The best shops in Ireland: the search continues

The comments keep rolling in about the stores you think deserve to be in the Best Shops in Ireland edition of the Magazine on August 25th. Among them is Nimble Fingers in Stillorgan, Co Dublin, which long-time customer Amy Hamilton says “has brought such great joy to so many little people” with its “fun and creative learning toys”.

In west Cork, Don Hall praises Thornhill Hardware in Skibbereen for its uncanny ability to stock everything from “spades to dig with” to a “a bed to sleep in”. He credits to the expertise of its “mostly welcoming, occasionally grumpy, sometimes quarrelsome, devilishly controversial and naturally photogenic (though sometimes retiring)” owner Christy Thornhill.

Willow Boutique in Ennis, Co Clare is much admired too. Michelle Kelleher says owner Jean Mc Cabe, “is really passionate about customer service, sending staff on training days”, while never neglecting the shoppers,: “I was even given a cupcake there one random Friday!”

Flavin’s newsagent in Listowel, Co Kerry is a regular haunt for Mary Cogan who says it is “positively listing under the weight of history”, still having “the original counter and cement floor” of the store when it was opened in the 1880s. Time Pieces gift shop in Roscommon town has many fans, among them Alice Stands, who speaks of owner Mary’s commitment to “bring something different to the town” with great enthusiasm.

In Dublin, CD Shoes in Donnybrook is also beloved by its regulars for being a “genuine cobbler, but also a locksmith, and the place for those hard-to-find hardware items.”

In Temple Bar, Co Dublin, The Gutter Bookshop has been making a big impression on Yvonne Reilly, who loves its “indie feel, expert staff – when they recommend something it is because they have read it themselves”.

Also in Dublin on Francis Street is The Constant Knitter, charming customers all over the country with its owner Rosemary’s enduring commitment to teaching new knitters. Her classes cater “patiently to all abilities, whether it’s making a wedding dress or a pincushion”, says Patricia Christie. And, as Joanne Duffy adds, “tea is always on offer, which I think is great!”

Designist, a stockist of rare and affordable design pieces on Georges Street, Dublin is well-kept secret according to reviewers. Run by Barbara and Jenny, “two of the hardest working retail merchants in Dublin,” says Sinead Healy, the store encourages the “good social vibe that is the epitome of Dublin hospitality”.

In Galway Ernie’s Fruit Veg on Sea Road, is a firm favourite too, although Hilary Waide claims the fruit and veg part is a bit misleading, considering, she says, the shop sells “everything, from beautiful Kinvara potatoes to fresh fish to wine, health-foods and teas”.

If you feel your favourite shop deserves a mention, be it greengrocers, cobbler, pet emporium, or boutique please get in touch with us at bestofirishshops@irishtimes.com or comment on our Facebook page, facebook.com/irishtimes.