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Probably the most famous pedestrian thoroughfare in Dublin, Grafton Street traditionally caters to up-market shoppers, with homegrown department stores such as Brown Thomas. Buskers offer a lively atmosphere. Bewley’s, Dublin’s famous tea house, has its most popular branch here.

Grafton Street

Irish designer labels and antiques shops cluster around the indoor courtyard of this 18th-century converted townhouse. Products range from handmade jigsaw puzzles to antique jewellery and Irish silver. The Design Centre is upstairs, with the cream of Irish fashion. When you’ve had enough, there are plenty of cafés here too.

Grafton Street’s poor relation, Henry Street is lively and buzzing along its pedestrian route, while Moore Street’s outdoor food market adds colour to the proceedings. Shops and department stores here tend to be better value than those south of the river. Arnotts department store is one of the most attractive in the city.

This delicate masterpiece of glass and light is a pleasant place to shop, filled with mainly chain stores such as Benetton and Tie Rack. On the top floor is the Dome restaurant, with great views of St Stephen’s Green.

Dublin is one of Europe’s best cities for antiques, and Francis Street and the surrounding area are an antique-hunter’s dream, lined with deliciously dusty shops. Beware: the attitude may be relaxed, but the goods don’t come cheap.

This large modern shopping centre contains shops selling food, household goods, fashion and sports gear. British chains such as Boots and Argos cater for most consumer needs.

A quick trip on the DART will take you out to the seaside village of Blackrock where, at weekends, an 18th-century tavern and courtyard house more than 60 stalls selling secondhand books, clothes and bric-à-brac, as well as genuine antiques.

Ideal for bargain-hunting, this market sells mainly fresh food and domestic goods. It’s worth coming here just to soak up the atmosphere of one of the oldest areas of the city.

This lovely redbrick market has established shops on either side, with stalls down the centre. Exotic fruits rub shoulders with New Age baubles, fortune-tellers and vintage clothing.

This covered walkway with boutiques and up-market cafés is a good place to escape a sudden downpour – all too common in Dublin.