Dublin, Ireland — Shopping
Shopping in Dublin, Ireland
Like the city itself, Dublin's shopping scene is dominated by the fusion of old and new, with something for everyone. MarketsThere is nowhere more traditional than the Moore Street Market, on Henry Street (off O'Connell Street), where fresh fruit and vegetables are sold at bargain prices Monday to Saturday 0930 to 1830. The Temple Bar Food Market, in Meeting House Square, every Saturday 1000 to 1700, displays more pricey organic produce.
Shopping centers
South of the River Liffey is the smart Grafton Street shopping precinct with upmarket department store Brown Thomas and one of Dublin's finest shopping centers, The Powerscourt Town House. The Design Center on the top floor of the Powerscourt Town House shopping center deals exclusively in Irish designer fashions. Nassau Street, off Grafton Street, is best for traditional Irish gifts, such as hand-blown glass, crafts, knits, Celtic jewelry and Arran sweaters; the Kilkenny Design Center, 6 Nassau Street, and the Blarney Woollen Mills, 21-23 Nassau Street, are also good bets. For cool club clobber, head to BT2, Grafton Street.
Key areas
Dublin's fashionable Temple Bar district has good, one-off shops, such as Whichcraft, Cow's Lane, a showcase of innovative Irish jewelry, interior design and decorative arts, while the antiques quarter, centerd round Francis Street, is particularly lively on a Saturday morning.
Shopping hours
Standard shopping hours are Monday to Saturday 0900 to 1700/1800. Late-night shopping is on Thursday, with the bigger stores and many of the smaller ones remaining open until approximately 2000. Many bookshops keep longer hours and some also open on Sunday afternoon.
Tax information
VAT is levied at different rates on goods and services, with an average rate of 21%. Tax-free shopping is available to non-EU residents, who can redeem the tax at the airport on production of a completed tax-free slip. Global Refund (tel: (091) 553 258; www.globalrefund.com) can provide further information.
