Dublin's Shopping Scene: 90's Fashion, Eco-Friendly Souvenirs, and More

In our 5 Shops series, we’ll guide you to our favorite independent retailers in some of the world's most vibrant cities. From bustling food markets and cozy bookshops to vintage boutiques and local design stores, we’ve curated a diverse selection of local shops where you can discover unique treasures.

Despite its small size, Dublin boasts a vibrant shopping landscape filled with independent retailers. From the eclectic fashion stalls of George’s Street Arcade to the vintage and artisan shops on Drury St, along with the tucked-away bookshops and boutiques of Temple Bar, shopping in Dublin can lead to many unique finds—if you know where to seek them. Dinogo Planet editor Sasha Brady shares five starting points.

Best for Vintage Finds: Loot

If your signature style leans towards ’90s or early 2000s off-duty model vibes, this is the place for you. Loot boasts an impressive collection of oversized leather bombers, cowboy boots, blazers, camisoles, and an array of items perfect for any night out. During a recent visit, I was captivated by a pair of geometric-patterned Moschino jeans and a treasure trove of accessories, including silk scarves, Miu Miu sunglasses, and a 1990s Gucci Pelham canvas bag.

The store’s minimalist design makes it simple to spot standout pieces. Each item—regardless of whether it bears a well-known designer label—has been carefully selected to reflect the current fashion trends. This thoughtful curation has quickly established Loot as one of the city’s premier vintage destinations, despite being open for just a year. Keep an eye on Instagram for event announcements: the team frequently hosts pop-ups and parties featuring DJ sets.

Honorable mentions include: Dublin Vintage Factory, The Big Smoke Vintage, Tola Vintage Designer, Lucy's Lounge, and Golly Gosh Vintage

Best for Local Design: Om Diva

There’s always something vibrant or sparkling that catches my attention in the window of Om Diva. This store is like a massive pink dressing-up box brimming with fabulous and joyful designs, featuring five floors—one of which is dedicated to both established and emerging Irish designers. Keep an eye out for dresses by Laoise Carey, knitwear from Electronic Sheep, printed scarves by Bourkily Design, and beaded headbands from Mara Kukiva.

The top floor also includes a homewares and lifestyle section, alongside a bric-a-brac market. Head downstairs to the basement to discover a hidden gem of vintage dresses, costume jewelry, and accessories. If you’re in Dublin for a special occasion and looking for a unique alternative to another high-street dress from & Other Stories or Zara, this is the perfect place to explore.

Best for Souvenirs: Irish Design Shop

The Irish Design Shop features stunning products crafted by Irish makers, artisans, and crafters. Many items are handmade, built to last, and produced with an eco-friendly approach. When I need a gift, this is my go-to shop—though I often find something for myself as well (it’s a bit of a habit). For a memorable souvenir from Ireland, consider a Fiadh handwoven scarf, an oversized John Hanly woolen throw, artisanal Bean and Goose chocolates, seasonal soap from The Handmade Soap Co., or pottery from Ola Ceramics.

Don’t forget to check out the jewelry: owners Clare Grennan and Laura Caffrey offer pieces from their Names jewelry collection right here. Each item is handcrafted at a nearby workshop, with final touches added in a space above the shop.

Best for Books: The Winding Stair

Dublin is a treasure trove for independent bookstores, each radiating its own unique charm. Books Upstairs, Marrowbone Books, Chapters, The Last Bookstore, and Gutter Bookshop are all wonderful places to spend hours. However, if I had to pick just one, it would be The Winding Stair. Nestled by the River Liffey in the bustling city center, this bookstore—with its vast selection of books, literary magazines, and indie zines—offers a peaceful escape from the outside clamor. The inviting scent of books envelops you as you enter, and the cozy armchair by the window is perfect for pondering your next read.

What makes this bookstore special is its focus on independent publishers, so you’re sure to discover some delightful surprises. The secondhand section also features cherished books at budget-friendly prices. On sunny Saturday mornings, my ideal routine involves picking up a book here, grabbing a to-go meal from the restaurant upstairs, and heading to the serene 'secret garden' at Dublin Castle across the Liffey. It’s absolute bliss.

Best for Food: Fallon & Byrne

Whenever I’m enjoying a picnic at nearby St Stephen’s Green or the Iveagh Gardens, I head straight to Fallon & Byrne to gather fresh cheese, charcuterie, and wine (with a quick stop at Bread 41 for bread and Fable Bakery for pastries). I appreciate that Fallon & Byrne offers a wide variety of Irish-made products, making it an excellent spot for tasty souvenirs as well. Some of my favorites include Harry’s Nut Butter (the spicy version is fantastic on toast or in curry), Builín Blasta Smoked Onion Mayo, Hadji Bey Turkish delight (made in Cork), and Achill Island sea-salt fudge.

But Fallon & Byrne is more than just a grocery stop. Head downstairs to find a charming wine cellar where you can enjoy drinks and cheese boards; upstairs, there’s an elegant fine-dining restaurant. If you find yourself in seaside Dun Laoghaire, be sure to visit Fallon & Byrne’s cafe-deli and grocery store, located in a beautifully restored Victorian pavilion within the People’s Park.