Shopping

Liffey Valley Shopping Centre

Claimed to be the busiest shopping malls and cinema destinations in Ireland, Liffey Valley Shopping Centre which is located in Dublin 22, is a very popular spot during the evenings and weekends. It has a great number of restaurants and snack joints on its premises, along with the 14-screen multi theatre cinema, which makes it extremely popular for youngsters to spend time there. Some of the restaurants include Pizza Hut, Quiznos, Burger King, KFC and McDonald’s.

City guide

Overview & visitor information

Liffey Valley SC Management. Suite, Liffey Valley Shopping Centre, Fonthill Road Clondalkin Dublin 22 Customer Service - (353) 01 616 0200 e: [email protected] t: 01 633 0005 web- www.liffeyvalley.ie

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Dundrum Town Centre

Plaza

One of the largest shopping and entertainment complexes in Europe, Dundrum is an exclusive an new addition to the shoppers paradise. With over 3,400 parking spaces available and enormous floor space, the venue has attracted over 70 million visitors to date. The centre also has an in-house radio station headquartered on its premises, along with a television studio and production house. Some of the outlets you will find here include Aldo, Dune, Zara, The Body Shop, Pull and Bear, Next and Massimo Dutti.

dublin

Brown Thomas

Modest dress

Brown Thomas is located on Graftton Street in Dublin, close to Trinity College is one of the most popular shopping destinations in Dublin. It is known to be Ireland’s most beautiful lifestyle store that stocks exclusive designer clothes, shoes and household items such as Calvin Klien, Georgio Armani and Balenciaga, Chanel and Alexander McQueen. 88 Grafton Street Dublin Republic of Ireland 2 http://www.brownthomas.com/

dublin

Anastasia Boutique

Modest dress

This is a chic boutique for all the fashion savvy female shoppers. With an diverse variety of local as well as international brands, this small boutique has exclusive designs for every occasion. Being a small store, the shop attendants are helpful, friendly and will you personalized style advice. 114 Ranelagh, Dublin 6, Ireland. Contact: +353 (01) 491 2037 http://www.anastasia.ie

dublin

Royal Hibernian Way

Plaza

A small shopping complex, the Royal Hibernian Way is home to hi-end and exclusive designers and boutiques. Here you will find Leonidas that sells delicious, lip-smacking Belgian chocolate; Swalk which sells unique, one-of-a-kind cards for all occasions as well as beautiful wrapping paper and Monoghan’s which is Ireland’s best-known men’s store.

dublin

Weirs

Market

A top-market and exclusive jewellery store, Weir & Sons caters to the most elite shoppers. Popular among tourists and locals who wish to purchase antique Celtic ornaments in gold, diamonds and silver and also modern designs, the store gives a unique experience. With excellent customer service and selected merchandise, customers are treated like royalty. Clientele can choose from jewellery, ornaments, antiques, accessories, watched, leather goods, silverware and china. Some of the brands at Weirs include Lladro, Omega, Cartier, Mont Blanc and Gucci.

dublin

Jervis Shopping Centre

Plaza

This is the largest shopping centre in Dublin. This centrally located shopping complex opened in 1996 and has been the most popular shopping venue and hangout spot ever since. The first two floors are packed with designer outlets and other bug names in shopping, while the top floor in the food court which houses all the names in popular fast food. With ample amount of parking space and a friendly and contemporary style and ambience, it is a shoppers paradise, sporting major names like Debenhams, Marks & Spencer, Top Shop and Next. Shoppers can find everything from electronics to food and shoes to books, all under one roof.

dublin

Ilac Shopping Centre

Plaza

The Ilac Shopping Centre was built in close proximity to Jervis Shopping Centre to provide some competition between the two. The main attraction at this mall is the serene environment and the water fountain where people can meet and relax. It was the first shopping complex in Ireland to have glass elevators and was recently renovated to have a contemporary look. Some of the names you can find at Ilac are H&M, Dunnes, Diesel, River Island and Boots. The first level also has an extensive central library which is very popular among visitors.

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Blanchardstown Centre

Plaza

This is the largest shopping centre in Ireland, and is a very common tourist attraction as well as a trendy spot for locals. Spanning two floors and with extensive renovation, now has four wings, the mall is a haven for all kinds of shoppers and purchasing. The leisure park that surrounds the complex has many more shops, a library, gymnasium, cinema, discotheque, bowling and arcade and a number of cafes and restaurants. Out of over 180 brands, Blanchardstown is home to the biggest names in high fashion like Bershka, Aldo, Swarovski, Vero Moda, Monsoon, French Connection, Zara and Harvey Norman.

dublin

The Square

Plaza

The mall gets its name from its shape, which is a square, and its location which is at the junction of Belgard Road. Opened in 1990, it was the first shopping mall of its kind in the area. It is easily accessible from all sides of the city, and still remains popular among locals and patrons despite competition from newer and more modern shopping malls. There is also a multiplex cinema on the third floor of the building which gets crowded during weekends. Some of the stores include Adams, Clark’s, Sweet Factory, New Look and Tesco.

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Eason

Market

One of the largest and most popular bookstores in the country, Eason has its head quarters in Dublin. It is a very popular attraction for tourists as well as residents, where they can spend hours on end browsing through the latest bestsellers, classics, magazines, journals, newspapers, stationery and art supplies.

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Dublin Zoo

zoo

What better way to spend the day than to make a trip to the Dublin Zoo, spread over 60 acres and divided into different regions like the Artic zone, plains of Africa and the Indian Rainforest. It houses elephants, tigers, orangutans, chimpanzees, giraffes and many more exotic and endangered species. The zoo is definitely family friendly with rest stops, nursing stations, food outlets and kiosks. Known as one of the modern zoos in Europe, the Dublin zoo plays a crucial role in the zoo breeding programmes. The zoo is accessible by the DART, bus or the Luas. In case you want to walk, although not advisable when going with children, the zoo is approximately 15 minutes away from the Heuston Station Stop. Children under 3 years get free entry.

dublin

Aqua Zone at the National Aquatic Centre

Aquarium

Europe’s largest leisure, water park, the Aqua Zone has a bit of everything for people of all ages but even more so for children. If you and your children enjoy water adventures and thrilling rides, then this water wonderland is the right place for you. Rides include the Master Blaster (a water roller coaster), wave pool and the Flow Rider among others. Children under 4 get free entry.

dublin

National Gallery of Ireland

Gallery

With over 2500 paintings, a free tour of the gallery on the weekends and free audio guides, this is the perfectly family friendly especially with teenage kids and when traveling on a budget. Admission throughout the week is free.

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Imaginosity

Museum

Being Ireland’s first interactive museum for children under 9, it has become extremely popular. Exhibits are fun, exciting and extremely engaging. The musuem has an art studio so kids can get wild with colours and their imagination and a kid’s stage where children can create their own stories, try on different costumes and change the props on the stage. The museum also has a café (Café Kiddiccino) which specifically offers healthy and nutritous food for the entire familiy. In short, this will ensure a fun-filled day for your toddlers!

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The Custom House

Building

The Custom House was built between 1781 and 1791 by James Gandon. As its name would imply, it served as the Customs House for the port of Dublin. The Neoclassical facade and its signature dome became a symbol of Dublin, even after the port moved downstream. It became the center of the city's local government (and a symbol of the English occupation) until 1922, when the interior was burned by the Irish Republican Army.

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Marino Casino

Palace

Marino Casino is not a casino in the modern sense. It is actually a small villa built in the mid-eighteenth century by Scottish architect Sir William Chambers. The name is derived from Italian, and means 'little house'. Completed in 1775, it is a striking example of Neoclassical architecture. The casino was part of the estate of James Caulfeild, the 1st Earl of Charlemont.

dublin

Malahide Castle

Castles

Malahide Castle is one of the oldest in Ireland. The estate was founded 1185 for Richard Talbot, a knight who came to Ireland with Henry II during the Norman invasion. The Talbot family would continue to live on the estate until 1975, barring the 1650s during Cromwell's occupation of Ireland (the interlopers were subsequently hanged). Construction on the castle began in the mid-thirteenth century, though the oldest surviving portion is a three-story, keep-like tower from the fourteenth century.

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Grafton Street

Street

Grafton Street is one of two pedestrian shopping avenues in central Dublin (along with Henry Street). It runs from the northwest corner of Saint Stephen's Green to the west side of Trinity College. Though Henry Street receives more visitors, Grafton Street has more upscale retailers. This is one of the most expensive commercial streets in the world.

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Trinity College

Education

Trinity is Ireland's oldest college. Its charter was granted by Queen Elizabeth in 1592 as part of the effort to consolidate English control of Ireland. Catholics were not allowed entry into college until 1793, and all such restrictions were banned by 1873. The university started to grow in the eighteenth century as the political situation in Ireland stabilized. Many of the campus' most spectacular buildings date from this period. Today, Trinity is the most prestigious college in Ireland, and in the top tier of worldwide universities.

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St. Stephen's Green

Park

Saint Stephen's Green was a common area on the outskirts of Dublin when it was walled in in 1664. In the 18th and 19th centuries the are surrounding the park was built up with Georgian style buildings that were home to the city's best off. Unfortunately, many of those buildings have been demolished since then. In 1877, the Green was opened to the public by an act of Parliament, thanks to the Guinness family. Previously it had only been open to local residents.

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Shanahan’s

Cuisine - American Considered to be one of the most priciest and classiest restaurants in Dublin, Shanahan’s is favourite among tourists who want an elegant night out, or for business dinners. Located in a 250 year old building, the restaurant oozes out the history of magnificent Irish Georgian lifestyle. The restaurant is known for it’s variety of steaks and seafood, served in delicious sauces and blends of flavours. Customers can also choose a number of side dishes to go with the main course, like vegetables, potatoes, corn etc, all prepared in a unique way. Shanahan’s offers the perfect mix of traditional Irish flavours with a modern blend of gourmet fine dining. The restaurant can also be booked for large corporate meals of 30 persons or more, and there are private rooms available as well, on request. Monday - Friday from 5.30pm Saturday from 6.00pm Open for lunch every Friday from 12.30 to 2.00 pm.

dublin

L'Ecrivain

Cuisine - French/Irish/Continental Famous celebrity chef Derry Clarke is the proprietor of this popular restaurant. L’Ecrivain is known for its specialty in combining the best of two worlds, French and Irish cuisine. It’s relaxed, yet classy ambience, allows diners to feel comfortable while enjoying their perfect meal. The restaurant strives in perfecting the art of dining, by collaborating old-fashioned recipes with a contemporary minimalist design and approach. The restaurant is open Monday to Friday from 10am until 11pm, and Saturday 4pm to 1am.

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Patrick Guilbaud

Address: 21 Upper Merrion St., Southeast Dublin, Dublin, Co. Dublin, Dublin 2 Phone: 01/676-4192 www.restaurantpatrickguilbaud.ie Cuisine: French French food with a contemporary twist; the chef uses some Irish ingredients to mix up traditional French recipes. Its no wonder then that this restaurant has been awarded two Michelin stars. Located inside the Merrion Hotel, the décor is as impressive at the food. According to reviews, even the simplest of food with basic ingredients tastes absolutely divine. Lunch menu here is slightly more affordable.

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Chapter One

Anyone visiting the Dublin Writers Museum must stop to have lunch at Chapter One. Located in the stone-walled basement of the museum, the restaurant serves heavenly food. Especially well-known is the bread-and-butter pudding served here.

dublin

Unicorn

Very posh and chic, the Unicorn serves Mediterranean cuisine and is possibly one of the more popular restaurants with the locals. Reservations are needed and mobile phones have to be on silent before seating. If you can, try to get a table on the terrace so you can dine with a lovely view of Merrion Court.

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The Tea Room

If you want to catch a glimpse of celebrities, possible Bono or The Edge, here’s you chance. Since the U2 men own the Clarence Hotel, many celebrities (including the two of them) have been spotted here. Although the menu isn’t very extensive, the food here is delectable. Also, with a chance to bump into a celebrity, what’s not to love?

dublin

Thornton's Restaurant

Cuisine - Irish fine dining/ Continental Owned by famous Irish celebrity chef, Kevin Thornton, the restaurant stands on a class of its own. With two Michelin stars, the restaurant is one of the top ranked restaurants in Ireland, making Thornton the first Irish chef to receive two stars. The fabulous location overlook St Stephen’s Green, the restaurant is a pleasure to dine in. with an extremely strong wine list and delicate presentation of each dish and course, diners are treated with utmost precision in everything they order and eat. Customers can choose to be seated in any one of the three exclusive areas of the restaurant; the canapé lounge, the dining room and the private dining, and have to be booked in advance. Some of the “designer food” available at Thornton’s include artichokes, breast of guinea fowl with pistachio, seared king scallop and shellfish tortellini. The desert menu is another venture as well, with mouth-watering creations like the Opera Chocolate Mousse with Mango and Passion Fruit, and the Warm Apple Tartlet with Californian Raisin Ice Cream among others.

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Bewley's

Bewley’s serves the finest coffee (hand-roasted at the café) in all of Dublin. But besides that, they also serve a hearty breakfast, salads, pastas, pizza and so much more! A local favourite, be sure to stop by Bewley’s – at least for a cup of Fairtrade tea or coffee or maybe to watch a play at Café Theatre, part of Bewley’s.

dublin

The Winding Stair

Originally a second-hand bookshop, this was renovated and made into a restaurant. However the charm of the bookshop still remains as the downstairs portion still stocks books while upstairs people can dine and relax amid books. Try to get a table by the window that overlooks the Ha’Penny Bridge and River Liffey. On the menu is traditional Irish food but with a contemporary twist.

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Cornucopia

Extremely popular with the students, the food here is healthy, nutritious and fresh. The setting is American cafeteria-style but the food is good value for the money. They have a large selection of sandwiches and is expecially a good option if you are vegetarian or don’t eat meat that isn’t Kosher or Halal.