ASIDE FROM THE crowds, heavy bags and long queues, Christmas shopping in Ireland can actually be quite enjoyable. 

With strings of lights illuminating usually dull streets and store-fronts filled with magical displays, it’s hard not to be impressed as you pass through some of the country’s most popular shopping destinations.

From department stores in Dublin to independent gift shops in Cork, we’ve rounded up some of the loveliest festive displays in stores around the country. 

1. The always impressive Arnotts 

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It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas 🎄 ✨ 🎀 . . . . #huaweip20 #capturedonhuawei #photography #inspireland #discoverireland #discoverdublin #dublin #lovindublin #loveireland #lovedublin #visitdublin #christmas #christmasdecorations #lights #arnottsdublin #christmasshopping #city #christmaslights #enchantedireland #dublinmydarling #dublin4all

A post shared by Sinéad McGinley ✨ (@sinead.mcginley) on Dec 2, 2018 at 9:57am PST

2. Breathtaking Brown Thomas Dublin

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It's Showtime! ⠀ ⠀ I have always loved the month of December, for a few reasons.⠀ 1. it's my birthday month!🎉🎂🎉 2. it's the Christmas period and I just love looking at Christmas decorations. Brings me back to my childhood⠀🎄🎁🎄 3. Everyone is jolly and looking forward to spending the holidays with their family⠀👨‍👩‍👧‍👦👨‍👨‍👧‍👦 ⠀ One thing I don't like is the rush to go shopping! It's just madness out there. That's why I do most of my shopping online! haha😅👨🏽‍💻⠀ ⠀ What about you? What do you like or dislike at this time of the year?⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ #lovedublin #igersdublin #lovindublin #discoverdublin #dublincity #visitdublin #documentdublin #huaweisnapys #thedublinbible #enjoyyourcity #irish_daily #picturethisdublin #instaireland #dublinigers #igersireland #loveireland #dublindaily #visitireland #ireland_gram #inspireland_ #irishcentral #igdublin #insta_ireland #discoverireland #loves_ireland #instadublin #irishpassion #tourismireland #tourismeirlandais #dublintown ⠀

A post shared by Blogger (@themillennialnomad) on Dec 4, 2018 at 8:59am PST

3. … And Brown Thomas Galway

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my happy place ✨

A post shared by Maddie O'Toole (@madisonotoole99) on Dec 1, 2018 at 6:58am PST

4. It’s not exactly a store, but the General Post Office’s display can’t be ignored

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The dirty aul town’s looking well ❤️🎄🇮🇪

A post shared by Claire Sharkey (@cmsharks) on Dec 5, 2018 at 12:44pm PST

5. The giant piece of mistletoe hanging from Weir and Sons, Grafton St, is a masterpiece in itself

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Who will you kiss under this giant mistletoe over @weirandsons door 💑👨‍❤️‍👨 Dublin at Christmas I LOVE IT . . . . . #lovindublin #lovedublin #loveireland #vscogram #dji #ireland #moodygrams5k #visualambassadors #discoverdublin #visitireland #dublin #wanderireland #instaireland #igersdublin #lightroom #moodygrams #instagram #lovinireland #lensdistortions #lonyplanet #createxplore #liveforstory #passionpassport #travelphotography #shoot2kill #djidrones #moody_tones #regattaie

A post shared by dublincityshots (@dublincityshots) on Nov 15, 2018 at 12:30pm PST

 6. The entirety of Kildare Village

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There is no happiness without a joy. So be happy always. Remember that 🌹 #fltravelogue #merrychristmas

A post shared by FL 👑 (@farahliyana_az) on Nov 29, 2018 at 5:37am PST

7. The fairy light filled Avoca, Dunboyne

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Christmas shopping 😍😍😍 #christmas #oneformeoneforyou #avoca #shoplocal #kriskindle #surewhynot #sparkle #tistheseason

A post shared by Claire Mc (@clairesjourneythroughlife) on Dec 5, 2018 at 10:30am PST

8. A sweet selection at Unbound, Bridge St, Cork City

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Christmas lights are being switched on tonight in Cork. Come into the city early and pop into us first in Unbound to get the Christmas glow #glow #christmasincork #corkgetslit #glowcork @corkcitycentre @victorian_quarter_cork

A post shared by Unbound Ireland (@unbound_ireland) on Nov 18, 2018 at 3:48am PST

9. This magical display at April and the Bear, Cows Lane, Dublin

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On the last day in November, our little store is looking very lovely and oh-so-festive! Thanks to Louise for the lovely display and @hollypereira_illustration for the gorgeous window etchings. See you later November! #independentstore #irishdesign #supportlocal #christmasgifts #aprilandthebear #uniquedecorstore #festiveshop

A post shared by April and the Bear (@aprilandthebear) on Nov 30, 2018 at 8:45am PST

10. The newly designed Hen’s Teeth shop front by Annie Atkins

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We’re open ‘til 9pm tonight. Oh, and we’ve got a brand new shop front design by Wes Anderson collaborator @annieatkins. 13 Fade St is the place 🎄🎅🏽☃️❄️ . . #christmasindublin #hensteeth #christmasgiftsideas #giftideas #designinspo #fadestreet

A post shared by Hen's Teeth (@hensteethstore) on Dec 6, 2018 at 3:16am PST

11. And the dainty paper reindeer at Lilliput Stores, Stoneybatter

Source: TheJournal.ie

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