Compact and very central, Dublin's shopping scene is easy on the feet.

It may not contain quite the profusion of choice other capital cities offer but you can't fault the selection. If you've little time for clothes shopping head to Brown Thomas or hop onto the shiny new Luas light railway to Dundrum's smart, compact new town centre for Harvey Nicks and other well known retail brands. For antiques head to Francis Street.

Fashion - men & women

ASPECTO

6 South Anne Street / 01 671 9302

Designer duds for guys - labels include Whipping Flloyd, Nudie, Duffer, G-Star, and Adidas. Shoes for guys and girls, from Ted Baker, Ugg, Birkenstock, Rocket Dog, Camper & Adidas.

ALIAS TOM              

Duke House, Duke Street / 01 671 5443

Maybe THE best designer menswear boutique in Dublin stocking largely Italian labels - Gucci, Prada and Armani and a sprinkling of other contemporary designers.

ALLICANO

4, Johnson’s Place / 01 677 3430

Often wafty, wispy innovative creations in cotton, chiffon and silk, created by the owner under the Allicano label. Other designs by Lundgren & Windinge, Una, In Love, and By Groth. Bags from Paris by Miss June.

AVE MARIA              

38, Clarendon Street / 01 671 8229

A flamboyant boutique stocking an eclectic mix of exclusive designer pieces: funky knitwear by Tim Ryan, plus silk and chiffon creations by Belgian designer Missoten, Manoush, Lili Petrus, Ascola and Agghy. Killer shoes by Vivienne Lee and Caetano Penola, and bags by Orca.

BABY BAMBINO                 

41, Clarendon Street / 01 671 1590

A whimsical boutique created by owner Maria Fusco, for children of her core customers who shop at Ave Maria women’s boutique a few doors up. Stocks funky clothing lines including Braez, Taki-To, Magilla, as well as Quincy, Simple Kids, Monnalisa, Baby Dior, Baby Joseph and Bill Tornade.

BROWN THOMAS – DEPARTMENT STORE                   

88-89, Grafton Street / 01 305 6666 

Ireland’s favourite, most upmarket department store. Stocks leading international fashion brands, accessories, beauty and homewares. Smashing re-vamped Ladies’ Shoe department.  Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermes, Prada and Gucci concessions.

BT2                

25, Grafton Street / 01 605 6666 & Unit 133 Dundrum Town Centre / 01 296 8400

Brown Thomas’s little brother, it’s stock and window display are equally stylish, reflecting the hip young crowd who shop there with mummy’s Gold Card. Labels include Guess, Diesel, Fornarina, RL, Custo, D&G.

CHICA           

Westbury Mall, Balfe Street & Clarendon Street

Two retail units, a stone’s throw apart. The unit facing Clarendon Street stocks casual funky pieces from Love etc., New Park, P&Y jeans, Azucar and Arrogant Cat. Westbury Mall stocks glitzier items, such as kaftans by Amandarling, and daring print dresses by Les Petite and Xae. Costume jewels, and bags by Orca.

COSTUME    

10-11, Castle Market / 01 679 4188

A charming corner boutique attracting Dubliners with bags of fashion sense and money. Especially stylish pieces by Leigh, Helen James, Antonia Campbell-Hughes, Temperley, Preen, Homeless and Madeleine Press.

COW'S LANE MARKET

Saint Michael and John's Banquet Hall, Temple Bar

Dublin’s home-grown, up-and-coming designers, launch their wares in this market for fashionistas. Many one-off pieces, including Resin jewellery from Jennifer Kinnear of Kink Bijoux, Paula Boyle handbags, and Ruth Griffin clothing. Saturdays 10am-5.30pm.

THE DESIGN CENTRE

Powerscourt Town House Centre (Top Floor) South William Street / 01 679 5718

The 1930's style Hollywood boudoir décor is the backdrop for covetable designer wear. This is for Dublin, what 10 Corso Como is to Milan. Irish and international designers include Claire O’Connor, Marc O’Neill, Mariad Whisker, Stella Forest, Crea Concept, Tashia, Juliet Dunne, Jenny Packham, Quinta Colonna, and Missoten.

FRAN AND JANE

Westbury Mall Clarendon Street / 01 672 9176

Party clothing and shoes by Regine, and occasionally, perfect pieces of costume jewellery.

HARLEQUIN

13 Castle Market / 01 671 0202

Not unlike Steinberg & Tolkien on London’s New King’s Road. Vintage clothing, shoes and accessories from a myriad of eras.

JEN KELLY

50 North Great Georges Street / 01 874 5983

This indigenous haute couture fashion designer has hand-crafted clothes for female clients including Irish President Mary McAleese and Saudi princesses.

JENNY VANDER       

50 Drury Street / 01 677 0406

Where actresses and supermodels shop for extraordinary antique clothing, ritzy glitzy frocks, vintage day wear, and stunning costume.

KEVIN & HOWLIN

31 Nassau St / 01 677-0257

Delightfully old school, this time capsule of a place has specialised in fine handmade Donegal tweed since the 1950’s. Traditional salt-and-pepper patterns or new light cashmere and mohair blends. Fedoras, deerstalkers and patch caps too.

LOUIS COPELAND & SONS

Wicklow Street / 01 872 1600 & 29/30 Pembroke Street Lower / 01 661 0110

You’ll find ready-to-wear men's suits, coats, and shirts here but Louis is best known for turning out high-quality made-to-measure suits. The pics of Bono, Pierce Brosnan, Bill Clinton and the Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern grinning from the walls hint at the calibre of its clientele.

LOUISE KENNEDY

56 Merrion Square / 01 662 0056

This yummy mummy is an accomplished Irish designer, whose fans include Meryl Streep, Cherie Blair, and Carol Vorderman. A delightful Georgian building showcases her clothing, accessories, and home collections, in addition to hats by Philip Treacy, Lulu Guinness handbags and Lindley furniture.

NOA NOA                 

Unit 18, Westbury Mall, Balfe Street / 01 707 1812

The relaxed Danish label has just opened a flagship boutique in Dublin. It’s the embodiment of sophisticated feminine, hippie style with ethnic and retro inspired designs - a sublimely bohemian mix.

PIA BANG

46 Grafton Street / 01 671 5065

Style has been dictated by the eponymous Danish-born proprietor in this boutique for close on two decades. Clothing by Isabel de Pedro, Bottoms, Muus and Tara Jarmon. Shoes from Salvador Sapena and L’Autre Chose. Home accessories upstairs are described by Pia as "a mixture of country living, Scandinavian cool and Cape Cod".

ROCOCO

Westbury Mall / 01 670 4007 & Glasthule Road, Glasthule, Co. Dublin / 230 0686

A Pandora’s Box of fabulous Boho bits and bobs, in ornate fabrics, wild colours and unique designs. Labels include Chine, Pilar Ruiz, Nougat, Crista Larson and In Love. Jewellery pieces by Michael Negri. Britney Spears dropped a few dollars when last in town.

SHARON HOEY

19 Upper Mount Street / 01 676 2772 / www.sharonhoey.com

Booking a consultation is de rigueur in this boutique named after its owner, Ireland’s Vera Wang. Irish and international bridal wear. International designers include Jenny Packham, Beverly Lister, Maria Grachvogel and Amanda Wakely.

SMOCK         

West Essex Street / 01 613 9000

A tiny design boutique stocking left-field fashion pieces from international designers including Pearson, Veronique Branquino, and A.F. Vandevoft. Olivia Morris shoes, and Scott Wilson jewellery.

TULLE

28 Georges Market Arcade / 01 679 9115

Perfect party pieces. Stock includes Wheels and Doll Baby, Sass & Bide. Contemporary jewellery from Joanne Hynes and Kink Bijoux (created by Dubliner Jennifer Kinnear).

URBAN OUTFITTERS

4 Cecilia Street / 01 670 6202

The American warehouse-style shopping experience has bedded down within a building which appears rather more elegant from the outside. Loud music, loud clothes and quirky accessories.

WILD CHILD

61 South Great Georges Street / 01 475 5099

Retro clothing store, with quality stock. Fancy dress party, anyone?

Interiors - classic and contemporary

2COOLDESIGN

Unit 4 Saul's Court, Cow's Lane, Temple Bar / 01 672 5402 & Unit 3-4 Smock Alley Court, Essex Street West, Temple Bar 

Modern Scandinavian furniture and wares for home and office, together with a full interior design service, run by a dynamic Finnish duo.

BLOOMING AMAZING

8-9 Royal Hibernian Way, Dawson Street / 1800 200 087 / www.bloomingamazing.ie

Creatively clustered flower arrangements, perfect for spontaneous gift gifting, or a long-distance order. Proprietor Anna Finlay deals enthusiastically with special requests.

CAXTON

63 Patrick Street / 01 453 0060

A minuscule shop lined wall to wall with exceptional mezzotints, and 17th-century Italian and 18th-century English and Irish prints.

HOUSE OF IRELAND

37 Nassau Street / 01 671 1111

Stocks Waterford and Galway Crystal, Irish Dresden, Newbridge silverware and tableware, Irish linen and clothing. A handy place to buy stylish Irish souvenirs and have them shipped anywhere in the world.

INREDA         

71, Camden Street/ 01 476 0362

Rugs by Asplund, Funk storage systems by Per Soderberg, and pieces from designers Jonas Bohlin, Thomas Sandell, Ola Rune, Jesper Holm, and Pia Wallen. Bed linen by Lexington and lots of classic, contemporary and functional Scandinavian design.

MITOFSKY ANTIQUES

8 Rathfarnham Road / 01 492 0033

A treasure trove for Art Deco, Art Nouveau and arts & craft pieces. Punchy prices mean that browsing may be advisable, before pulling the trigger. (In Dublin 6 – a short cab ride from the City Centre)

ODEON

69, Francis Street / 01 473 2384

Situated on Francis Street, part of the Liberties - the oldest part of Dublin city, and the hub of Dublin’s antiques district - Odeon specialises solely in Art Deco with an eclectic stock of furniture, lighting and mirrors.

RETROSPECT, 20TH CENTURY DESIGN

2 Saul’s Court, Cow’s Lane / 01 672 6188

Furniture, lighting and objets d’art from the last century, with an emphasis on the ‘50’s-70’s. Contagiously enthusiastic staff make it difficult to leave without an-auto present.

THE WHICHCRAFT GALLERY              

Cow's Lane, Temple Bar / 01 474 1011   

Wacky Celtic and Asian crafts include wooden bowls, basketry, pottery, ironmongery and batik. The Design Yard concession within showcases wonderful work from contemporary, innovative Irish and international jewellery designers.

Accessories, jewellery and shoes

WEIR AND SONS

96-99 Grafton Street, 1-3 Wicklow Street & Dundrum Town Centre / 01 677 9678

Established in 1869, this is the grandfather of Dublin's fine jewellery shops, selling new and antique jewellery, silver, china, and crystal.

APPLEBY’S

5-6 Johnson’s Court, Grafton Street / 01 679 9572  & 7 Westbury Mall, Grafton Street 

Dublin’s answer to Tiffany’s first opened on Johnson’s Court in the 1950's, and recently expanded to its snazzy, sparkling, multi-level full service store in Westbury Mall.

CHERCHE MIDI

2 Drury Street / 01 675 3974

Pretty shoes for parties galore, in a myriad of textiles. Just don’t expect anything under 3 inches high.

FIVE SCARLET ROW

Essex Street West, Temple Bar / 01 672 9534

The Dublin flagship of Irish-American luxury footwear designer, Eileen Shields, whose first shoe collection met instant critical acclaim at NY Fashion Week in 2004. This innovative shop is a quirky art/fashion collaboration with curator Vaari Claffe. Also stocks cool frocks.

RHINESTONES                  

18, St Andrews Street / 01 679 0759

A gem of a shop specialising in authentic antique and collectable costume jewellery from a range of eras, with an emphasis on the ‘30s. Designs by Trifari, Miriam Haskell, Elsa Schiaparelli, Murano, Vasart, and Monart. Delightful packaging.

SUSAN HUNTER                    

Westbury Mall / 01 679 1271

The knowledgeable one-to-one service and intimate setting make this a sumptuous shopping experience. Luxury lingerie including La Perla, Aubade, Lejaby, Hanro, Celestine, Tuttabankem and Rapture Silks.

VIVIEN WALSH                     

24, Lower Stephen Street / 01 475 5031

Jewellery, accessories and shoes by Irish designer Vivien. A sure solution for presents or weddings, with refined designs and fine, often flamboyant fabrics.

Books & Music

CATHACH BOOKS

10, Duke Street / 01 671 8676

First editions of Irish literature and many other books of Irish interest, such as Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney. Antique maps of Old Hibernia would look great framed on a study wall.

CLADDAGH RECORDS

2 Cecilia Street, Temple Bar / 01 677 3664

Renowned among insiders in traditional Irish music circles. Staff are a super source of hints on new Celtic artists, or venues and pubs hosting the best sessions of live traditional music.

EASON & SON LTD

40 O'Connell Street Lower, Dublin 1/ 01 873 3811 & 1 Dawson Street / 01 677 1255

Superior O’Connell Street branch, with perhaps the most comprehensive magazine selection in Dublin. Don’t be deterred by the crowds on the chaotic ground floor, the literary oasis is situated on the lower level.

GREENE'S BOOKSHOP

16 Clare Street / 01 676 2554

Featured in many movies and TV documentaries, so worth a visit for more than just a literary purchase. Opened in 1843 – many noteworthy features remain, including exterior glass canopy, old wooden bookstands and intricate ironwork supports.

HODGES FIGGIS

56-58 Dawson Street / 01 677 4754

Given a mention by Joyce in Ulysses, Hodges Figgis is a handsome shop, boasting a comprehensive stock. The coffee shop upstairs makes a good place to rest retail-weary limbs.

TOWER RECORDS

6-8 Wicklow Street / 01 671 3250

Multi-storey music, with everything from rock, reggae, dance, classical, jazz and hip hop.

Out of town

DUNDRUM TOWN CENTRE

Sandyford Road / 01 299 1700

Brand new and a quick hop from the city centre on the Luas (Dublin’s shiny new light rail system) this is Europe’s largest retail shopping centre and home to House of Fraser, Harvey Nichols and countless other international flagship stores. Take Luas green line south