With global supply chains in disarray, it makes both economic and speedy sense to shop as locally as you can this Christmas. Although it’s tempting to shop online from one of the usual big brands such as Amazon, it’s important to shop local and support the Irish economy too.
From beauty to food, jewellery to hampers and everything in between, we share some wonderful independent shops around the country to get you started and support local businesses this winter.
Visit your local Christmas market
After the two very up-and-down years we’ve had, a bit of festive normality is more than welcome! And what better way to get in the festive spirit and support the local traders by visiting an Irish Christmas market. There are plenty of markets happening around the country to stop by and grab a mulled wine: Galway Christmas market, Dublin Castle Christmas market, Waterford and Cork Christmas markets to name just a few.
Pop into a pop-up
Across the country, Irish entrepreneurs are delving into the new phenomenon that is pop-up shops in the hope of avoiding long-term leases and turning over a profit. Why not pick up a gift at your local pop-up shop that you won’t find on the high street.
The Sinead Keary pop-up shop is situated on Wicklow Street until early January 2023 and features 4 Irish owned brands such as jewellery makers Crystals and Co. and Louise Cooney’s lifestyle brand Cloo Active. Whether it’s jewellery, make-up, activewear or luxury clothing you are looking for, they have you covered for all your Christmas gifts this year.
Support your independent grocer
When it comes to sourcing your roast dinner, it’s all too easy to head to one of the big supermarkets. But don’t forget about your independent grocery shops and delis, though: from fresh fruit and vegetables, to delicious cakes and pastries there are usually plenty of bargains to be found here too. Lennox Street Grocer have an abundance of fresh, Irish ingredients and beautiful Chrismtas hampers to choose from.
Stop for a coffee along the way
Christmas shopping can be tiring. Why not energise yourself by picking up a coffee and pastry in a local coffee shop along the way. Some excellent coffee shops to choose from include: Flower & Bean, One Kinda folk, Tribe, Arty Baker, Foam or Happy Out.
Treat your friends/family to dinner…
It doesn’t have to be now, of course, but many restaurants and bars are now offering gift cards, so friends can still treat each other to dinner – which could be the perfect Christmas gift, as it’ll give them something to look forward to in 2023. Here are some fabulous Irish restaurants to considering a gift:
Hen’s Teeth
Gralinn
Juniors
Pala | Pala Pizza
…or a comedy night out
They say laughter is the best medicine. Then why not treat yourselves/or loved ones to something a bit different; a comedy night at the International Bar, Dublin. Opting for tickets is a great way to support one of Dublin’s oldest comedy clubs.
Opt for handmade, Irish gifts
Whether you’re on the search for cards, posters, candles or artisan chocolate, there are so many handmade Irish businesses out there just waiting to be discovered. So why not swerve the usual big brands and instead shop online via sites such as; Abode, Koko Kinsale, Soap Obsessed, Crayolina and STAN candles.
Leave a nice review 🙂
We all know the importance of reviews for small businesses. Why not share your photos and thoughts on social media, leave a nice Google review, tell your friends about your new discovery, share your thoughts with them via email, and help others find this small business.