Chapters Bookstore
Ivy Exchange, Parnell Street, Dublin 1
This grand old gent got a make over and a new location a few years ago to bring it kicking and screaming into the new millennium when it moved from Middle Abbey Street north to the somewhat-less-charming Parnell Street. Chapters is Ireland’s largest independent bookstore and is big enough to go toe-to-toe with the surviving chain bookstores while also having an extremely large second-hand stock area when you go upstairs that sets them apart from the competition. Here you will find a wild array of stock and while the new premises may lack some of the charm of the old, they are clean, tidy and spacious. They’re also ace on Twitter.
Most likely to sell you five years worth of Paris Reviews for less money than one new one.
Listons
25-26 Lower Camden St., Dublin 2
A convenience store-sized fancy food and wine shop, Listons is very much the little brother to Fallon and Byrne in terms of scale, but is actually about 6 years older than it. Covering a few bases, Listons does a brisk lunchtime trade on their high-quality handmade deli sandwiches and soup whilst also having a wide variety of meats from their charcuterie and lots of artisan (i.e. posh) cheeses as well as being a grocery store for their “high-integrity” foods. Expect a baffling array of olive oil choices.
Most likely to sell you 6 types of couscous.
Music Maker
29 Exchequer St., Dublin 2 [www.musicmaker.ie]
The most rock and roll of all the music shops scattered around the area between Georges Street and Grafton Street, Music Maker is the kind of place that attracts hordes of pubescent oglers trying to grasp the unmistakeable barre chords of Smells Like Teen Spirit of a Saturday afternoon. Such is life in any sizeable guitar store though, which is what the ground floor is. Downstairs is percussion, upstairs the ever more popular music technology section (gadgets and synthesizer doohickeys) and acoustic guitars. The staff are straightforward and knowledgeable, capable of helping without making you feel clueless. The shop occasionally hosts live showcases and also runs a music school at the top of the building.
Most likely to sell you your first Kaossilator.
Sub City
2 Exchequer Street, Dublin 2
A fine little comic book (and comic book paraphernalia) store that has been doing the business consistently for well over a decade while the restaurant beside changes name every twelve months or so. A trove of both big name titles, back issues, graphic novels and an excellent selection of work by local artists trying to make their way in the world of comic books. The staff has the geeky level of expertise one would expect but a comic books novice is just as welcome.
Most likely to sell you the finishing touches on your Mike Mignolia collection.
Bow
Powerscourt Centre, Dublin 2
The brainchild of four Irish fashion designers, Bow sells luxurious items of women’s clothing and accessories from some of the most talented independent designers around. The emphasis is on Irish brands and ethical fashion – from the slick and streamlined dresses of Emma Manley, to the ethereally beautiful lace and wool creations of co-founder Eilis Boyle. A curated approach means the stock selection is concise enough to allow staff members to be able to talk at length about any given item you pick up… in fact, there’s a pretty good chance they had a hand in designing it. Items from these very ‘now’ emerging names are juxtaposed with a few ’boutique’ vintage pieces sourced from European antique fairs – only the most desirable pre-worn garments make the cut, so sought after labels like Commes des Garcons have been known to crop up at pretty reasonable prices. A favourite amongst stylists, Bow is the best places to treat yourself (or your lady) when the homogeneousness of the high street just won’t cut it.
Most likely to sell you classiness.
