If you’re looking for a unique gift, some one-of-a-kind piece of clothing or something even more obscure, George’s Arcade is one of Dublin’s best alternative shopping experiences. They have a great selection of shops selling the weird and wonderful and everything in between — you can even get a new piercing here! Less than 5 minutes’ walk from the main high-end shopping street, Grafton Street, George’s Arcade oozes elegance and heritage. It’s actually Europe’s oldest purpose-built shopping centre (built in 1876) so you can be sure it has character.

You could lose hours browsing through some of the more unusual shops and stalls. There are artists selling some gorgeous paintings and prints, bespoke, unique and antique jewellery and clothing you won’t find anywhere else. There are also a couple of places to eat and drink in the centre, so it’s easy to refuel while you shop and keep going. Before you even step into the arcade, you’ll be amazed at its beautiful architecture and the huge amount of detail that went into building this gorgeous place. It’s a very unique part of Dublin and I feel lucky to live so close to such a colourful and creative place.