Shopping in Dublin - A British Fashion Detour

Yeah, we know, shopping on the euro isn`t exactly economical.  But, at least it`s not the British Pound, right?  And with Dublin being only a blarney stone`s throw away from Britain, you can find British fashions without the British price tags.  Beyond that, you`re also in the heart of Ireland, where the island`s culture and fashion meld into a style that is altogether unique. 

Presenting a men`s shopping guide for Dublin:

 

Brown Thomas
89-95 Grafton Street, Dublin 2
Tel: 011 353 (1) 605 666

The Sak`s, Harods or whatever other high-end department store you can think of for the city of Dublin.  If designer labels are what you`re after, make this the first stop on your shopping trip. You`ll find every top tier international brand you could want, as well as the most notable Irish names in fashion.  Word to the wise: don`t spend it all in one place.  You`ve got a lot of shopping left to do.

 

Avoca
11-13 Suffolk Street, Dublin 2
Tel: 011 353 (1) 677 4215

This mini-department store, owned by the same family for over 280 years, is a browser`s paradise.  The offerings are multifarious: men, women and children`s clothing, housewares, aromatics and crafts.  The whole store has a decidedly Irish feel, with most of the items offered made from local materials.  And, if all the perusing works up your appetite, there is also a restaurant serving traditional Irish fare.

 

The Design Centre
2nd Floor
Powerscourt Shopping Centre
Clarendon Street, Dublin 2.
Tel: 011 353 (1) 6795718

Founded over 20 years ago, The Design Centre was originally established as a forum for up and coming designers to showcase their labels.  Clearly successful, the concept created one of the better shopping experiences in Dublin.  Though focused on primarily young, fresh Irish designers, the decision to import international labels has made this a one-stop store for many shoppers

 

BT2
28-29 Grafton Street, Dublin 2.
Tel: 011 353 (1) 6056666

If you take a spin through Brown Thomas and realize it`s not for you (because you`re a pretty hip guy, right?) then move on to BT2, the subsidiary of Brown Thomas that showcases younger brands like Diesel and Ted Baker.  It`s just as high-end, but for the kid that has it all and wants more.  Beyond clothing, you`ll also find the latest gadgets and men's accessories to go with that stylish wardrobe.

 

Susan Hunter Lingerie
13 Westbury Mall
Grafton Street, Dublin 2
Tel: 011 353 (1) 679 1271

Yes, lingerie.  Why?  Because sometimes you travel with a lady, and sometimes you want her to look good.  And, trust us, she will look good in this stuff.

 

Fitzpatricks
76 Grafton Street
Dublin
Tel: 011 353 1 677 2333

Dublin is a walking city, so you will need good shoes.  Fitzpatrick`s range is expansive, with everything from Dior to Keds, so if you forgot to pack footwear, you can find ample replacements here.

---

Clerys
18-27 Lower O'Connell St., Dublin 1.
Tel: 011 353 01-8786000

Of all the department stores, Clerys, after receiving a multi-million dollar facelift, is now attracting a lot of attention. The upgraded look brought a slew of notable Irish and international designers, some their first time in Ireland.  Besides cutting edge fashion, Clerys is also stocked with an expansive houseware and furnishings floor. 

 

Louis Copeland
Capel St
39-41 Capel Street,
Dublin 1. 
Tel: 011 353-1-8721600

Pembroke St
30 Lower Pembroke St., Dublin 2.
Tel: 011 353-1-6610110
 
Wicklow St
Burberry House
18-19 Wicklow St., Dublin 2.
Tel: 011 353-1-6777038

With 60 years experience and 3 stores in the city centre, Louis Copeland is the place for the well-dressed man, and, having a courteous and knowledgeable staff of tailors, they can suit anyone from a size 34 to a 70.  Men`s fashion is the name of the game here, meaning you`ll find any garment from top brands you`re looking for.  Also, don`t be surprised if you run into a celebrity or ex-President while getting fitted for your next suit. 

		Seth Plattner Seth Plattner is the Men's Market Editor for Elle Magazine.