS BOTANICS, Unit 5, Dean Court, Dean Street, Dublin 8 

After a series of pop-ups, house plant aficionado Erin Thomas found the perfect location for her urban jungle plant shop that she opened in 2022. Erin sources plants from a wide range of growers across Europe and can expertly advise buyers, even if a visit to the store is not possible. Hopeless Botanics has a selection of pots and home décor items to complement your plant purchase. www.hopelessbotanics.ie

HOWBERT & MAYS, 16 Clare Street, Dublin 2 & 27, Monkstown Crescent, Monkstown, Co Dublin

With a keen eye for a fixer-upper, Detroit native Anthea Howbert saw the potential of a dilapidated former tool-for-hire shop in Monkstown. Together with her husband, Tig Mays, the landscape designers and gardeners reimagined the space into a wonderful indoor-outdoor garden shop. The addition of their Clare Street shop in the former Greene’s bookshop has allowed them to expand their vision into art and homewares. www.howbertandmays.ie. www.instagram.com/howbertandmays/ 
Photography by Simon Watson. 

THE GARDEN, Powerscourt Townhouse, 59 South William Street, Dublin 2

Grand architectural details frame this beautiful botanical haven, filled with plants and blooms, that spill out onto to the granite steps of Powerscourt Townhouse on South William Street. Landscape gardener, horticulturist and florist, Mark Grehan’s flower shop occupies the foyer of Dublin’s Georgian Powerscourt Townhouse. Mark brings the influence of his Connemara roots to his work, infusing his hand-tied bouquets and arrangements with a naturally wild, sculptural pared back beauty. www.thegarden.ie  www.instagram.com/shopthegarden/. Photography by Doreen Kilfeather.

WHITE DOVE NURSERIES, 26 Upper Gerald Griffin Street, Limerick 

Tara Maloney has an impeccable pedigree having worked for some of the finest flower and garden businesses in Paris and London including the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew and Petersham Nurseries. Fortunately for Limerick residents she opened White Dove Nurseries in 2021 bringing her floral and garden artistry and expertise to the area. www.whitedovenurseries.com

WILD THING, 4A High Street, Donaghadee, Co Down

This plant, coffee, and homeware shop on Ireland’s east coast was established in 2017 by Karen Looney. WILD THING has a wonderful assortment of houseplants and dried flowers set against a white-painted brick wall. The perfect environment to enjoy a coffee and sweet treat. There is also a selection of textiles and homeware on offer too. www.wildthingireland.com

COBBLER’S WARDOBE, 4a Sandymount Green, Dublin 4 

Formerly Hollie Creedon’s grandfather’s shoe repair shop, the premises is now home to her pre-loved designer apparel and luxury goods consignment store. Hollie’s keen eye and COBBLER’S WARDROBE’S reputation means that the stock is constantly changing there is always something new to discover on each visit to the shop. Continuing the family tradition, Cobbler’s Wardrobe offers the finest quality shoe and bag repair and restoration services. www.cobblerswardrobe.com  Photographer Anthony Woods.

DEE BROPHY DECORATIVE ANTIQUES, W4B Tougher Business Park, Newhall, Naas

A passion for finding and rehoming pre-loved objects is what inspires Dee Brophy to continue her antiques business through good and hard times. “My customers feel they are part of the adventure and enjoy the in-house experience to touch and feel and hear about the journey their piece has made,” says Dee who regularly takes her van to European markets, barns, and fairs returning with a van full of timeworn furniture, mirrors, decorative home goods, garden wares and more. www.deebrophy.com

FIND, Unit 1, Sauls Court, Cows Lane, Temple Bar West, Dublin 8 

Naomi Hanrahan, works somewhat like a magpie creatively mixing vintage furniture, lighting and objects with a variety of handmade goods at her FIND store in Temple Bar. The result is a wonderfully layered emporium with lots to explore and discover, from the old and the handmade to organic skincare and Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. A proponent of sustainability and upcycling, Naomi also has a prop hire service for events, films or shoots.www.findonline.ie Photography by Alison Lowndes.

HOUSE MCGRATH, 102 St Patrick Mills, Douglas, Cork 

A wonderful collection of refurbished antiques and artisanal homeware. Founder Carla McGrath is known for her amazing assortment of antique dressers, repairing, and frequently updating them with a coat of new colour, making them fresh and modern. There is also a complementary selection of tabletop and artisanal home décor goods. www.housemcgrath.com

JOY THORPE, 84 Kilkenny Street, Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny 

JOY THORPE DECORATIVE ANTIQUES & INTERIORS in Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny, is an important destination for antique-lovers drawn by interesting one-of-a-kind pieces (think old haberdashery units, Art Deco club chairs, chaises longues and more), curated by owner Joy Thorpe. “I source all my pieces from antique auctions and flea markets. My favourite places for finding special things, especially kilims and ceramics, are the medinas of Morocco.”  www.joythorpeantiques.com.

NIALL MULLEN ANTIQUES, 57 Francis Street, Dublin 

Renowned antiques dealer, Niall Mullen features a broad range of antiques spanning two centuries from 1770 to 1970. He believes that styles can be mixed to create a personal and individual vision. As the long-established antique dealers on Francis Street shrank their footprint, Niall Mullen Antiques incorporated his neighbour Gallery Zozimus into his store. The two stores live comfortably together in an eclectic mix, all the more interesting for exploring. www.niallmullenantiques.com

ON THE SQUARE EMPORIUM, Unit A2, 17 Heron Road, Belfast 

Jill O’Neill and Justin Lowry joined forces in 2014 combining their two shops, OTSE and ReFound, into a 14,000 square foot treasure trove for the modern vintage hunter. Partners in both life and business they have created ON THE SQUARE EMPORIUM, a vast collection on antiques, vintage, collectables and oddities, for sale and for hire. www.onthesquareemporium.com

SIOPAELLA, 29-30 Wicklow Street, Dublin 2 

SWEENEY & SON ANTIQUES, Laurel Cottage, Graigue Beg, Bunclody, Wexford 

Based just outside of Bunclody, Co Wexford, Mark Sweeney has being selling antiques since 2009. SWEENEY & SON ANTIQUES source an interesting mix of Vintage interiors, antique, decorative, salvage, and garden décor. www.sweeney-sonantiques.com

THE GAIETY Islandeady, Westport, Co Mayo

The Gaiety, a former dancehall built in 1938, was repurposed as an antique and vintage store in 2011 by Clodagh O’Connor and Sean McCaughey. Clodagh, a psychotherapist, juggles a psychotherapy practice and The Gaiety (with some heavy lifting from Sean). www.thegaiety.ie. 

THE OLD COURTHOUSE GREYABBEY & COLLECTABLE QUILT COMPANY, 2a The Square, Greyabbey, Co Down

French furniture, silverware, textiles, antique giftware, and home décor pieces are housed in the historic OLD COURTHOUSE, one of Greyabbey’s oldest buildings, which lends its name to the store. Proprietor Alison Miley has also amassed an impressive collection of contemporary, antique, and vintage patchwork quilts and textiles for sister business, Collectable Quilt Company.  www.theoldcourthousegreyabbey.com.
Photograph via Instagram @oldcourthousegreyabbey

THE STORE YARD, Kea-Lew Business & Retail Park, Mountrath Road, Kylekiproe, Portlaoise, Co Laois

Owned by antiques expert and former builder, David Keane, (situated in an otherwise dreary Portlaoise business park) The Store Yard amazes visitors who discover fabulous large-scale salvage pieces, as well as period and retro curios, from taxidermy and chandeliers to vintage fashion and pictures. Keane has a particular interest in Irish vernacular furniture, and antique fireplaces and accessories. The Store Yard also works with architects and interior designers on residential and commercial projects. www.thestoreyard.ie.

THE VICTORIAN COMPANY, DUNDALK

THE VICTORIAN COMPANY in Dundalk marries old and new effortlessly, with owners Mark and Bróna McDonagh’s talent for combining period pieces, lighting, salvaged flooring and cast-iron radiators with modern furniture and quirky art to the fore. If you are renovating and looking for flooring, radiators, lighting, furniture and garden furniture, bear this store in mind. www.victoriancompany.ie. 

TOWNHOUSE WESTPORT, Shop Street, Cahernamart, Westport, Co Mayo

At the TOWNHOUSE WESTPORT, owned by Ally Murphy and Paul McCarthy, you’ll find Irish iconic brands (McNutts, Molloys of Ardara), European furniture, chic tableware, and a great coffee bar! www.townhousewestport.ie. 

VITO VINTAGE, Unit 1, Mungret Street, The Milk Market, Limerick 

A passion for vintage clothing led graduate of Limerick School of Art & Design, Caroline McBrearty to open VITO VINTAGE in Limerick’s historic Milk Market in 2018. She has a penchant for the bold prints and patterns of the 70s and 80s, as evident in her collection of maxi dresses and vintage silk kimonos and blouses. www.vitovintage.ie

WILSON’S YARD, 123 Hillsborough Road, Dromore, Co Down 

BOOKS UPSTAIRS, 17 D’Olier Street, Dublin 2

Dublin’s oldest independent bookshop was founded in 1978. Two friends, Maurice Earls and Enda O’Doherty, opened the bookstore with a mission to support the positive role of books in society and particularly in Irish culture. They stocked the shop with books focused on literature, history and politics, and the underrepresented areas of philosophy, literary criticism, psychology, feminism, and gay literature. After several moves, today the bookshop occupies a beautiful Georgian building on Dublin’s D’Olier Street. It is now under the stewardship of Maurice’s daughter Louisa along with Mary McAuley, and has expanded to include a secondhand book section. www.booksupstairs.ie

BRIDGE STREET BOOKSHOP, Bridge Sreet, Wicklow, Books, Co Wicklow

In Wicklow town, the family-run BRIDGE STREET BOOKSHOP has been in business since 1999. Its beautiful storefront and busy interior has tourists flocking to it in the summer months and a steady local trade, with children especially catered to. www.bridgestreetbooks.ie

CHARLIE BYRNE’S BOOKSHOP, The Cornstore, Middle Street, Galway

Established in 1988 in Galway, CHARLIE BYRNE’S BOOKSHOP has expanded over the years to six rooms housing more than 100,000 new, bargain, secondhand and antiquarian books. The exterior walls that face into The Cornstore, a covered shopping mall, are lined with eye-catching fully stacked bookshelves. www.charliebyrne.ie

DINGLE BOOKSHOP, 2 Green Street, Dingle, Co Kerry

While away an hour or two in THE DINGLE BOOKSHOP, which includes more than 6,000 books, with a strong emphasis on Kerry, of course. www.dinglebookshop.com

GUTTER BOOKSHOP, Cow’s Lane, Temple Bar, Dublin 8 & 20 Railway Rd, Dalkey, Co Dublin

Named after the famous Oscar Wilde quote from his play, Lady Windermere’s Fan, The Gutter Bookshop was established in Temple Bar in 2009 with a second shop in Dalkey opening in 2013. Both shops have a knowledgeable staff, ready to help with recommendations, host events and popular bookclubs. www.gutterbookshop.com.

KENNY’S BOOKSHOP, Liosban Business Park, Tuam Road, Galway City, Co Galway

Going strong since the 1940s, KENNY’S in Galway is just as relevant today with its huge stock of books on site and a busy online business too. www.kennys.ie

LIBER, 35 O’Connell Street, Abbeyquarter North, Sligo

In Sligo, head for LIBER, an independent bookshop run by the Caliendo family who have owned the premises for almost 100 years. Find carefully curated new titles, a strong poetry selection, as one might expect in Yeats country, and lots of good books for children. www.liber.ie

MARROWBONE BOOKS, 78 The Coombe, The Liberties, Dublin

A bright, yellow-painted shopfront is the eye-catching home to Dublin bookshop, MARROWBONE BOOKS. The bookstore established in 2017 by two Trinity College Dublin graduates, Brian Flanagan and Lily Power, specialises in second-hand books. The comfortable chairs, rugs and plenty of plants give this bookstore a cosy living room vibe. The paper-back books that line the shelves are mainly fiction from the last 70 years. www.marrowbone.ie

MOLI, The Museum of Literature Ireland, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 

The Museum of Literature Ireland has a lovely shop leading from a landscaped Courtyard and the Reader’s Garden that in turn connect to the Iveagh Gardens. The shop is stocked with a selection of Irish interest books, literary-inspired gifts, and bespoke items.www.moli.ie Photography by Zoe Brady.

RAVEN BOOKS, 34 Main Street, Blackrock, Co Dublin

OK, so you have to shimmy around tightly packed bookshelves and step aside for fellow browsers at RAVEN BOOKS, Blackrock, but the selection is always interesting with some pre-owned books and a slight skew towards crime, and plentiful piles of bestsellers; www.ravenbooks.ie

TERTULIA, Unit 2, The Harbour Mill, The Quay, Westport, Co Mayo

With its sunny yellow exterior and reading nook under the stairs, TERTULIA  in Westport, Co Mayo, is a great place to spend time in the company of books, old vinyl and coffee. Proprietors Neil Paul and Bríd Conroy, who have their own Youtube books show, “Tertulia TV”, named the shop from an old Spanish word meaning a social forum and have made it a popular spot for book club events, literary launches and book signings.

THE BOOK & COFFEE SHOP William Street, Kilkenny 

Librarian and writer Stephen Buck and Marian O’Neill realised their dream when they opened their own bookshop in 2019. So much more than just a store, The Book & Coffee Shop has launched books and hosted plays and recitals, creative writing classes and exhibitions. It is a space for meetings, and, of course, a destination for a cup of coffee, a slice of cake and a secondhand book. www.bookcoffeeshop.com. 

THE COMPANY OF BOOKS, 96 Ranelagh, Dublin 6

Dublin Sixers swear by THE COMPANY OF BOOKS which is bright and inviting with a really strong selection of current literature and non-fiction. Excellent website too with free delivery anywhere in Ireland when you spend over €30. www.thecompanyofbooks.ie

THE CLIFDEN BOOKSHOP, Main Street, Clifden, Co Galway.

In Connemara on a rainy day? Head for the award-winning CLIFDEN BOOKSHOP, which has lots of titles of local interest and all the bestsellers to take back to your getaway cottage. A 15-minute drive away in Letterfrack is the wonderful Books At One. www.clifdenbookshop.com

THE LAST BOOKSHOP, 61 Camden Street Lower, Dublin 2

THE MAYNOOTH BOOKSHOP, 68 Main Street, Maynooth, Co. Kildare

Books run in the family too at THE MAYNOOTH BOOKSHOP where Cian Byrne is at the helm. Again, helpful service and a great offering for young readers make this a must-stop on the high street. www.maynoothbookshop.com

THE WINDING STAIR BOOKSHOP, 40 Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin

Named after both a Yeats poem for its twisting staircase, THE WINDING STAIR opened in 1970 as a three-storey bookshop and café. Rescued from closure twice by Elaine Murphy, once in 2006 and then again in 2009, who opened a restaurant serving authentic Irish fare. The bookshop occupies the ground floor with the front area featuring new books and a smaller space at the rear for secondhand titles. www.winding-stair.com

ULYSSES RARE BOOKS, 10 Duke Street, Dublin 2

Retired teacher, Enda Cunningham established ULYSSES RARE BOOKS in 1986. The original shop was in Market Arcade on George’s Street, moving to Duke Street in April 1988, when his son and daughter, David and Aisling, joined the family business. The bookshop specialises in 20th-century Irish literature, an unrivalled selection of rare and signed editions. There is also a collection of rare and collectible children’s and illustrated books and a variety of books on Irish history and topography from the 17th century period to the recent past. www.rarebooks.ie

H2G WINES AND ARTISAN MARKET, 136a Slaney ClOSE, Glasnevin, Dublin 11

The H2G FOOD MARKET was founded in 2009 by Brid and Colm Carter, both evacuees from the corporate world. From the very start, their ethos has been to shine a light on off-the-beaten-track regions and grapes. They also like to work with producers who have a more natural approach. Ninety per cent of their wine range is made from organically farmed grapes. “We like to try to take the snobbishness out of wine without diluting the excitement. After all, we are just a conduit for farmers selling their produce!” says Brid. Discover top class examples of Xinomavro, Bonicaire and Bovale, alongside more familiar styles. A broad selection of food from Ireland’s top artisan producers offers all you need to round out the perfect supper. www.h2gwines.ie

ELEVEN DELI, The Burnaby Buildings, Church Road, Killincarrig, Greystones, Co Wicklow

In addition to delicious sandwiches and coffee, worth a journey in themselves, ELEVEN DELI offers a selection of artisan cheeses, meats, olives, vinegars, pasta and condiments. Owner Barry Hargadon explains that inspiration came from the Italian delis he visited with his wife while travelling through Italy in 2015. The wine selection started off small, with around 20 different offerings, and has grown close to 300 wines with a focus on organic and biodynamic at a very fair price point. With only tight space available, every bottle which makes the cut is there because Hargadon and his team are very excited about it. Expect vibrant wines with personality and great drinkability. www.elevendeli.ie

64 WINE, 64 Glasthule Road, Glasthule, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin

A former member of An Garda Síochána, Gerard Maguire made the move to follow a long-held personal passion in 2006 and opened 64 WINE. “I was tired of drinking mass-produced wine, wine that had a regional distinction on the label but tasted like wine made all over the world,” he says. Maguire supports small artisan producers through his careful selection and over the past two years, great efforts were made by the 64 team to keep the heart of Glasthule beating. 64’s Twitter account is a window into the world of Gerard’s sharp and charming wit; its blackboard messages are always sure to raise a smile on the face of passers-by. Among other thoughtful pandemic-period initiatives, a children’s art competition brought colour to the village Anthony Robineau, now a co-owner, brings charm and a depth of experience while focusing on developing the dining experience. The shelves are packed with characterful wines, all of a very high quality. For those seeking rare treats, a visit to the fine wine room is a joyous experience. www.64wine.ie

BLACKROCK CELLAR, 23 Rock Hill, Blackrock, Co Dublin

After Oddbins went into liquidation in 2011, the locals were delighted that Joël Durand, formerly one of the Oddbins’s team, had reopened their off-licence. “The locals have been continuously supporting us since the start. Many of our staff over the years came from the area and we have been active in the local business network.” BLACKROCK CELLAR  is renowned for its superb wine selection, largely dedicated to smaller, environmentally conscious producers. From experience, Durand also knew that there was a growing market for craft beers. Starting out with around 70 offerings, the shop now sells approximately 500 different craft beers as well as traditional European classics from Germany and Belgium. Ask for advice. Their knowledge is second to none. www.blackrockcellar.com

BRINDLE, 34 Lennox Street, Portobello, Dublin 8

GREEN MAN WINES, 3 Terenure Road North, Terenure, Dublin 6W

In 2015, David Gallagher and his late wife Claire O’Boyle realised their dream of opening a small shop specialising in wines produced as naturally as possible. They also wanted to offer wines by the glass and some small tasty bites in a relaxed environment which offered good value and a perpetually evolving list to keep things fresh and exciting for regulars. They quickly established a loyal customer base, many of whom have become friends as well as customers. When Claire sadly passed away in 2020, the Irish wine industry lost one of its brightest aficionados, who brought a great depth of knowledge and vision to GMW. Today, David continues their common business dream with the support of his open-minded, knowledgeable and wonderfully personable team. GMW carries a superbly eclectic range and you can be sure that if there are only a few bottles knocking about of something very special, GMW is likely to have nabbed a few. www.greenmanwines.ie

ELY WINE SHOP, Convent Lane (Charter School Lane), Maynooth, Co Kildare

The first ELY WINE BAR, opened in 1999, was a precursor in making “finer wines” available by the glass. In 2019, Erik Robson and his team brought the “Ely Wine experience” to Maynooth, Co Kildare. Ely Wine Store is a shop, wine bar and neighbourhood café; if dining in, the corkage model applies. Ely has been working for many years with local wine suppliers and are now also importing exciting organic wines (“displaying freshness and finesse,” says Robson) directly from Spain, France and Italy. www.elywinebar.ie

MACCURTAIN WINE CELLAR, 11 MacCurtain Street, Co Cork

A family-run independent wine shop that doubles as a wine bar in the evenings. MACCURTAIN WINE CELLAR specialises in natural, biodynamic, organic, and sustainably farmed wine. Established in Cork’s Victorian quarter in 2022 by husband-and-wife team, Seán Gargano and Trudy Ahern. The historic, classically-painted black shopfront is accented by the smart gold and black lettering on the window. Photography by Seán Gargano. 

PETE’S PROVISIONS, 61 St Assams Park, Raheny, Dublin 5

PETE’S PROVISIONS is the shared vision of friends, Connor Higgins and Darren Thompson, both veterans of the restaurant industry. They have selected an interesting collection of wines and suggest “packs” of three to seven mixed bottles to try and discover something new. To complement their wine offering they have a selection of pantry items and gourmet snacks. Photography by Revert Design and Pete’s Provisions. www.petesprovisions.ie

THE WINERY NAVAN, 38 Trimgate Street, Dillonsland, Navan, Co Meath

With a vast shared breadth of knowledge and experience of all aspects of wine and the winemaking industry, Jean Baptiste Letinois and Laurent Caubet opened THE WINERY NAVAN in 2021. Their mission to source and stock delicious wine at great prices so they work directly with winemakers across Europe. The Winery Navan features wines from small vineyards if France and Italy, and also a small wine bar.www.thewinery.ie

Please note that more shops will be added to this list on an ongoing basis, so do continue to check in.

While nominations are now closed for 2022, we will invite new nominations from January next year. So, if you have discovered a fabulous shop, whether it’s a coffee shop, a flower and plant shop, food shop or market, menswear or womenswear boutique, accessories or beauty shop or a vintage, interiors, lifestyle or antique shop, share your knowledge with us! Our panel – Sarah McDonnell, Editor, THE GLOSS, Paula Flynn of The Shopkeepers and Amanda Pratt, creative and retail consultant – want to hear from you. Email us on digital@thegloss.ie with the subject line ‘BEST SHOPS’.