Top Rated Shopping in Dublin

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.

For all things tweedy, Kevin & Howlin is the place to go. The store specialises in hand woven tweeds for men, including jackets, suits and hats. They also sell tweed fabric if you are thinking of making your own. This is quality clothing and should attract those seeking the classic look. Helpful in store advisers are on hand to help you choose the most suitable outfit.

The famous Avoca Handweavers has now opened a branch in Dublin city center. The emphasis remains upon fine quality clothes, rugs and weaving; both men and women are catered for. The famous Avoca woolen scarves and beautiful rugs are a good buy here and the store also features a comfortable cafe. In an age of generic shops and ubiquitous labels, Avoca offers a touch of the local and distinctive and is therefore well worth a visit.

Antique lighting is the specialty of Michael Connell's shop, although all types of antique furniture are bought and sold here. Chandeliers and other lighting fixtures from bygone days dominate the shop and cast a pleasant glow on the variety of carved furniture that is also available. As with all antique shops, you could get lucky and get exactly what you want-the fact that so many of them are clustered together on Francis Street is felicitous in this regard-and who knows, a visit to Michael's shop could prove particularly illuminating.

Some of the best souvenirs to take back from the capital city of Dublin are premier liquors for whiskey lovers. Pop into a small intimate liquor shop in Dawson street, known for the finest Irish and Scottish Whiskey collection. Tasting sessions take place every day, and they also sell International brands of beers, spirits, wines, cognacs, and champagnes. Tourists can benefit from this shop because there is no tax for non-EU customers. For more details, please see the website.