Discover Dublin’s Unique Independent Shops

When it comes to shopping, Dublin can rival all other major European capital cities. While traditional souvenirs abound, the real retail thrill for discerning shoppers lies in exploring the myriad independent stores for which Dublin is increasingly known.

L. Mulligan Whiskey Shop

13 Clarendon Street, Dublin 2

You don’t have to be a spirits aficionado to savour a trip to this liquor store, based in the historic Powerscourt Townhouse Centre. The helpful staff can point you in the right direction of a moreish whiskey, whether of the Irish, Scottish, or world variety, to suit your taste. There’s also a good selection of other Irish spirits available, including gins as well as rare and collectible bottles. The store’s spirits curator, Michael Foggarty, suggests investing in a bottle of DWD (Dublin Whiskey Distillers) Whiskey. “The distillery closed in 1941 but the brand was resurrected in 2017. For people picking up a bottle of whiskey we recommend this, as you’re getting a great whiskey and a great piece of Dublin whiskey history. At €50 per bottle it is great value also.”

Arran Street East

1 Little Green Street, Dublin 7

Functionality and simplicity are at the heart of Arran Street East’s design philosophy. The brand creates beautiful hand-thrown pottery in its studio. Sustainability is important here, with packaging and materials sustainably sourced and environmentally friendly. After visiting the shop, a visit to the Arran Street East cafe beckons, where locally made pastries from Opera Patisserie and coffee from Dublin roasters TwoFifty Square are served using vessels made upstairs, overlooking the Victorian Dublin Fruit and Vegetable Market.

One of their bestsellers is ‘The Mug’, but for Arran Street East’s Alex Calder, ‘The Jug’ is her personal pick. “It’s so elegant and a beautiful statement piece. If it’s a little big to take home a pair of Mugs or a Pourer are a lovely souvenir.”

April and the Bear

2 Wynnefield Road, Rathmines, Dublin 6

At this lifestyle and interiors shop in Rathmines, you’re as likely to find beautiful mid-century furniture as you are a cat snow globe or a print of Jeff Goldblum. Besides providing plenty of interiors inspiration, it’s a fabulous place to pick up unusual gifts such as designer Eily O’Connell’s jewellery range, cast from crab claws collected from the west coast of Ireland.

One of founder Siobhan Lam’s favourite interior trends is plants. This doesn’t have to mean buying a forest of succulents; instead, you can introduce some botanical wallpaper or hang a stunning leafy print. “It’s an invigorating and fun trend and one I’ll be 100% embracing this year,” Siobhan says.

Irish Design Shop

41 Drury Street, Dublin 2

Clare Grennan and Laura Caffrey, both jewellers, have championed Irish makers and designers since 2008 when they established their shop on Drury Street. The Irish Design Shop offers wares including whiskey tumblers, hand-blown in Waterford, expertly cut by Criostal na Rinne. Clare and Laura’s own contemporary jewellery range is expertly crafted using traditional techniques in-house, and visitors can even see them at work at the bench. “Ireland has its own distinct craft identity. Intrinsically linked to the landscape, we have a tradition of creating objects which reference our natural surroundings, be that in the colours, textures or materials used,” Clare says.

Scout

5 Smock Alley Court, Essex Street West, Dublin 8

Tucked away in a corner of Temple Bar, Scout offers a range of highly curated goods that you won’t find anywhere else in the city. Owner Wendy Crawford has a keen eye for clever design, carrying Irish and international brands such as chunky traditional knits from the Original Aran Company and the sandals brand loved by the Instagram style set, Salt-Water. Scout also satisfies your homeware desires—check out Saturday Workshop‘s wooden pig serving platter and distinctive handmade candles from Beeswax Candle Makers.

A local favorite is the McNutt blanket woven in a Donegal-based mill. “With an array of designs and colours inspired by the Irish landscape, these blankets are guaranteed to provide a lifetime of comfort and style,” Zara Hedderman adds.

Parfumarija

25 Westbury Mall, Dublin 2

Looking for a rare and beautiful scent? Niche perfume shop Parfumarija has you covered. Proprietor Marija Aslimoska is a classically trained perfumer who learned her craft in Grasse, the fragrance capital of the world. The store looks like an apothecary and truly smells divine. You’ll discover scents by Frederic Malle, the master French perfumer, along with Eight & Bob.

For the curious, stylish traveller, Marija recommends the Amouage travel set, available for both men and women. “With its magnetic closing and 12 samples of some of the most beautiful fragrances created in Oman, this is a treasure find,” she notes. “An extra special tip is to use only one sample at each new place so that the memory of this location is forever locked with that scent.”

Appassionata Flowers

32 Clarendon Street, Dublin 2

An urban oasis, Appassionata Flowers believes flowers enhance surroundings through sight and smell. Founded in 2004 by Ruth Monahan and Ultan Devaney, the shop has gone from strength to strength, even creating arrangements for Barack Obama and the Queen during their visits to Dublin. The store prioritizes sustainably cultivated flowers arriving daily by ferry, thus avoiding air delivery carbon emissions.

The store features beautiful blooms, terrariums, and one wonderful product is the Appassionata No. 1 Candle, designed to evoke the sensation of holding a bouquet on a West of Ireland beach. “Another idea is a lovely dried flower bouquet of Irish wildflowers packaged nicely in a box by us,” Ruth suggests. It’s advisable to check customs regulations regarding transporting perishable or fresh produce when travelling.

Article

Powerscourt Townhouse, South William Street, Dublin 2

The former Lord Powerscourt’s dressing room in Powerscourt Town Centre provides a stunning backdrop for Article, an interiors emporium. While admiring the original plasterwork dating back to 1780, explore a selection that includes Irish woollen throws and ostrich feather dusters, alongside tableware showcasing style and sophistication. Decorative and functional products from Irish and international designers fill the shelves, making it a superb place to find prints, such as typographic maps of Ireland.

Hen’s Teeth

13 Fade Street, Dublin 3

The art and lifestyle store Hen’s Teeth on Fade Street features limited edition prints, homewares, a selection of coffee-table books, and t-shirts. There’s always something happening here—curating exhibitions and collaborating with exciting artists worldwide. Co-founder Rosie Gogan Keogh mentions, “Our approach is to ensure inclusivity, appealing to a diverse range, from young teenagers to those over 70.” Recommended items include Denise Nestor’s Bestiary series, a collection of mythical Irish beast pencil illustrations, and Hen’s Teeth apparel and gifts.

Jam Art Factory

14 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin 2; 64/65 Patrick Street, Dublin 8

Art and design shop Jam Art Factory showcases Irish contemporary art with locations in Temple Bar and Patrick Street in the Liberties. Stocking prints, street art, ceramics, textiles, and jewellery, key items include Pat Byrne’s printed antique book pages and Dublin illustrator Tara O’Brien’s works featuring dancing and laughing women with underlying political themes. Ruth Keating from Jam Art Factory emphasizes, “Taking home a piece of graphic art from us is a wonderful way to engage with Dublin’s vibrant art scene.”