How to do Cork to New York-style outlet shopping in a day

Niamh Hennessy did a round trip from Cork to Kildare Village in under eight hours. Here's her tips if you fancy giving it a go.

Shopper Eimear Brennan from Kilkenny at Kildare Village. Picture: Andres Poveda

Irish bargain hunters have been starved of shopping meccas to New York in recent times. However does the answer to our discounted Ralph Lauren lie closer to home? The Kildare Village has expanded recently and may just provide a nice substitute for Macys and Fifth Avenue. Is it possible however to have your Jimmy Choos for Christmas in Cork and not have to waste a full weekend on the mission?

Here is our Irish outlet shopping guide for anyone who is time-poor and wants to grab some pre-Christmas bargains. We also ask - is it worth the trip?