IN PARTNERSHIP WITH KILDARE VILLAGE
Kildare Village is celebrating its 20th anniversary with new shops, events and experiences
When Kildare Village opened 20 years ago it offered Irish shoppers something distinctly different from the traditional high street experience – luxury and designer brands in an enticing, open-air village setting with savings of up to 60 per cent on previous season collections. What began as a modest collection of boutiques has grown into a thriving destination with a singular sense of place. It’s now home to more than 120 luxury fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands, where savings are to be had all year round. Since opening its doors in 2006, Kildare Village has welcomed millions of guests from Ireland and around the world.
Its unquestionable success is the sum of many parts. Location is one – just an hour south of Dublin; a visit can be incorporated as part of a day out taking in other local attractions such as the National Stud and Japanese Gardens. In addition, the style formula is an intelligent balance of Irish and international brands. Sought-after contemporary labels such as Mulberry, BOSS, Kate Spade, Coach and Barbour sit alongside Irish brands, from Louise Kennedy to Sculpted by Aimee. The services, too, at the Village have always impressed, from its seamless valet parking and concierge to hands-free and personal shopping. These all make shopping a joy rather than a chore. What began as a modest collection of boutiques has grown into a thriving destination with a singular sense of place. Savvy shoppers and Kildare Village regulars sign up for membership where early notifications of new arrivals is one of the many perks.
This month sees the return of the successful shopping series, The Edit, which brings the best of Kildare Village to Dublin and Cork. Hosted by content creator and fashion expert Jodie Wood and personal stylist Jess Colivet, guests can explore the Village’s most coveted collections and discover new favourite pieces in the luxurious surroundings of 25 Fitzwilliam Place Dublin (on September 15) and The Glasshouse at The Montenotte, Cork (on September 17). Guests can enjoy canapés and refreshments as they explore the season’s must-have pieces, with the opportunity to purchase them on the day. A shopping event not to be missed!
Recent additions to the Village include the new Golden Goose boutique, where its iconic Super-Star sneakers are available in all colours, materials and combinations, as well as the brands signature co-creation experience.Pop into the elegant Tory Burch store where ready-to-wear staples, jewellery and accessories, such as the covetable Romy totes, will add some New York polish to your wardrobe. Ireland’s first standalone Dyson store has just opened too. Located opposite The North Face and Charlotte Tilbury, it offers a full range of haircare products, air purifiers, and floor care technology, alongside interactive styling stations and live product demonstrations. For scent aficionados, the House of Creed is now open allowing guests to discover their iconic range of fragrances. After perusing the shops, there’s no shortage of places to refuel. From on-the-go coffee stops (Butler’s Chocolate Cafe and Avoca are favourites) to healthy snacks at Sprout & Co, to tasty meals in minutes at Mani pizza and Saba.
A must-do is a leisurely lunch with friends at Wright & Sons, the newly opened restaurant, bar and deli which incorporates a gourmet grab-and-go range and all-day dining. If the menu draws inspiration from Irish and European cuisine, it’s mirrored in the swish interiors created by O’Donnell O’Neill Design and inspired by rural Irish landscapes.
Need to know: To buy tickets for the curated shoppable fashion experience in Dublin on September 15 at 25 Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2 and on September 17 at The Montenotte Cork visit this link.
