24 Of The Best Womenswear Shops In Ireland

THE GLOSS X Shopkeepers.com Best Shop Ireland 2022 list is the ultimate go-to for the best stores in Ireland. 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 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 understated 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, is always ahead of the curve. 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,” 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. It’s a place where 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. “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. “Right now there’s 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.

This is an updated version of a feature that originally appeared in the September 2022 issue of THE GLOSS.