Discover The Best Children’s Shops In Ireland 2024
By The Gloss
“A stunning shop tells a story. It’s a carefully edited emporium that reflects the shopkeeper’s unique character and vision,” says Paula Flynn of TheShopkeepers.com. In an era dominated by online shopping, nothing replaces the singular joy – the surprise and delight – of shopping in real life. Discover THE GLOSS X The Shopkeepers 100 Best Children’s Shops 2024 …
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 / www.instagram.com/wearebarn/
HALFWAY 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 / www.instagram.com/halfwayupthestairsbookshop/ 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 / www.instagram.com/janecarrolldesign/
OVER THE MOON, 26 Monkstown Crescent, Monkstown, Co Dublin
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 / www.instagram.com/overthemoon.dublin/
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 / www.instagram.com/thelittlewoodenpeg/ 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 / www.instagram.com/woodenhearttoys/
