Shopping / Markets, Dublin

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Favorite thing: Just off O'Connell Street you will find this wonderful market. There are the fresh cut flowers which took my eye, but for those who wish to purchase some fresh fruit and vegetables this is the place to go.

If on tour why not buy some flowers to remind you of home.

Markets open Monday to Saturday: 8am to 4 pm.

Fondest memory: We were pleased when we saw so much of Dublin was decorated for Christmas. We spent Thanksgiving weekend in Dublin and were already feeling ready for the holiday season to begin. Grafton street has Holiday decorations and shop fronts were filled with Christmas displays. Santa was in the Mall taking pictures and shoppers were buying Christmas presents.

We found some very nice Christmas ornaments while shopping. It's a nice way to remember a trip. We collect Christmas ornaments from every place we visit. Our Christmas tree is begining to look like the United Nations.

Favorite thing: It's hard to believe I'm writing these words but genuine flea markets - which once proliferated all around the city - are so few and far between nowadays that those who have survived deserve a special mention. Of course the term is (and always was) misleading - the street traders who sold bric-a-brac at knock down prices once supplied a much needed service to a largely impoverished community. Others specialised in certain goods and some still do, like the fruit and veg sellers of Moore Street who have survived many a concerted effort by the bureaucracy to move them indoors, or abolish them entirely. Somehow, as long as I see these fantastic ladies plying their "applezanorranjuhs" as their kinfolk have done for generations, I still retain a faith in the unbeatable nature of the Dub spirit to withstand adversity with humour, wit and, above all, staying power!

This unquenchable spirit can still be enjoyed to various degrees at the following locations:

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Fondest memory: Moore Street: The grandma of 'em all. This has always been run by the women - perhaps explaining why it's still with us. The street is now host to a variety of recently arrived African traders too, which if anything has added to the buzz of an area already hopping with the essence of Dublinese.

The Fruit Market, Georges Street: Not a fruit to be had there - the name reflects its original purpose. Nowadays you can have your fortune told (for a fortune), stock up on second hand CDs, and dine at the only Moroccan fast food caff I'm aware of in Dublin. Lovely architecture.

Henry Street / North Earl Street: Even before pedestrianisation, these streets were the haunts of those "traders" who like to live that little bit closer to the edge. Their numbers increase according to supply and their illicit merchandise includes anything from fireworks to dodgy ciggies. Try not to look too much like a cop if you approach one - unless you want a good chase!

Thomas Street / Meath Street: Household goods, clothes etc are the stock in trade (stocking trade?) around this area. The place really takes off in the Christmas run-up when the street traders all but paralyse the traffic along the street and you'd need a bulldozer to plough a way along the pavement.

The Liberties Market, Meath Street: Similar, but indoors. There's a lady there does a great trade in electrical accessories (now don't be naughty - I mean plugs and fuses and things!).

The Antiques Fair: Held periodically in the old coach house of Dublin Castle. A bit upmarket for my liking but the venue is fantastic.

The Books Fair: Held on the first Sunday of every month, currently in the Freemasons Lodge on Molesworth Street. You might not want to buy a book but it's rarely you'll get a chance to see these guys' HQ!

The Horse Fair: Ok - you'll hardly want to buy one but the fair, held on the first Monday of the month in Smithfield is a throwback to another era and well worth a visit! Bring a few sugar lumps and apples ...

Favorite thing: Spend a whole day Shopping... My favourite area for shopping is Henry Street - especially in Jervis Street Shopping Centre you can get everything you need. I normally spend ages there - and the rest of the day I buy books at Eason's in O'Connell Street!

Fondest memory: Super-crowded Henry Street at Christmas time. Everyone seems to be scurrying about doing their last minute shopping. If you don't wish to end up looking like some 'pan cake' (read: squashed by the maddening crowd), AVOID this stretch of road during Dublin's BUSIEST period!

Favorite thing: be open for a bit other english than usual...friendly people. the only thing i realy was shoked about was that dublin is much more expensive than zurich in switzerland...and in fact the salaries of the people there arent on the same level. dont go to dublin for a shopping tour in fact.

Fondest memory: the EM in the fitz simons pub (temple bar district) IT WAS GREAT...

Favorite thing: Get yourself lost and discover all of the unique things hidden in the backstreets like the little markets and street sellers

Favorite thing: Moore Street market. This is authentic dublin. It is situated off Henery street, north of the River Liffey.

Favorite thing: Stephen Green shopping mall is amazing, with lots of beautiful shops.Tourists often pfotograph it because it looks so shiny and glistening