THE GLOSS X Shopkeepers.com Best Shops Ireland 2023 list is here! Let’s start spreading the word about these best shops …
We have found a fabulously diverse and exciting bunch of independent retailers – scroll through the list below to discover the Best Shops Ireland 2023 …
In MACBEES boutique, founded in 1984 by Mary McBride, visitors are met with a riot of colour and interesting design. Mary’s daughters Aoife and Doranne, are now at the helm, bringing their experience – in costume design and as a buyer for Saks Fifth Avenue respectively – to the edit of brands stocked. These include Irish knitwear designer Colin Horgan and handbag label August Night.
The peachy interior of Duo exudes wellbeing and positivity, a fitting vibe for a shop specialising in sustainability and wellness. The shelves neatly display a range of natural beauty and skincare products, healthy foods and supplements, and reusable, earth-friendly products. Tucked under the stairs is a coffee bar whilst a mezzanine does double duty as seating area and yoga loft.Sustainably developed luxury cashmere accessories designed and made in EKOTREE’S studio located in the Burren.
“At APRIL AND THE BEAR we encourage you to embrace what you love,” explains owner Siobhan Lam, whose customers beat a path to this eclectic little oasis in Rathmines. Find quirky prints, tablescaping staples by Ferm Living, HK Living and Klevering, gifts and beautiful accessories.Owner Tracy McAllister left her job at a university to pursue her dream of having her own interior and home shop. The result is an ode to coastal living.
The Foxford Mill was founded on the River Moy in 1892 by a nun, Mother Agnes, to bring much needed industry to the impoverished area. In 1987 the business was rescued by a local, Joe Queenan, and designer Helen McAlinden was enlisted to revitalise Foxford’s offering for a new generation of customers.
Established in a former post office by potter Elaine Fallon, BROOKWOOD POTTERY is a shop and pottery studio featuring Elaine’s pottery and the textiles, print, homeware and jewellery of over 40 craftspeople that Elaine admires. The studio offers one-day adult pottery classes for small groups every Saturday.An old stone mill on the River Nore is home to a store celebrating Nicholas Mosse pottery.
“Having a splash of colour beside the face is a great way to update your look, especially on darker winter days,” believes Louise Stokes, who invests in great tailoring and accessorises with pieces from her fine jewellery collection. “The Diamond Martini necklace and 9mm Diamond Huggies are my go-to for everyday wear. In the evening, I switch to a pair of statement Mignonne Gavigan earrings.
Boasting one of the first neon signs in Ireland, ROSALINS has undergone many transformations. Now under the helm of Katie O’Brien the latest iteration is less newsagents and more lifestyle store. Newspapers now sit by international specialty magazines. Children can spend their pocket money on sweets, ice cream or comics, whilst parents are offered a range of homeware from Ireland, France and Scandinavia.
After a series of pop-ups, house plant aficionado Erin Thomas found the perfect location for her urban jungle plant shop that she opened in 2022. Erin sources plants from a wide range of growers across Europe and can expertly advise buyers, even if a visit to the store is not possible. Hopeless Botanics has a selection of pots and home décor items to complement your plant purchase.
A passion for finding and rehoming pre-loved objects is what inspires Dee Brophy to continue her antiques business through good and hard times. “My customers feel they are part of the adventure and enjoy the in-house experience to touch and feel and hear about the journey their piece has made,” says Dee who regularly takes her van to European markets, barns, and fairs returning with a van full of timeworn furniture, mirrors, decorative home goods, garden wares and more.
At the TOWNHOUSE WESTPORT, owned by Ally Murphy and Paul McCarthy, you’ll find Irish iconic brands , European furniture, chic tableware, and a great coffee bar!Open weekends or by appointment WILDE VINTAGE offers an eclectic range of 60s, 70s, and 80s vintage and antiques. The eye-catching, brightly painted former auto body repair shop is chockful of retro finds displayed in creative vignettes. The perfect destination for a weekend browse.