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Every year, our hunt for a Design Awards Independent Retailer of the Year winner uncovers so many independent interiors shops that you should know about.
There are so many wonderful independent interiors shops in Ireland, whose owners have such an eye for design and detail that means you nearly always leave with a bag in hand. Not only will you walk away with something lovely for your home, but buying from local retailers means your money will be reinvested into the community and often into local makers.
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At Image Interiors & Living, we’re always on the lookout for Irish design shops, featuring Irish shopkeepers up and down the country on our back page, as well as selecting our Independent Retailer of the Year for the upcoming Design Awards. Here, we round up six of the best including this year’s shortlist and former winners to ensure buying that house warming or birthday present is a feel-good breeze.
4a Maryville Ave, Belfast
Curating a lovely collection of Irish and Scandinavian design in Belfast city are two sisters, Catherine and Patricia McGinnis. Running the concept store and interior design business, the two have still found time to create with other makers including ceramicist Derek Wilson. In the shop, you will find plenty of Irish pieces from Field Apothecary candles, Superfolk’s prints, Helen Faulkner ceramics, and Kathryn Davey, alongside a number of Scandinavian designs. Nominated twice in this year’s Design Awards for Independent Retailer of the Year and Interior Designer of the Year for The Irish Project, a home filled with all Irish-made design.
40 Drury Street, Dublin 2
Last year’s worthy winners of the Independent Retailer of the Year Award, Irish Design Shop is a must-visit for anyone interested in Irish craft and design. Inside, Clare and Laura’s shop does exactly what its name suggests – it stocks, supports and works with Irish design. Fresh from a recent shop floor revamp, the lovely ladies at Irish Design Shop have launched their latest collaborations with Irish makers and creatives, including new glassware and jewellery collections. While you’re there, don’t miss John Hanly throws, Soilse candles and Rebecca Killen ceramics.
Wood Quay, Dublin 8
It’s not hard to remember the address of this gorgeous little shop in Dublin’s St Patrick Park. Run by Liz Walsh and Monika Gleeson, the shop is brimming with Irish design, as well as their own linen designs of wash bags, fabric buckets, cushions, coin purses and messenger bags, which are all screen-printed and made by the duo. It’s no wonder they made the shortlist for this year’s 2019 Design Awards.
Newry Street, Carlingford, Co Louth
Another nominee for this year’s Independent Retailer of the Year is Carlingford Design House. The shop and jewellery school plays host to over 100 different Irish makers, from ceramicists and weavers to craftspeople and artists. Open since 2014, you can also take a jewellery class with goldsmith and owner Garrett Mallon in their specifically designed studio, as well as creativity hub for art and craft classes.
53 Main Street, Kinsale, Co Cork
Initially just stocking Irish linen, lace, damask and cotton when it opened in 1993, Granny’s Bottom Drawer has evolved into a treasure trove of lifestyle accessories, furniture and home interiors. Owned and run by Clodagh Murray, expect to find wares from Foxford Woollen Mills, Cooper Furniture and Blankie, to name but a few, it was a firm favourite amongst our readers.
Connonagh Village, Gortroe, Leap, Skibbereen, Co Cork
With Claire’s eye for classic design pieces, and Tom’s edgier take on interiors, it is always intriguing to see what this pair comes up with. Stocking a range of Irish and quirky international pieces, as well as vintage and antique stoves, The Old Mill Stores was a worthy winner of the 2017 Design Award for Retailer of the Year and a necessary pitstop for anyone heading through West Cork.
Featured image: Al Higgins
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