There’s no better way to get into the festive spirit than enjoying a pre Christmas shopping trip to Dublin city. With every type of shop imaginable stocked up with Christmas presents and gifts, extended opening hours and a wonderful Christmas atmosphere on the streets - Dublin is the ultimate Christmas shopping experience.
Christmas is just not the same without some Christmas shopping! So why not pack your bags and head to Dublin city for a shopping trip. Dublin has a wide variety of shopping districts and shopping centres to choose from and here we have picked out a few for you not to miss.
The main shopping streets in Dublin city are Henry Street and Grafton Street. Henry Street is a pedestrianised street, which can be found just off O’Connell Street where the Spire is located. The Christmas lights on Henry Street really add to the atmosphere. Two major shopping centres are located here - The Ilac Centre and The Jervis Street Shopping Centre. Arnotts - the oldest department store in Dublin can also be found on this street along with Roches Stores and Penny’s.
Grafton Street is located south of the River Liffey about a 10-minute walk from Henry Street. It’s also a pedestrianised street and runs from College Green to St. Stephen’s Green. Grafton Street has a fantastic festive atmosphere with carol singers, buskers, and of course its spectacular Christmas lights, which were switched on this year by Westlife and Jedward! Grafton is Dublin’s fashionable shopping street and it’s here you’ll find Brown Thomas and BT2, home to all the top designer labels. The Powerscourt Shopping Centre and St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre can also be found here.
If you want to get out of the city and do all your Christmas shopping under one roof, then we suggest you head for the Dundrum Town Centre in Sandyford. The Dundrum Town Centre is one of Ireland’s largest shopping centres and has over 160 shops. It boasts some major retail units like House of Fraser, Next, Oasis, Karen Millen, Harvey Nichols, Penny’s, GAP and Timberland. For more info on opening hours, stores and how to get there visit the Dundrum Town Centre website.
A top shopping destination for fashionistas this Christmas is sure to be Kildare Village. Ok, so it’s not located in Dublin, but it’s less than an hour’s drive on the M7. It’s essentially a discount outlet-shopping village with over 50 luxury boutiques,
where bargain hunters can find top designer labels at up to 60% off! In the run up to Christmas, a Kildare Village Express service runs from the city centre to the outlet village on Saturdays and Sundays. Visit the Kildare Village website for further info.
No Christmas shopping trip to Dublin is complete until you visit the Dublin Docklands Christmas Markets, which is being held in George’s Quay in the IFSC area. Browse up to 100 stalls in a spectacular Christmas village setting on the banks of the River Liffey. Sip mulled wine, indulge is some tasty Christmas treats, listen to the Christmas carols and soak up the festive atmosphere. This is an event not to be missed and it runs for 12 days from the 12th-23rd of December. Visit the Dublin Docklands website for more.
Hope you enjoy your shopping trip to Dublin! Remember, if you need a hotel, don’t forget to check out the great deals on our Dublin hotels page.
As always, we’d love to hear from you - any advice, tips, comments on Christmas shopping in Dublin are welcome in the comment box below.
