5 Best Shopping in The Southwest, Ireland

Carraig Donn stocks a fashionable twist in Irish design with a variety of brands using fine-quality material. Women's clothing, gifts, candles, throws, and jewelry are the mainstay of this store. 

The largest and oldest shopping mall outside of Dublin and its environs is within close walking distance of the city center, and it draws the  crowds seven days a week. Cafés, a cinema, boutiques, and gift shores make for a good rainy-day excursion---particularly with free, easy parking.   

Beautifully crafted woolen clothing for men, women, and children---from Aran sweaters, throws, caps, and scarves to Donegal tweed---are all in full supply in the cramped, well-stocked store on Patrick Street. Owned and operated by the same family for decades, expect the service to be personable and insightful; be sure to ask about the intricate backstory of each pattern.   

Spread over three floors with a vast range of novel, Irish publications (from local history to fiction), special interest and travel - this is a place for book lovers to get lost for a couple of hours. It has been owned by generations of the same family since 1902, so the love of the printed word filters down to the floor.

Occupying a historic site two blocks east of Arthur's Quay (ask at the tourist information office), the Milk Market is a vibrant covered weekend market selling virtually everything but milk. On Friday the emphasis is on fashion and crafts, while Saturday is the big food day, featuring many local artisanal producers, including homemade bread and cakes, farmhouse cheese, local vegetables, pork, fish, and delicious hot, cooked food and coffee to eat on-site. Sunday adds antiques and a flea-market ambience into the mix.