What a total pleasure it is to shop in person. Did we really just say that? We did. Sometimes the thought of hitting the shops around Christmas is not a totally tempting one, but not so this year. We are as keen as mustard to get into our favourite stores, and to discover interesting new ones, to find lovely gifts for others – and ourselves – after months of restrictions. Doing it all under one roof is a bonus, in terms of convenience and ease, which is what makes Dundrum Town Centre so damned attractive.

Because as well as shopping for party clothes, shoes and gifts, there are so many other in-person treats, often part of a shopping trip, that we have missed. From having a great blowdry, to getting our nails filed, buffed and polished, to taking a breather to check the list twice over a coffee or hot chocolate, to sipping a cocktail before a nice dinner. All this is possible at Dundrum Town Centre, and why not? This year, we can safely say: we have earned it.

All the better if you combine shopping, grooming and dining – the shopping is done, presents and Christmas Day outfit are sorted, your hair and nails are looking fabulous and you are feeling as close to normal – and in celebratory mode – as this crazy year will allow. Relaxing and unwinding in one of Dundrum Town Centre’s 45 restaurants and cafés – yes 45! – before, during or after your shopping trip, is one of the loveliest parts of any visit. For a quick re-fuel or coffee, slip into Hotel Chocolat, Butlers Café or Douglas & Kaldi. For a glamorous finale to your visit, book elegant Siam Thai, cosy, atmospheric The Port House, elegant Indian restaurant Ananda, warm and welcoming Dunne & Crescenzi or buzzy Jamie’s Italian.

First we need to go shopping. What do we actually want to wear this Christmas? Sparkly and glamorous things, we say, as a total contrast to weeks on end without social events or locked down in leggings – point us in the direction of a shimmering top, a tulle skirt, a pair of sequinned slippers, at Harvey Nichols, Folkster, Zara, BT2 and Michael Kors. Or for cosy comfort, that still looks chic and sleek, we are gravitating towards Massimo Dutti, Mint Velvet, Tommy Hilfiger and Hobbs. For shoes, a clutch, a sparkly belt, a fabulous turband, necklace, or swishy, sparkly earrings, we are drawn to Dune, Michael Kors, Harvey Nichols, Folkster, LK Bennett and Fields. Along the way we will find gifts too – another plus of in-person shopping – inspiration we cannot get while sitting at the kitchen table …

So dinner plans are made, and the shopping is under control. Time to slip into the vast and glorious emporium that is Edvard & Pink, for a blissful Margaret Dabbs pedicure, or a gorgeous facial, or sweet MudPie Beauty Cottage, to have your nails painted festive red, to Shavata at Harvey Nichols for brows, or brand new H by Gareth Brommell, also at Harvey Nichols for a smart restyle and blowdry. And if your Lockdown Frown needs attention, make an appointment at Skinfull Affairs or Thérapie Clinic and let them advise.

Please note: Ahead of visiting Dundrum Town Centre, customers are encouraged to check out the ‘Crowd Checker’ feature on the website, which will help shoppers plan their visit as it will provide live updates on how popular the Centre is in real time, so that they know when is the best time to visit and beat the crowds. The latest status will be clearly displayed at the top of Dundrum Town Centre’s homepage and it will be updated every 15 minutes.