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Culture Magazine
Shop Local: A guide to Ireland's best independent shops to support this Christmas
Collectable antique books and covetable womenswear, timeless children’s toys and beautiful homewares: A stress free guide to Christmas shopping
ALL I WANT for Christmas is a guide to stress-free shopping this festive season.
As Christmas draws closer and the to-do list grows longer (order the turkey, decorate the tree, tidy the spare bedroom for visiting family members!) take some of the pressure off and get your presents out of the way by shopping with the countless brilliant independent stores across Ireland.
Independent stores and small businesses are the beating heart of the local communities they serve. There are so many benefits to shopping locally this Christmas. Firstly, the customer experience is generally more helpful than when you go to department stores or high street chains. You’ll find that staff will know the products inside-out and will be more than happy to guide you through the collections and offer honest advice, which is crucial when you’re cramming some present shopping in during your lunch break.
Most importantly, perhaps, the stock available in independent stores is more special and unique. This is often because there is a small team curating their collections to cater to their customer’s needs and to offer a range of pieces that are sustainable and of high quality to ensure a much longer lifespan.
And, of course, you want people to feel like you’ve gone above and beyond to find the perfect gift for them this Christmas. You can do that easily by paying a visit to Ireland’s incredible independent retailers this month.
From toys to records, books to luxury clothing, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to some of Ireland’s best independent stores to support this Christmas.
From contemporary furniture pieces to pretty homeware accessories, these are amongst the finest spots for interior design enthusiasts:
1. Ardmore Pottery and Gallery, Co Waterford
What: For almost 40 years, Ardmore Pottery & Gallery has offered a beautiful range of consciously crafted items for the home. It’s a one-stop shop for stocking fillers and thoughtful gifts.
Where: Cliff Rd, Dysert, Ardmore, Co. Waterford
Explore their online store, here
2. April & The Bear, Co Dublin
What: April & The Bear is brimming with brilliant displays of bright and bold pieces that bring instant personality to the home. An especially fun curation of homewares, you’ll leave with plenty of great gifts.
Where: 213 Rathmines Rd Lower, Rathmines, Dublin
Explore their online store, here
3. Chalk & Easel, Co Cork
What: From garden accessories to dining room essentials, and everything in between, Chalk & Easel has an incredible selection of classic and contemporary design pieces that the homewares enthusiastic in your life will love.
Where: Main St, Ballinspittle, Co. Cork
Explore their online store, here
4. Maven, Co Antrim
What: For all things Scandinavian-inspired, Maven is the place for you. Find gorgeous pieces of contemporary homewares – striking vases, luxurious textiles and timeless furniture pieces – that will bring endless joy to someone special this Christmas. Better still, be sure to stock up on the brilliant selection of festive decorations!
Where: Reid Memorial Hall, 4a Maryville Ave, Belfast
Explore their online store, here
Christmas day outfits and toys looking for their forever home. Children’s shops abundant with magical gifts for special boys and girls:
1. Mira Mira, Co Dublin
What: A marvellous treasure trove of toys and children’s clothing, Mira Mira will keep adults and children entertained in their store for hours. There’s no doubt you’ll leave with a sack bulging with special toys and teddies.
Where: 3 Sandymount Green, Sandymount, Co. Dublin
Explore their online store, here
2. Jiminy.ie
What: For junior artists, Jiminy is an incredible place to stock up on various essentials catering to all creative needs. Specialising in sustainable and eco-friendly products, you’ll not only give the gift of endless entertainment and encourage imagination, but you’ll also pass on a sense of responsibility to look after the planet to budding crafter enthusiasts.
Where: Online only
Explore their online store, here
3. The Little Wooden Peg, Co Dublin
What: Look no further than The Little Wooden Peg for all your Christmas shopping needs for the younger folk in your family. Here, you’ll find gorgeous clothing and irresistible cute toys and books that will get years of enjoyment before being passed down to lucky younger siblings.
Where: 55 George’s Street Upper, Dún Laoghaire, Dublin
Explore their online store, here
High-end designer pieces and sustainable wardrobe-essentials. Ireland’s covetable womenswear wrapped up:
1. Envoy, Co Antrim
What: In the 15 years since Envoy opened its doors in Belfast, countless beautiful designer pieces have found their way to loving homes. Surprise someone special with unique items from Dries van Noten or Acne Studio under the tree.
Where: 4 Wellington St, Belfast
Explore their online store, here
2. Samui, Co Cork
What: For the glamorous woman in your life, Samui will have you spoiled for choice with gift options. The store carries luxury brands such as Moncler, Isabel Marant and Veja as well as a covetable range of handbags, jewellery and Aesop products so there’s something for everyone at Samui.
Where: 17 Drawbridge St, Centre, Cork
Explore their online store, here
3. Scout, Co Dublin
What: Beloved by customers up and down the country, Scout’s beautifully curated pieces from timeless brands such as Toast, YMC and Sideline are always at the top of the Christmas wish lists of conscious shoppers. The excellent quality and simple lines in the designs on the rails are guaranteed to being a smile on Christmas morning.
Where: 5 Essex St W, Temple Bar, Dublin
Explore their online store, here
Smart threads and timeless capsule pieces, these menswear stores will have the man in your life looking the part in 2023:
1. Kindf_olk, Co Galway
What: Specialising in eco-friendly, ethical and sustainable clothing and accessories, Kindf_olk will make slow fashion fans extremely happy this festive season. Give the gift of well-made and durable wardrobe essentials that will last longer than pieces available on the high street. While you’re there, enjoy a coffee as you browse and pick up some stocking fillers from their lifestyle range.
Where: The Cornstore, Unit 10, Middle St, Galway
Explore their online store, here
2. Truth, Co Clare
What: Whether it’s casual basics, stylish footwear or eye-catching outerwear, Truth covers all bases. You can’t go wrong with the classic cuts and tailoring available at Truth when picking out some treats for the fashion-conscious man in your life.
Where: 8 High St, Clonroad Beg, Ennis, Co. Clare
Explore their online store, here
3. Indigo & Cloth, Co Dublin
What: Nestled in the heart of Temple Bar, the rails of Indigo & Cloth are always filled with the most beautiful materials across the many luxury lines they carry. You’re guaranteed to find simplicity and interesting designs in their stock which will see you through countless seasons and all occasions.
Where: 9 Essex St E, Temple Bar, Dublin 8
Explore their online store, here
Keep book lovers and record collectors content this Christmas with the best new music releases and bestselling titles:
1. Plugd Records, Co Cork
What: Perhaps one of Ireland’s most beloved indie record shops, Plugd Records has cultivated a community of music lovers for several years. Also operating as a live music venue and spot to enjoy a cup of coffee, you’re sure to leave with a bag full of excellent albums.
Where: 3 Cornmarket St, Centre, Cork
Explore their online store, here
2. The Time Traveller’s Bookshop, Co Cork
What: Find something extra special for the bookworm in your life and track down a first edition of their favourite novel from The Time Traveller’s Bookshop in West Cork. With a vast selection of antique and collector’s items on their shelve prepare to spend an afternoon trawling through their titles.
Where: 44 Bridge St, West, Cork
Explore their online store, here
3. The Winding Stair Bookshop, Co Dublin
What: An institution amongst literary folk, the Winding Stair Bookshop carries an impressive collection of Irish and International titles. Their cosy backroom contains packed shelves of second-hand books and children’s titles, too. When you’re finished shopping, why not pop upstairs for a delicious meal in the Winding Stair restaurant.
Where: Ormond Quay Lower Ormond Quay Lower, Dublin 1
Explore their online store, here
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