Shopping in Ireland has evolved in the last decade and now challenges any European destination for the ultimate retail experience.
Irish people like to combine a stroll, a chat, and maybe some people-watching, window-glazing or a stop for a coffee with the business of doing their weekly shop. So around cities and towns, you’ll find big-brand outlets side-by-side with cafes, bars, quirky boutiques and off-beat independent stores.
About five miles south of Dublin City Centre, the Dundrum Centre is Ireland’s largest retail and leisure destination, with over 100 shops, 40 restaurants and cafes, a cinema complex, a 200-seat theatre, a bar and a nightclub. You’ll also find a range of shopping centres and outlet stores in other cities and towns around the country.
Off the high-street, you’ll stumble upon many unique shops, stocking everything and anything to mirror the Irish trait of hoarding. And in many towns in rural Ireland, you may still encounter that traditional Irish establishment – the grocery, bar and undertakers, all under one roof.
Most stores open from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday, with late-night shopping until 9pm on Thursdays or Fridays. Sunday opening hours are generally from 12 noon until 6pm, but some stores remain closed on Sundays. Convenience stores are often open ‘eight to late’ seven days per week, and some supermarkets offer a 24-hour service
Bank opening hours are generally from 10am to 4pm from Monday to Friday, although nearly all shopping centres now have ATMs, and practically all stores accept credit and debit cards.