The Decent Cigar Emporium
46 Grafton Street, Dublin 2
While every giorrú saoil tobac a chaitheamh makes smoking way less fun for tobacco-fans, the Decent Cigar Emporium harks back to the Mad Men days of gentlemanly class. With the best service of pretty much any shop in Dublin (including Bosley, the customer complaints manager, above) to guide you through the often esoteric world of cigars and smoking paraphernalia, some excellently-sourced stock, and a beautiful little café, the Decent Cigar Emporium is one of the last bastions of independent retail on our main shopping street.
Most likely to sell you Cubans for your next Sopranos party.
Cyclebikes
2-3 St. Mary’s Abbey, Dublin 7
As popular as the Dublin Bikes scheme has been, there’s nothing quite like owning your own set of wheels. CycleBike offers an excellent range of bikes for both heavy-duty cyclists and city commuters, but its real beauty lies in its range of custom fittings and accessories. Its range of add-ons is the best curated in town, and makes it probably the only bright orange building we’re regular visitors of.
Most likely to sell you bells in 8 different colours.
Reptile Haven
27/28 Fishamble Street, Temple Bar West, www.reptilehavenireland.com
Boasting an expansive range of reptilian creatures, some of which are even on special offer (because everyone needs a half price Boa Constrictor), the specialist shop also offers free advice from the exceptionally qualified staff. If bearded dragons and anacondas are your thing, Reptile Haven is the sanctuary you must have been waiting for. No other shop in Dublin has a stock as impressive…or dangerous.
Most likely to sell you a cute baby snake.
Miss Fantasia’s
25 South William Street, (01) 6713734
Dimly lit and awash with colours of the night, Miss Fantasia lures it’s customers in with the scantily clad mannequins in the window. Usually brandishing whips and modeling an outfit or two from the colourful collection, no one can claim they accidently stumbled into this cove of erotica. With a wide range of bondage gear, naughty underwear and sex toys, it’s the perfect place give life to any kinky fantasies waiting to be unearthed.
Most likely to sell you handcuffs, a vibrator and a pair of crotchless panties.
