Thelma Jones, who describes herself as “a grateful local of Churchtown, Dublin”, is nominating Churchtown Stores, a hardware and general store where “the man in charge is quiet, dignified and a complete gentleman. Everything can be bought in this shop . . . from rhubarb to shoe laces to pot scrubs to chicken wire. The uninitiated may think at first that this is disorganised but nothing could be further from the reality. The men dressed in their chocolate brown working coats always head directly to the correct shelf unwaveringly. What I like most is its almost old-country feel in this speedy world of ours.”
Colin Markey says that west Cork is “blessed with many terrific food establishments” but he is nominating The Stuffed Olive in Bantry. “It’s bang in the heart of Bantry and on any Friday market, it’s an effortless stroll from Square stall to Street stall to The Stuffed Olive bar stool, for a coffee, a cake, a savoury lunch or just a warm and friendly welcome from Trish Messom and her staff. Sure, the shelves groan with fine foods – wines of the world, fine pasta, salad oils, jars and bottles and such like, but if these appear at first glance to hold centre stage, a second look will see that, in fact, pride of place goes to produce sourced closer to home, much of it local.”
Meanwhile, Rosemary Beckett is nominating the Fennel Shed, “a wee house in Buncrana full to bursting with every sort of fabric, thread or pattern for patchwork or craft work. There is always fun, chat and encouragement with expert advice.”
Anne Olive Hayden would like to nominate Worrells electrical shop in Malahide, Co Dublin for “always being there to help and advise. I even had to call them one Christmas morning as all fuses went in the house, they opened the shop and fitted the fuses and allowed us to enjoy the day. Now that’s a great local shop.”
Mary Fagan says Milan Co in Bray, Co Wicklow “stocks beautiful dresses with accessories to match, which include specially made necklaces,” while owner Sue and her staff text customers when new stock arrives. “If they think that a particular item will suit a specific customer, they will let her know immediately.”
Gillen’s grocery store in Moville, Co Donegal is praised for particularly cheerful service by one local who prefers not to be identified. “This shop was taken over by brothers after their father died at a young age. They deserve to be recognised on account of their personality. No matter how often or little you shop there they are always the same – friendly, helpful and cheerful. Your bags will be carried to the car no matter how busy the shop, and given all the help you need.”
If you feel your favourite shop deserves a mention, please get in touch, but fast. Next Saturday we’ll publish our shortlist of your favourite shops, and from that a selection will be featured in a special edition of the Magazine on August 25th.
Email bestofirishshops@irishtimes.com or comment on our Facebook page, facebook.com/irishtimes.
