As you walk through the center of Dublin, it’s hard not to notice this striking 18th century Georgian townhouse, with its sweeping entrance, tumbling with flowers.
Walk straight through the garden flower shop and watch as locals pick up artfully arranged, lush bouquets.
The Powerscourt’s vaulted skylight makes it feel light and airy even on the gloomiest day.
You’ll end up in this open courtyard of the Powerscourt Centre, surrounded by shops and cafes. While I wouldn’t ordinarily recommend spending vacation time at a shopping mall, the Powerscourt isn’t a typical shopping center. Wandering the restored townhouse (especially on a soggy day) feels more like a scavenger hunt, as you uncover hidden finds in the unique specialty shops scattered across the multiple levels.
Two of the designers, Eilis and Margaret, were minding the shop when I visited.
I loved browsing the boutique Bow, a whimsical wonderland owned by three local designers, each with a different skill. The overall aesthetic of the shop is a refined take on Irish design, and includes fine knits, handmade jewelry and local Irish clothing design– punctuated by a smattering of vintage finds.
Warning: these scarves are very hard to resist in person. 135 euros.
While woolen goods are ubiquitous in Dublin shops, it’s rarer to find cashmere. Eilis knits these floaty, light-as-air scarves herself.
These super warm Danish-made blankets may be one of the few pieces not from Ireland, but the geometric design and great price (110 euros) still makes me want to bring one home.
Baby soft, Dublin-knit cashmere and silk scarves, 115 euros
Jewelry designer Margaret showcases her elegant, but affordable designs in the shop (many pieces are priced at well under 100 euros).
Margaret’s signature pieces are made from lava stones
Bow’s clothing selections come mostly from Irish designers. I loved the simplicity of this dress from Emma Manley (385 euros).
La bougie candles sound fancy and French, but are actually made in West Cork. The ginger and black pepper scent is always a sell out.
If Irish fashion is out of your vacation budget, you can always go home with a perfect candle, handmade in Cork.
Or take home a few of these cozy cottage socks, made in the West of Ireland near the shores of Lough Mask (12 euros).
After hitting Bow, stop for a bite in one of the restaurants like Pepper Pot (where we hear King Joffrey recently dined) or check out the rest of the shops, including my other favorite on the top floor, the Loft Market.
Have you been to Bow? What are your recommended shops in Dublin?
Souvenir Shopping Details:
www.bowpowerscourt.com
Opening Hours
Monday – Friday: 10am – 6pm
Thursday: 10am – 8pm
Saturday: 9am – 6pm
Sunday: 12 – 6pm
You might want to check out these other Dublin shopping posts:
Shopping Irish Supermarkets for fun Souvenirs: What to bring back
Hit the Park, Shop for Knits, Get a Drink– the perfect Dublin Itinerary
Candy-colored woolens from one of the world’s oldest mills: Souvenir Shopping in Dublin
Shopping Dublin, Ireland: Sheridans Cheesemonger for the best in local Irish cheese
Where to shop in Dublin for great dresses and jewelry by Irish indie and vintage designers
All photos by Souvenir Finder except:
#3 Powerscourt Centre is an attractive shopping centre set in an elegant Georgian house / http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/
and #10 courtesy of Bow
Tiffany
Tuesday 22nd of July 2014
This looks like a great spot and I'm sorry I didn't get to go. This place is definitely at the top of my list for my next visit to Dublin.