103 independent shops across Ireland worth travelling for this summer

Reader recommendations and local knowledge combine to create a nationwide guide celebrating Ireland's independent retailers and unforgettable shopping experiences

These shops from all corners of Ireland are perfect for a quirky or memorable souvenir

Every year in the weeks before Christmas, I write a hugely popular all-Irish gift guide that supports small businesses across the country, with a focus on online shopping. Recently, we had a thought in one of our team meetings: wouldn’t it be nice to give a similar boost to physical shops over the summer and encourage shoppers to discover new and delightful businesses?

With that in mind, I put a call-out on my Instagram page asking people to share any local bricks-and-mortar shops they would highlight as being worthy of a visit for anyone passing by. I also asked colleagues across the country for their recommendations. The response was overwhelming. I’ve spent the last few months sifting through the comments, messages, and emails I received from people raving about their favourite Irish shops to visit.