I almost skipped the Loft Market at Powerscourt Centre because I couldn’t really tell from my online research whether it was worth a stop. The Powerscourt and Loft websites called it a “retail collective of independent design.” What did that mean exactly– was it a market like a flea market? Or a store? Or something else? And most importantly, what kind of stuff did they have? Since I was already visiting another boutique in the same building, I decided to head up to the top floor and see for myself.
I was delighted to discover that the Loft Market has a great collection of clothes and jewelry from local Irish designers, all at reasonable prices.
The “market” is really just a large, open sales floor, with racks dedicated to different designers. It operates just like a regular store, with normal business hours, including weekends. I really liked the aesthetic of most of the designers, and it was great to have such a wide range to choose from.
The owner of Jean Cronin Vintage happened to be minding the store when I visited. Jean’s collection was one of my favorites– well-edited and immaculate. As I browsed through Jean’s collection, I was so amazed by the near flawless condition of her items that I actually asked if it was really all vintage (it was).
from Jean Cronin’s vintage collection
from Jean Cronin’s vintage collection
from Jean Cronin’s vintage collection
from Jean Cronin’s vintage collection
As you can see from my photos, Jean has a great eye for this stuff–I loved the earrings and necklaces especially. Prices seemed very low to me, earrings ran $20-$60, judging from the few price tags I peeked at (thankfully, everything is well-marked).
I also loved some of the handmade jewelry on display, including this bracelet (65 euro) from Beatriz Palacios, a designer with Spanish roots who now resides in Dublin.
And these hand beaded necklaces from Inna.
handbags from Lark Vintage
handbags from Lark Vintage
handbags from Lark Vintage
I usually pass over vintage handbags as they can be pretty beat up– but that was not the case in this carefully curated collection by Lark Vintage. The owner only buys the best and carefully reconditions and polishes them so they’re in mint condition when they hit the sales floor.
Pretty frocks? No shortage here. How adorable is this j’etais ici dress that’s actually both designed and made in Ireland? You can’t tell from the photo but there was quite a bit of detail in the dress, including beading and sheer panels, that makes the 169 euro price tag a bargain. I left this one on the rack but now wish I had brought it back home with me.
The Loft Market is definitely on my “must shop” list for my next Dublin trip. Have you been to the Loft Market or found any other great indie fashion or vintage shops in Dublin? Comment below!
Souvenir Shopping Details:
The Loft Market
Powerscourt Townhouse
Top Floor
59 South William Street, Dublin 2
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
Shopping Dublin: Refined Irish design all wrapped up at Bow