Best Shops: new shops on the block

There are thousands of entries in the best newcomer category, new this year to the Best Shops competition.

Among the numerous activity and sports shops readers are writing about is the

[ Fin McCool Surf Shop,  ]

a retail strand to the surf school of the same name that has been based in Rossnowlagh, Donegal for the last 9 years. The surf shop opened at Easter and has a lovely shabby chic feel to it despite being brand new, writes Aoife Flynn. “The exterior signage is in keeping with the traditional hand painted Gaelic style of the artist next door. Inside, clever use of textured wall papers gives the two sections of the shop their distinctive seaside characters.”

Aoibheann Gaughran is one of several readers championing,

[ Run Logic, ]

a specialist running store-come-cafe on Smock Alley, Essex Street West in Dublin’s Temple Bar. Run by Australian Ash Senyk, who Gaughran describes as “an experienced and super friendly ultra runner who caters for experienced and newbie runners alike”. Senyk opened the store after working in Parnell Street-based Runways because he wanted to promote running culture. The store offers gait analysis, trial rental on GPS watches so you can try before you buy, and quickly orders in anything that might not be in stock, she writes. She also likes is its free Wednesday evening running classes.

Edibles readers say are worth investigating include the

[  Artisan Parlour and Grocery ]

, in Ringsend, Dublin, “a room that takes you back to your Gran's kitchen where talk and food reigned”, writes Helen Noble. The café which opened last September has been “brave with its location choice, honest with the space and has integrity about the produce offered”, says Keri Goodlife.

[ Green Man Wines ]

in Terenure village opened in February and is run by David Gallagher who spent eight and a half years as Fallon and Byrne’s wine manager. A “fantastic addition to the village, Gallagher really spends time with every customer who walks in whether they're stopping by for a glass of wine or buying a case of it,” writes Helen O’Beirne.

Marlena Murphy says Dockyard 8, in Bray, is a breath of fresh air. "It symbolises the shift in the industry after the recession: not overpriced, modern cuisine, very high customer service standards and includes bring your wine Thursdays."

Style Ikon is a fashion boutique that started life as a private shopping service in the owner's home. After three and a half years Tanya McGilligan opened a stand alone premises on the Crescent in Monsktown, last December. Reader Adriaan Wairboer says the distinctive shop sells the best women's clothes in Ireland. "The owner follows her own path rather than copying existing businesses."

Kilbaha Gallery and Crafts

has turned a small utility building on the drive from Kilbaha village to Loop Head Lighthouse in west Clare into a vibrant, friendly place to stop for tea, admire locally-produced arts and crafts and learn some local history, writes James Heslin.

[ irishtimes.com/life-and-style/best-shops-2015/nominate ]

*To qualify for nomination in this category the shop must be less than 24 months old.

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Best Shops 2015 is sponsored by Clover, a First Data product from AIB Merchant Services

Best Shops 2015 is sponsored by Clover, a First Data product from AIB Merchant Services