Shopping

Shopping in Ireland can be a delightful experience, as it comprises of both, traditional corner stores and modern departmental stores. Archetypal craft products such as pottery, linen, crystal and Aran sweaters are ideal souvenirs.

In addition, Ireland boasts of wide range of modern European shops from the likes of Laura Ashley to Benetton for clothing. and from The Body Shop to Habitat for home design.

Shops in Ireland are usually open from 9am to 5pm on weekdays and from

9pm to 6pm on Saturday. In Dublin, the main shopping areas are from Temple Bar to Nassau Street and St. Stephen Green. For souvenirs, one can go to the lllac center in Grafton Street, which houses Dunnes Stores, a local chain selling Irish products and food. Refershingly modern stores can also be found in Grafton Street and Henry Street. If you want to buy second hand clothes, food, books and antiques, then the indoor market at Mother Redcap's in Back Lane is the place worth visiting. In Cork, the pedestrian area in the center of the city called Huguenot Quarter offers wide choice for shopping. Traditional Irish shops are in the North Main Street and MacCurtain Street while high fashion stores are on Patrick Street and Oliver Plunkett Street. The Old English Market, in Grand Parade, on St Patrick Street is amongst the best in Irish food markets.

Limerick, the capital of Shannon County has many shopping areas consisting of both the family shops as well as modern department stores. The best shopping areas here are in Cruises Street, Arthurs Quay Shopping centre, Patrick Street and William St. O'Connell Street.