From rocks to records: 32 shops locals recommend visiting in Munster this summer

Looking for a souvenir from your staycation? Check out these independent shops in Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, and Waterford

These Munster shops are perfect for a quirky or memorable souvenir

In recent weeks, we shared 103 independent shops across Ireland to visit, based on tips from readers, coworkers, and business-owners. Here are the Munster spots featured in that collection. 

Save this list for your next adventure. Happy shopping.

The Rock Shop

Liscannor, Co. Clare, V95 AH63

Described by my Echo colleague Mary Corcoran as “a summer essential” for her family when in Clare, The Rock Shop is located along the Wild Atlantic Way and offers crystals, gemstones, fossils, jewellery, pottery, and more.

Grettal’s Petals

Unit 3 Block E, Brú na Sionna, Shannon, Co. Clare, V14 VY05

A recommendation via Tory Casey, Grettal’s Petals has been creating bouquets and smiles since 2012.

Downstairs

21 West Beach, Cobh, Co. Cork, P24 NN82

Downstairs, in Cobh, Co. Cork.

Features writer Deirdre McArdle loves this Cobh spot for “quirky bits and bobs, mainly dried flowers, jewellery, air plants, and a cool selection of badges/pins”.

Chalk & Easel

Market Square, Kinsale, Co. Cork, P17 HT04

Another favourite of Deirdre McArdle, she recommends this shop for “lovely home, lifestyle, and gifting bits”.

Peach Vintage

Midleton, Co. Cork, P25 KR79

Katie Sloane of the Peach Vintage Clothing in The Courtyard, Midleton. Picture: Howard Crowdy

Rita Casey of Jollipop Illustration is among those recommending this shop that sells vintage, preloved and designer fashion.

Blarney Woollen Mills

Blarney, Co. Cork, T23 H63K

An Irish family business established over 50 years ago, Blarney Woollen Mills celebrates Irish heritage, craftsmanship, and retail tradition.

Hunters Gatherers Vintage

Skibbereen, Co. Cork, P81 TY39

“A very sweet shop in Skib with a vast collection of quirky ceramics and watches,” advises Doreeen O’Mahony of BeCosy.

Juniper Lane

Macroom, Co. Cork, P12 TX30

Owner Nickie Cohalan outside Juniper Lane. Picture: Joleen Cronin

Fiona Foley of Pear Shaped Studio is full of praise for Juniper Lane, a slow fashion and homeware shop, describing it as “a gorgeous new addition” to the town.

Republic of Oud

Winthrop Arcade, Co. Cork, T12 Y335

Alan Coakley of Republic of Oud perfume store at The Winthrop Arcade, Cork City. Picture: Larry Cummins

Located in the stunning Winthrop Arcade, Republic of Oud stocks a selection of niche perfumes, so you’re sure to find your perfect scent.

Cork Craft & Design

Douglas, Co. Cork

A group of 110 makers based in Cork who sell their work across two retail spaces in Cork (Douglas Woollen Mills and Douglas Court SC), which they also staff with crafters and designers.

Giles Norman Gallery

45 Main Street, Kinsale, Co. Cork, P17 K651

Giles Norman has been photographing the Irish landscape for 39 years and his gallery in Kinsale offers the change to browse for a gift that lasts decades.

Praline Pastry & Chocolate Shop

Mitchelstown, Co. Cork, P67 RW84

Owner of Praline Pastry & Chocolate Café in Mitchelstown, Co. Cork is award-winning chocolatier, Norma Kelly. Picture: Kirsty Lyons

An exciting new space here is devoted to seasonal pastry and chocolate classes and experiences, well worth checking out for novices and professionals alike.

Charlie Mahon Ceramics Pottery

English Market, Co. Cork, T12 WER8

“People often tell me my work makes them smile — and that’s exactly why I do it,” says ceramic artist Charlie Mahon, who designs, handmakes, and handpaints every piece himself and whose shop offers a rare chance to buy directly from the maker in a uniquely Cork setting.

Plugd Records

3 Cornmarket St, Co. Cork, T12 X9Y9

Michelle Coleman, Mallow enjoying the atmosphere in Plugd Records, Cornmarket St. Picture: Darragh Kane

“The undisputed king for freaks and geeks alike,” says music journalist Mike McGrath Bryan. “Music on vinyl, CD and tape; specialist magazines and books; coffee, wine and live events.”

Leaf and Bower

Main St, Ballincollig, Co. Cork, P31 PD95

BookTok creator Emma O’Connell is a big fan of this small bookshop. “Leaf and Bower is an absolute GEM in Ballincollig Cork and deserves all the love as both a bookshop and overall cozy place to shop,” she tells me.

Carmel’s Cove

27 Bishop Street, Cobh, Co. Cork, P24KP63

Countless people suggested Carmel’s Cove, with Rachel Gao saying “it always feel like going on a treasure hunt every time we are there”, and teacher Lynda Ahern called it her “favourite shop” for its crafts and battery-free toys, adding: “The best part of the shop is the warm friendly welcome and knowledgeable staff”.

Coolmain Curios

Granreigh, Co. Cork, P72 K577

Stocking antique items and unique crafts, this is a great spot for a quirky gift.

Prim’s Bookshop

43 Main St, Kinsale, Co. Cork, P17 PW57

Part bookshop, part wine bar, Prim’s comes via Caroline Keogh’s suggestion for your next place to visit in Kinsale.

RH Vintage Interiors

Connonagh, Co. Cork, P81 HR70

Another tip from Caroline Keogh is to check out this spot near Rosscarbery that specialises in antique and vintage interiors as well as restoration projects.

The Slow Concept

Dingle Marina, Co. Kerry, V92 FW2P

Fashion writer Ruth O’Connor recommends passersby “check out what the fabulous Fran is doing” at The Slow Concept, a curated retail store celebrating Irish design.

Begley & Bowie

16 Henry St, Kenmare, Co. Kerry, V93 F891

Irish designer Doireann Healy at Begley & Bowie, Kenmare, Co Kerry. Picture Dan Linehan

Pam Finn loves this studio shop that features everything from art to fashion and beyond.

Adare Grocer

Main St, Adare, Co. Limerick, V94 Y2V5

My Limerick colleague Manon Gilbart is a fan of this spot for novelty items; “The best place to shop for a fancy charcuterie board”.

Aoife’s Cottage

Adare, Co. Limerick, V94 R85P

Aoife McNamara pictured at Aoife's Cottage, in Adare Limerick. Picture: Brian Arthur

The flagship store of designer Aoife McNamara is a destination in itself. It stocks items from Ireland’s first B Corp fashion brand as well as a curated selection of art.

Vito Vintage

The Milk Market, Co. Limerick, V94 V9W7

Another favourite of Manon’s, who says this has the “best vintage finds in the city, great selection”.

Chou’s Cottage

Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, E91 Y9T4

My Lifestyle colleague Breda Graham raves about this cute spot in Tipperary, which stocks gifts for every occasion.

The Narrow Space

Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, E91 RW24

Described as a treasure trove of beautiful things, this shop stocks ceramics, jewellery, candles, leather goods, accessories, art, and more.

Wired To The Moon

13 Bank Place, Co. Tipperary, E34 AH64

Wired To The Moon gets a shout out for being a delightful treasure trove of alternative items, from clothes and crystals to incense sticks and more.

cc creatives

87 Meaghers Quay, Co. Waterford, X91 NH2P

The makers of bamboo socks, Polly & Andy, are among the fans of cc creatives, a team of five independent Irish businesses stocking designers and makers from around the globe.

The Magpie Collective

16 Bailey’s New St, Co. Waterford, X91 TH26

The Magpie Collective stocks over 50 small Irish businesses. It comes recommended by local journalist Libby Marchant who says “it’s such a lovely space with handmade jewellery and home decor. They do a lot of social justice work as well.”

Little Lane Bookshop

28 Spring Garden Alley, Co. Waterford, X91 TW08

Another tip from Libby here, who suggests this second hand book shop, which is the only one in Waterford.

Isabel’s Place

63 Mainstreet, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, X35T938

If dopamine decor had one main address, this would be it. This pet-friendly shop in the heart of Dungarvan is a delight and was recommended by many.

Storehouse Café and Crafts

Ballyduff, Co. Waterford, P51 K6XC

Stocking local produce and crafts as well as running creative workshops, this spot is recommended by Lynn Shead, founder of Natures Alchemy.