COUNTY LIMERICK - SHOPPING

As the retail capital of the Mid-West, Limerick offers a memorable shopping experience with a fabulous selection of small family-run shops, stylish boutiques and modern department stores. Limerick city center is compact, easy to navigate and boasts a range of big brands and independent stores. O'Connell Street has been the main thoroughfare and backbone of the city for centuries. It has a multitude of shops from end to end as do pedestrianized streets like Bedford Row and Cruises Street. William Street also recently got a revamp and has lots of stores. The area around Thomas Street, Catherine Street and Roches Street, is Dubbed 'The Fashion Quarter' because of an array of boutiques. The many cafés here offer a variety of places to have a coffee or lunch. The Milk Market on the weekends has grown into one of the best-known markets in Ireland and has all the charm of an outdoor market but is covered by a tensile roof.

This is just a brief outline of the main highlights. A wander off the beaten track in Limerick is just as rewarding, with hidden treasures just waiting to be found. Some of Limerick's county towns have lots to offer in terms of boutiques and crafts too. If the weather is hindering your shopping, there are a selection of shopping centers including Arthur's Quay Shopping Center and the Crescent Shopping Center.

Markets

Limerick Milk Market
Limerick Milk Market, Cornmarket Row, Limerick
When the market started it mostly sold fresh food and produce and this proud tradition continues today but the market also has infinitely more to offer. Running at full capacity, the market has up to 91 shops and stalls offering foodstuff (whether fresh produce or delectable creations), crafts, beauty products, plants, jewelry, clothing and art. Thanks to a thoroughly modern makeover in the last few years, the Milk Market has been a bustling hub of activity and meeting place for the people of Limerick since the mid 1800s. main market area is now covered by a tensile roof to protect against inclement weather.

The most popular market day, Saturday, is now bookended by Friday and Sunday markets, each with their own unique flavor. Friday (10am-3pm) has more of a flea-market feel with an eclectic selection of stalls, which vary week to week, offering anything from artisan food products to fashion, books to brica-brac. Sunday (11am-3pm) is a kind of 'anything goes' with a broad mix of stalls. There are often street entertainers and buskers, creating a relaxed family atmosphere.

A visit to the market on Saturday (8am-3pm) is an ideal way to kick start the weekend. Lots of casual traders turn out for the market too so all around Cornmarket Row is buzzing with people and activity. The busy din inside the 'big top' is music to the ears and you could easily spend hours browsing. It`s hard to pass such tempting fare. You might find yourself sampling a delicious crepe from the Bon Appetit Creperie or the Grill at Country Choice and resting with a lovely lunch at Sallymills restaurant or stopping for a hot drink at the Harper's Coffee. Any gourmand would be spoiled for choice. You visit could start freshly squeezed juice followed by a stop at Sarah's Pantry for tasty soups and meals; the finest homemade Turkish delights to dazzle the taste buds washed down with a squeezed-onthe-spot pomegranate juice; The Happy Hot Dog offers barbequed delights and there are many more.

The Milk Market is a genuine haven for foodies, abounding with high quality specialty goods such as sauces, relishes and more including The Real Olive Company and Píog Pies. There are also several cheese outlets including The Flying Cheese Brigade and Greenacres Cheese and Coffee Shop—a market institution for over a decade. While some are laden down by groceries, others prefer to browse clothing, crafts, accessories and art. To stand out in the crowd, The Edge deals in retro, vintage and gothic clothes. If you need some sparkle in your life, Virgo Jewellery and Accessories have a large variety or forthe more 'crafty' customer, the selection of gifts and artisan products from local producers, will have something unusual. For an investment in some art, visit the Market Gallery where the Limerick Art Society exhibit every week with some very appealing works. Some shops in the market complex open outside of market days. Further information on all the traders in the market is available on the website.

Lucky Lane
9a Catherine Street, Limerick City
Eclectic thrift store with second-hand clothes, upcycled furniture, plants, arts and crafts.

The Red Door Market
The Square Newcastle West
Find everything from parsnips to paella behind the tall red doors with quality traders such as the Olive Stall, the Soup Kettle, Guirys of West Limerick free range eggs and crepes, tapas, paella, organic vegetables, plants and flowers and more.

UL Farmers Market
Students Union Courtyard University of Limerick Castletroy
A range of local produce is available at this weekly event including organic local fruit and vegetables, specialty breads and pastries, organic meats, jams and chutneys, freshly pressed juices, local cheeses and vegetarian ready-meals.

Limerick Craft Hub
9 Lower Cecil Street
Immerse yourself in local craft and design at Limerick Craft Hub, where local craft-workers showcase their work, their methods and run classes/event workshops. A new addition to Limerick's rich cultural tapestry, the craft hub includes the city's newest and largest quality craft shop, a craft gallery, a craft classroom and open studios where you can meet the makers and see their skills in action. The craft disciplines on show by resident craft-workers include ceramics, jewellery and feltmaking. The Design and Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCoI) has accredited Limerick Craft Hub as an Irish craft studio experience. The retail area in the airy, light-filled space, has these and more to offer including clothing, accessories, candles, soap and cosmetics, books and bookbinding, wall art, homewares, toys, scultpures in iron, wood and ceramics and a wide range of artisan foods from jams to chocolate. Gift Hampers and vouchers are also available. Those with an interest can also get crafty and learn to make unique items themselves with a variety of classes taught by experienced makers. Limerick Craft Hub does not just allow artists a full-time space to create and show their work but also engages with the community staging and hosting regular events.

Department Stores

Pay a visit to Brown Thomas or Debenhams on Limerick's O'Connel Street, where you can browse through a wide variety of goods including fashion, accessories, home ware and beauty products all under one roof.

Independent Boutiques

Limerick is the place to go for your wardrobe with an array of independent boutiques throughout the city. Wander down pedestrianized Thomas Street and Bedford Row and be tempted by many treats ranging from jewelry to beauty to fashion and children shops. Or discover the many unique beautiful boutiques on Catherine Street. There are a number of smaller shops, shoe boutiques and antique stores around the Market Quarter, Cruises Street, Bedford Row and William Street teeming with unique and quirky offerings in Limerick. Whatever your shopping needs, you`ll find what you`re looking for in Limerick City Center.

Connolly Man
12-14 Patrick Street/Crescent Shopping Center
The Connolly group have justly earned their reputation as one of Ireland`s top menswear retailers, a name is synonymous with quality menswear for over 45 years. Providing an unrivalled selection of leading labels, expert service, a personable atmosphere and a genuine commitment to customer satisfaction. From classic business suiting, weekend casuals, leading denim labels, contemporary suiting collections and formalwear, Connolly stores have got it all.
Stores are located in Patrick Street and the Crescent Shopping Center Limerick, and O`Connell Street, Clonmel.

Stitch (Superdry)
Also located on Patrick Street. Cruises Street. Inside, the store is artfully arranged and all the display cases are full of unique pieces. There is a wide variety of brooches, necklaces, pendants, earrings and rings on offer with high quality materials such as handcrafted gold and silver, freshwater pearls, semi precious stones and marcasite. Styles vary from Celtic to abstract to those inspired by nature.

Silverwood Jewellery
32B Cruises Street
For a truly unique piece of jewelry crafted to the highest standards, pay a visit to Silverwood Jewellery, Inside, the store is artfully arranged and all the display cases are full of unique pieces. There is a wide variety of brooches, necklaces, pendants, earrings and rings on offer with high quality materials such as handcrafted gold and silver, freshwater pearls, semi precious stones and marcasite. Styles vary from Celtic to abstract to those inspired by nature. Silverwood has an exclusive bridal range, which is available both in store and on the comprehensive website. This range of handmade bespoke jewelry and hair accessories are guaranteed to add extra sparkle to your big day. Customers will definitely find that special something for that special someone, even if that someone is you! Proprietor, Paula O'Meara, is passionate about jewelry and all pieces have the Irish Hallmarked Silver Stamp of quality. Silverwood prides itself on excellent customer service and can help you find and customise the perfect piece you or a loved one will treasure forever.

Arthur's Quay Shopping Center
For the past 25 years, Arthur's Quay Shopping Center has been at the heart of the Limerick city shopping scene. The 600 space multi-story car park means you don't have to worry about parking and browse through nearly 30 stores in comfort. The open plan interior of the center offers an oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city streets. You can find a great mix of stores here. The anchor tenant is Tesco, stocking everything from groceries to homewares, toys to clothing. For those in need of a fashion fix, there is Remix for casual wear and Irish Handcrafts for traditional Irish fashion and handmade sweaters. Should you need your favourite outfit cleaned, Ambassador Drycleaners offer a full laundry and dry cleaning service. Sports fans can bring back a souvenir from 'Sporting Limerick' by visiting the official Limerick FC store. Gadget geeks will find a treasure trove of mobile phones, accessories, and much more in Carphone Warehouse and Funtech. For reading material, the quaint Quay Books stall stocks a range of books with Newstop providing newspapers, magazines and more.
McNamara`s and Tailor of Blue

Bedford Row
The writer, Mark Twain, famously said that 'clothes make the man' and Tailor of Blue has a great selection of high quality menswear to ensure a good impression. Spanning two floors, the shop offers the best in casual and formal wear brands—perfect for leisure time, work and special occasions. Owned and run by McGovern Fashions Ltd, who are in business for over 50 years in Limerick, the experienced staff team is always on hand to help and advise. On the ground floor, Tailor Of Blue stocks jeans, chinos, shirts, t-shirts, and more with the latest of European trends represented. Upstairs is dedicated to suiting, with waistcoats, shirts, ties etc available.

Tailor of Blue has a range of footwear and accessories as well to complete your look. It also offers a tailoring and alteration service so your new purchase fits just as it should. With attentive service and a range of stylish stock, Tailor of Blue has everything to have a gentleman looking his best

The Wine Buff
17 Mallow Street
The Wine Buff, located in a beautifully restored Georgian building, can tell you everything you ever wanted to know about wine but were afraid to ask, along with selling a fantastic selection of wines from all over the world. Owner, Mike O'Mara, would be delighted to welcome you to his shop, whether you are looking for a single bottle of wine or wines for a special occasion of any size or type. The wines are carefully chosen and prices start from €9.99 so great quality does not have to cost the earth. There is always a friendly staff member on hand to ask for advice if you wish.

Wine tastings take place on Fridays and Saturdays. These social events have a lovely, relaxed atmosphere coupled with a chance to sample and learn more about wine. Stock includes wine from all over the world, champagne, wine gifts/ accessories, Lough Derg hand-made chocolates, olive oil and chutneys. The Wine Buff is now the country's biggest independent specialised wine retailer and has expanded to include 14 stores nationwide along with one in Madrid and St. Emillion, Bordeaux.

Lucky Lane
Eclectic, quirky and a magical treasure trove for bargain hunters, Lucky Lane is a great stop-off for any customer looking for a one of a kind item. The pop-up shop opened in 2013 with the aim of offering quality second-hand clothes, upcycled furniture, modern art, antiques, as well as intricately made arts and crafts. It offers local artisan traders the space to sell their goods, while local artists are also encouraged to decorate the walls with paintings, photographs, ceramics, sculptures and screen prints and sell that work on commission. The shop is also a convenient central location for information on local music and arts, offering organisers the chance to post up an array of leaflets and flyers about upcoming events, while customers are also encouraged to play Limerick's only public piano at the shop. Offering a drop-in center for unwanted books and clothes, the shop also connects with the community through a host of demonstrations and discussions about furniture restoration and other interesting topics.