We partnered with The Gloss to find the Best Shops Ireland 2022. We asked The Gloss readers to nominate their favourite shops and together we have a list of over 100 Best Shops. This is the roundup of Womenswear Shops Ireland 2022. The list includes fashion boutiques, accessories, eyewear, perfume, lingerie, vintage shops – and fabric shops for a bespoke outfit. Find our list of Best Jewelry Shops Here. For more Best Shops Ireland 2022 click HERE.
Nominations are closed for 2022. We will invite new nominations from January next year. So, if you know a fabulous shop, whether it’s a coffee shop, a flower and plant shop, food shop or market, menswear or womenswear boutique, accessories or beauty shop or a vintage, interiors, lifestyle or antique shop, we want you to share with us!
BEAUTIFUL SOUTH
Swan Centre, Unit 3D Castlewood Avenue, Rathmines, Dublin 6
BEAUTIFUL SOUTH, Rathmines, Dublin 6. Coinciding with – or pre-empting? – the cool-ification of Rathmines (so many interesting places to eat and drink; young, diverse vibe) Grainne Wynne’s Beautiful South has had an elevating influence on the D6 village. Among other elegant labels, find Ros Duke cashmere, Cleo Prickett tailoring, Eudon Choi separates, Daki Daki jewellery, Aoife Lifestyle bags and Alohas shoes. Think cool architect aesthetic – beautifully cut, restrained pieces with minimal detail and a contemporary edge. Pop in after a delicious bowl of pasta in nearby Sprezaturra… or maybe before!
CLOON KEEN
21a High Street, Galway & 3 Powerscourt Townhouse, Dublin 2
www.cloonkeen.com
This West of Ireland shop with its medieval-like archway opening onto a cobble-stoned street is the perfect environment for Cloon Keen’s line of poetic perfumes and candles. The founders of Cloon Keen, Margaret Mangan and Julian Checkley, met on whilst working on a film production. For them creating scents is akin to weaving a story, with scents informed by the history, nature, and myths of Ireland. All Cloon Keen’s perfumes and candles are composed and hand poured in Galway.
CLOTH DUBLIN
15 Westbury Mall, Balfe Street, Dublin 2
www.cloth.ie
A fabric and haberdashery destination founded by mother and daughter, Deirdre Noonan and Sinead Martin in 2010. The first shop was in Limerick, relocating to Dublin in 2012. CLOTH Dublin offers a wide range of fabrics, both for clothing and home interior projects. Between the two women they have a vast wealth of knowledge on sewing projects and are happy to share all their tips from sewing classes to made-to-measure services either in person or online.
COBBLERS WARDROBE
4a Sandymount Green, Dublin 4
www.cobblerswardrobe.com
Formerly Hollie Creedon’s grandfather’s shoe repair shop is now home to her pre-loved designer apparel and luxury goods consignment store. Hollie’s keen eye and Cobblers Wardrobe’s reputation means that the stock is constantly changing and that a visit to the shop means there is always something new to discover. Continuing the family tradition, the Cobblers Wardrobe offers the finest quality shoe and bag repair and restoration services.
COSTUME
2, 10/ 11 Castle Market, Dublin
www.costumedublin.ie
The Tucker sisters, Tracy and Anne, have been steering the Costume ship for almost 20 years and it has been consistently brilliant, ahead of the fashion curve and abreast of everything on the runway with a bias towards on elegant-with-an edge clothes we really want to wear. They did Isabel Marant first! Zadig first! Yves Salomon first! The phrase “unerring eye” is a little staid to describe the Costume approach to buying. This season check out in particular Soeur, Les Ottomans, Rupert Sanderson and Markus Lupfer.
ELECTRA
12 Donnybrook Road, Dublin 4
www.electra.ie
French Girl style has a home and it’s ELECTRA, in Donnybrook. Owner Sadbh Fahy, who lived in Paris for years, is the perfect poster girl for the look. From Vanesso Bruno to APC, Christian Wijnants to Isabel Marant, Maison Kitsune, to Forte Forte, pieces are classic yes, but with a contemporary cut, with an ever-present soupçonof sexy. Look out for Astier de Villatte ceramics and Aurélie Bidermann and Ginette NY jewellery.
EMPORIUM KALU
16 S Main Street, Naas East, Naas, Co Kildare
www.emporiumkalu.com
KALU has been stocking innovative designers including Vivetta and Vivienne Westwood for over 20 years. The duo is known for their edit of beautiful, boundary-pushing occasion wear. Run by Louise Flanagan and Kate O’Dwyer Kalu is for the fashion-conscious who want original artistic pieces this boutique is a must-visit.
ENVOY OF BELFAST
4 Wellington Street, Belfast, Co Antrim
www.envoyofbelfast.com
Timeless and understated, ENVOY OF BELFAST’s selection of clothing and accessories are chosen for their distinctive quality of design, fabric, and craftsmanship. Clothes that have the ability for the wearer to create their own look, rather than the clothes defining the individual. Owner Ruth Spence selects pieces from international brands in Europe, Japan, and the USA.
GALLERY 9
Sallins Road, Naas East, Naas, Kildare
www.gallery9.ie
Few leave GALLERY 9 empty-handed, such is the range of designers and styles (including Saloni, Stella Nova, Stine Goya and Self Portrait). From clothing and accessories to jewellery, owner Niamh McCoy’s taste is impeccable. Look out for printed co-ords by Copenhagen brand Munthe, minimalist cool-girl jackets and sweatshirts from Anine Bing and GLOSS favourite Gia Couture shoes.
HAVANA
2, Anglesea House, Donnybrook Road, Donnybrook, Dublin 4
www.havanaboutique.ie
Ireland’s edgiest fashion destination, HAVANA has been the first port of call for women seeking conceptual fashion for over 25 years. Stocking avant garde Irish and international designers, Nikki Creedon, as prescient about trends and how Irish women want to wear them as ever, says statement skirts and outerwear are a focus for autumn. Colour comes via bags and accessories. “And I’m looking forward to our two-week showcase of the best Irish design and crafts – including pottery and rugs – in November.”
JUJU
3 La Touche Place, Rathdown Lower, Greystones, Co. Wicklow
www.juju.ie
Unusual, contemporary brands have been the remit of Juju boutique, which stocks Landskein coats, Lis Lareida shirts, Pedro Garcia footwear and Gigi Clozeau jewellery. “Our style is very much timeless and classic – we want our customers to dress in pieces they will cherish forever,” says owner Juliet Ledwidge.
KAHN
15 Rock Hill, Blackrock, Dublin
www.khan.ie
Celebrating over 25 years in business, KHAN is an integral part of Blackrock’s thriving village culture. Its loyal cohort of clients return each season to update their wardrobes with Deryn Mackay’s focused edit of brands which includes Paul Smith, Fabiana Filippi, Anette Gortz and Irish designers Roisin Linnane and Lainey Keogh. “Laser-cut detailing, quilted outerwear, sleek suiting and the return of the LBD are key looks for AW22,” she explains.
KIMONO
Provincial House, Bishop Street, Newcastlewest, Co. Limerick & Main Street, Charleville, Co. Cork
www.kimono.ie
“I’m wearing Sara Roka, my favourite out of the 40 or so labels we stock, which reflects the style and ethos of Kimono – nostalgic with a contemporary twist.” Kimono, situated in a former bank (complete with safe), celebrates 20 years in business in 2023, and has recently enhanced its online offering. “Customers love our exclusive range of Soru jewellery too.”
KINSALE LEATHER
46 Main St, Kinsale, Co Cork
www.kinsaleleather.com
For Dee Mangan the importance of creating a beautiful environment to showcase her handmade leather bags and accessories was instrumental in her opening her shop. The Irish Accessory Designer of the Year appreciates people that want to know the story behind what they are buying and being in the shop allows Dee to share her process with her customers.
MACBEES
26 New Street, Monearmore, Killarney, Co Kerry
www.macbees.ie
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.
MAGEE 1866
The Diamond, Donegal Town, Donegal
www.magee1866.com
The MAGEE store has stood on the same site since it opened in the 1800s and is a true destination shop for womenswear, menswear and gifts (with a great café too). “Our ethos has always been one of ‘slow fashion’, with high quality, natural fabrics our focus,” explains creative director Charlotte Temple. “This season we dipped into our archives and revived some exciting patterns, adding a contemporary slant and new colour palettes.”
OM DIVA
27 Drury Street, Dublin 2
www.omdivaboutique.com
Behind the colorful pink shopfront and creative window displays are four floors packed with contemporary and vintage womenswear and jewelry, and homewares. The lower level is dedicated to a wonderfully curated collection of vintage wares whilst the upper floors showcase the work of 80 Irish designers and makers.
MILLARS
Main Street, Clifden, Co. Galway, Ireland
www.millarsconnemara.ie.
Clifden’s iconic yellow-fronted store, led by mother and daughter Treena and Claire Sweeney, has a strong following of Irish and international regulars who appreciate the edit of designers including Magee, Dubarry, Ireland’s Eye and Eco Tree knitwear, Niamh Daniels scarves and Landskein coats and accessories.
OPTICA DUBLIN
6 Dawson Street, Dublin 2
www.opticadublin.com
Deirdre de Síun lovingly oversaw the renovation of the ground floor of a Georgian building to house her luxury eyewear shop. Local artisans were employed to restore and fit the shop with vintage fittings to best display stylish designer frames from around the world as well as Optica’s own Wolfhound collection of Irish linen scarves and eyewear.
PARFUMARIJA
25 Westbury Mall, Dublin 2
www.parfumarijia.com
Classically trained perfumer, Marija Aslimoska, learnt her craft in Grasse, the perfume capital of the world in the South of France. After working with perfume houses in Grasse she returned to Dublin to open her own Perfume boutique. PARFUMARIJIA offers a selection of rare and niche perfumes.
PAULA ROWAN
31, The Mall Lower Main Street Westbury Court, Dublin
www.paularowan.com
The last two years have seen Dublin glove designer Paula Rowan go from local legend to global name. From the Met Ball to the Vanity Fair Oscars party, the Gucci movie to Lady Gaga’s world tour, appearances in Wmagazine, British Vogue (styled by Edward Enninful) and UK Tatler, her Italian leather gloves in styles like Aida, Monserrat and Caroline, have popped up in the smartest of places. If the little city centre village that is the Westbury Mall, feels a little quiet right now, remember within it are Paula’s well-stocked shop, as well as Susan Hunter, Stable, Stonechat and Cloth. Take a look!
PEEL
107 Bloomfield Ave, Belfast, United Kingdom
www.peel.fashion
This mini, three-storey department store (and its neighbouring Sale Shop Peel 2) has lured Belfast’s fashion crowd to Bloomfield Avenue for 22 years. For AW22, bold colours, print, pattern and staple black, are on offer, with sleek velvet occasion wear from Qui Privé, embellished kimonos from Essentiel Antwerp, versatile suiting from Emme and edgier pieces from XD Xenia;
PLEASE DON’T TELL
675 Lisburn Road, Belfast, United Kingdom
www.pleasedonttell.ie.
“I focus on shapes, fabrics and interesting accessories,” says Ann Donaldson shopkeeper, of her personal style, which she defines as “cool classic”. Her boutique on Belfast’s buzzy Lisburn Road is where you’ll find unfussy trenches from Kassl Editions and oversized corduroy suits from luxury brand Cawley Studio. “This season don’t wait until Christmas to wear your sequins,” says Ann, who will pair hers with a white tank by Dorothée Schumacher.
QUACK + DIRK
Rear Marino Mart, Fairview, Dublin 3
www.qplusd.com
A charming shop with an equally charming backstory. Deirdre Mahon first opened her shop for the summer of 2003, affectionately naming it after her and her bestie, QUACK + DIRK. When she opened the shop permanently in 2009 she kept the name. Quack + Dirk is a family affair. Deirdre’s architect mother and sibling helped her convert the garage, which housed spare parts for her father’s car mechanic business, into a quirky, vintage-inspired clothing boutique.
ROCOCO
20 Glasthule Road, Sandycove, Dublin
www.rococo.ie
As part of its 21st birthday celebrations, Roxanna Allen is collaborating with Bl^nk London to produce a range of sustainably made kimonos and scarves, for which the boutique is known. “Rococo has always worked with labels that are making a difference to the fashion community,” says Roxanna, who supports the “Glasthule Goes Green” initiative to reduce the carbon footprint within the local retail community.
SAMUI
17 Drawbridge Street, Cork
www.samuifashions.com
Foodies visit the English Market; women who love fashion visit Clodagh Cronin’s store SAMUI. Clodagh’s collection has a strong rootstock of iconic designers like Rick Owens and Dries van Noten and Acne Studios, onto which is grafted an evolving, season-by-season selection of the labels of the moment. Samui’s styling videos went viral during lockdown – no surprise, they kept the joy of dressing alive during the darkest days of leggings and loungewear.
SCOUT
5 Essex Street West, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
www.scoutdublin.com
I’m wearing an indigo denim dress by Toast with corozo button detailing, cut in a shape I will wear for many years. It works really well across all seasons too,” says Wendy Creawford. “I love the longevity of Toast pieces. The quality of fabrics is really beautiful and I find their pieces are real workhorses for your wardrobe, something we always bear in mind when buying our collections.”
SEAGREEN
6a, 7a Monkstown Crescent, Monkstown Co.Dublin & 45 Ranelagh, Dublin
www.seagreen.ie
“At SEAGREEN, we stock timeless pieces that can be worn multiple ways, season after season,” says owner Sarah Gill. “AW22 features lots of print in key colours like hot pink and sapphire blue. We have new Australian label Alemais – lace embroidered dresses with blouson sleeves, 1970s-inspired linen print shirts and tiered and gathered mini dresses.”
SIOPELLA
29-30 Wicklow Street, Dublin 2
www.siopaella.com
On arrival in Ireland, Canadian native Ella de Guzman remarked on the absence of consignment shops. Seeing an opportunity in the market she set about changing that, opening Siopaella in 2011. The boutique specialises in Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes, finding new owners for 145,000+ items to date.
SLOW STREET
16 Main Street, Blackrock, Dublin
www.slowstreet.ie
Step into Slow Street – IDI Store Design of the Year 2021 – and you’ll find recycled knits, organic denim and simple, chic silhouettes. “We don’t do trends. My passion is sourcing feelgood, clothes which have a positive impact on people and the environment,” says owner Evelyn Browne.
SPACE OUT SISTER
88 Francis Street, The Liberties, Dublin 8
www.spaceoutsister.com
Vintage, vintage-inspired, and size-inclusive luxury lingerie, and loungewear. Karen Kiki Forrester inspired by her love of Vintage Style and Print started her business as a pop-up from her home in 2013. By 2015 she had moved into a space in The Liberties and hasn’t looked back. The designer lingerie is exclusive in Ireland to Space Out Sister and the vintage pieces are one-of-a-kind.
STABLE OF IRELAND
2 Westbury Mall, Balfe Street, Dublin
www.stableofireland.com
Sonia Reynolds and Frances Duff, the duo behind Stable, have created a fresh and modern take on Irish weaving and craft. Their combined skillset encompasses design, marketing and media, that they have applied to present old-world skills and traditions in a new light. Stable works with over 30 different producers from all corners of Ireland to create the clothing, accessories and homewares offered in the shop. Read more
SUSAN HUNTER
13 Westbury Mall, Grafton Street, Dublin
www.susanhunter.ie
Step inside Susan Moylett’s tiny store and give yourself over to the charming vendeuse within – who might indeed be Susan herself. This is the place to go when you resolve to spend more time choosing elegant, feelgood underwear (and nightwear) that fits properly and gives you confidence. Don’t wait for a special occasion – be more Frenchwoman this September! This store might actually change your life – it will certainly transform how you regard yourself.
VITO VINTAGE
Unit 1, Mungret Street, The Milk Market, Limerick
www.vitovintage.ie
A passion for vintage clothing led graduate of Limerick School of Art & Design, Caroline McBrearty to open Vito Vintage in Limerick’s historic Milk Market in 2018. She has a penchant for the bold prints and patterns of the 70s and 80s, as evident in her collection of maxi dresses and vintage silk kimonos and blouses.
