If whiskey is your poison, get ready to indulge to your heart's content. After the educational tour of the distillery, and your careful attention to the historical overview, retire to the in-house pub and make a little whiskey history of your own. There's also a restaurant with fixed-price menus for lunch and dinner. Whether you want to learn more about the whiskey-making process, indulge in hearty food, or taste new spirits, a visit to Old Jameson Distillery won't let you down.
Temple Bar is often used to symbolize the extraordinary changes which Dublin has undergone in recent years. In the 1980s, this district of the city was earmarked as the site for a vast bus station. Galleries and small shops colonized the cheap properties, however, the bus-depot plans were abandoned, and the area now boasts of a warren of bustling shops, cafes, galleries and restaurants. Some of the country's best cultural institutions have found a home in Temple Bar, including the Irish Film Centre and the Gallery of Photography. Two new civic spaces, Temple Bar Square and the striking Meeting House Square have been created and utilized by artist and traders. In short, this district is one of the city's most colorful and vibrant; make a point of seeing it for yourself.
Grafton Street and the surrounding area is the most upmarket shopping district in Dublin. Grafton Street itself is pedestrianized and runs from Trinity College up to St Stephen's Green. It is home to some of Dublin's signature businesses, including the city's most elegant department store Brown Thomas. Grafton Street is also home to many familiar high-street names, and the upper end of the street is anchored by the sunny, glass-roofed St Stephen's Green Shopping Centre. In the surrounding area, Dawson Street features Waterstone's, the city's best book store. Wicklow Street boasts some funky shoe shops and Clarendon Street is home to the upmarket Powerscourt Townhouse Centre. In all, this district should supply most, if not all, of your shopping needs.
Located at the top of Grafton Street, Stephen Green's Shopping Center is probably the best shopping center in Dublin. It has managed to combine upmarket stores with more practical outlets, all under a great vaulted glass roof. There are a lot of well-known names here like Boots and Tk Maxx, as well as a variety of independently run fashion outlets and shops selling novelty items. A car park is located in the basement. Other amenities like baby feeding facilities and internet access are also available.
Established in 1982, Carrolls Irish Gifts is a Dublin-based retail company, which has attained the status of 'Market Leader' in its market segment of high-end clothing and gifts. Carrolls currently features more than 10,000 traditional Irish products comprising of Guinness Official licensed clothing, gifts, and merchandise, jewelry, casual clothing, fashion accessories, music, toys, confectionery, glassware, and kitchenware.
For those who love everything French, a visit to The French Paradox will be delightful. This wine bar and shop has a chic setting and features superb wines from France's top vineyards. Settle in their bar and take a sip of vino. Ask for their staff for suggestions and they will guide you to the right one. Nibble on tapas inspired French bites that are a perfect accompaniment to your wine. The shop besides exquisite wines also stocks cheese, Havana Cigars, French preserves, charcuterie, and gift vouchers.
What better way is there to see the city than on a bicycle? If you are staying in Dublin for any length of time, the best option is to buy a cheap second-hand bike and then sell it back before leaving. McCormack's Cycle Centre always has a good selection of new and used bikes and should be your first port of call if you want to see the city and keep fit at the same time.
This spacious shop specialises in Victorian and Edwardian furniture, as well as offering a selection of decorative antique items. Heavy wooden tables and chairs, and some extremely attractive mirrors dominate the room and the shop is definitely worth a visit if these are what you are after. Quality antiques tend not to be cheap, but Esther Sexton's prices are generally competitive.
Giorgio Armani is one of the most acclaimed brands when it comes to haute couture fashion clothing, accessories and cosmetics. And when each of these elements complement a complete personality, can any one not have a second glance. The niche lifestyle store, Brown Thomas, houses Giorgio Armani's extensive cosmetics collection. The foundations, lipsticks, eye liners, nail-paints and a whole lot of other color cosmetics provide an instant make-over to your face. The person at the counter would of course assist you choose the right product and shade for your skin to get that brilliant glow.
Taking Tom Monaghan's legendary love for cashmere to a new address, the new South Anne edition of Monaghan's Cashmere is just as brilliant as its earlier counterpart on Royal Hibernian Way. Renowned for high-quality cashmere clothing and accessories, the store is a must-visit for those who wish to purchase sweaters, socks, scarves etc. With stylish designs and soft feel of the fabric, your wardrobe game is bound to go up a notch with Monaghan's Cashmere.
McDowell's has been in the jewellery business for more than 100 years. More than just a tourist spot, the shop prides itself on its attentive and knowledgeable staff who will be only too happy to help you make the perfect selection. McDowell's "happy ring house" shopfront has also, to some extent, become one of the many cultural landmarks of the city. Countless citizens of Dublin have romantic memories of this spot and if you happen to be joining them - congratulations!