Dublin Antique & Vintage Shopping Guide (2026)

Dublin has a strong antique and vintage shopping scene with established dealers, market traders, and consignment shops across the city. Francis Street in the Liberties is the historic antiques quarter, while Drury Street area and the Saturday and Sunday markets cover contemporary vintage. This guide covers Dublin’s antique and vintage shopping for collectors and casual browsers alike, with practical detail on what to expect and where to find specific categories.

For the broader context, start with our complete Dublin shopping guide.

Cuid 01

Francis Street: Dublin’s Antiques Quarter

Francis Street in the Liberties is Dublin’s historic antiques quarter with dozens of antique dealers, vintage shops, and small galleries. The street runs from Christ Church Place south to The Coombe. The Francis Street antiques scene developed from the 19th century when the area’s craft trades evolved into antique dealing. Today the street combines premium Georgian and Victorian dealers near Christ Church with more affordable second-hand and vintage shops toward The Coombe.

Most dealers operate Tuesday-Saturday with reduced or by-appointment Sunday and Monday hours. Cards accepted; many dealers welcome haggling on prices for serious buyers. Categories particularly strong include Georgian and Victorian furniture, religious antiques, vintage prints and maps, Irish folk art, and decorative ceramics. Browse the entire street before purchasing — similar pieces vary significantly in price across dealers.

Cuid 02

Notable Francis Street Antique Dealers

• O’Sullivan Antiques — Francis Street. Premium Georgian and Victorian antiques.
• The Antique Loft — Francis Street. Mixed Irish antiques.
• The Vintage Hub — Francis Street. Vintage clothing and household goods.
• Various Francis Street dealers — Numerous smaller shops along the street.
• Coombe area shops — More affordable second-hand options.

O’Sullivan Antiques is the most respected premium dealer with high-end Georgian and Victorian furniture, silver, and jewellery. The Antique Loft handles diverse Irish antiques. Smaller dealers along Francis Street rotate stock frequently with new arrivals each week. Several dealers handle estate sales and can source specific items by request.

Cuid 03

Cathach Books: Rare and Antiquarian Books

Cathach Books at 10 Duke Street specialises in rare and antiquarian Irish books. The small shop carries first editions of Joyce, Yeats, Beckett, Wilde, and other major Irish authors at premium prices reflecting collector value. The shop is run by experienced Dublin bookseller Enda Cunningham. Hours by appointment or limited posted opening times. Prices range from €100 for older Irish poetry first editions to €30,000+ for rare items like first edition Ulysses.

Cuid 04

Dublin Vintage Clothing Shops

• Siopaella — Drury Street. Premium consignment fashion including designer brands. Most curated Dublin vintage shop.
• The Vintage Hub — Multiple Dublin locations. Mass vintage clothing.
• Dublin Vintage Factory — Temple Bar. Wide vintage clothing range.
• Tola Vintage — Capel Street. Premium vintage with Irish design focus.
• Wigwam — Middle Abbey Street. Vintage clothing within the bar and cocktail venue.
• Various charity shops — Camden Street, Capel Street, Drumcondra Road. Affordable vintage finds.
• Stoneybatter vintage shops — Manor Street area independent vintage.
• Cow’s Lane Saturday Designer Market — Temple Bar. Curated vintage.

Siopaella is consistently rated Dublin’s best vintage and consignment shop with carefully curated designer items, vintage Chanel, premium dresses, and accessories. Prices reflect the curation — significant discounts versus new but premium versus other vintage. The other shops offer wider selections at lower prices but with less curation.

Cuid 05

Dublin Vinyl and Record Shops

• Tower Records — 7 Dawson Street. Dublin’s largest independent record store.
• Claddagh Records — Cecilia Street. Traditional Irish music specialist.
• All City Records — Crow Street. Electronic, hip-hop, indie focus.
• Spindizzy Records — George’s Street Arcade. Indie and alternative.
• Independent & Bookish — Wexford Street. Books and music combined.
• R.A.G.E. Records — Fade Street. Specialist focus.
• Spindizzy — Multiple locations. Strong second-hand vinyl.

Tower Records is Dublin’s most comprehensive record store with both new releases and second-hand vinyl. Claddagh Records specialises in traditional Irish music with vinyl, CDs, and instrument accessories. All City Records is the destination for electronic and contemporary genres. The Dublin Flea Market (monthly Sunday market) typically has vinyl vendors. Charity shops occasionally yield bargain finds.

Cuid 06

Dublin Vintage Markets

• Dublin Flea Market — Digital Hub, Thomas Street (Roe Lane), roughly monthly on Sundays 11:00–17:00; check social media for the next date. Vintage, antiques, vinyl, second-hand. €3 admission.
• Cow’s Lane Designer Market — Temple Bar Saturdays 10am-5pm. Irish designers plus vintage.
• Howth Sunday Market — Howth Harbour. Includes vintage stalls.
• Marlay Park Sunday Market — Rathfarnham. Vintage among broader market.
• Glasnevin Food Market — 38a Barrow Road, Dublin 11, Saturdays 08:30–14:30. Some vintage among food focus.
• Stoneybatter Aughrim Street Market — First Saturday monthly. Local vintage.

Cuid 07

Antique Categories in Dublin

Georgian and Victorian Furniture

Francis Street dealers stock extensive Georgian (1714-1830) and Victorian (1837-1901) furniture. Particularly common: mahogany dining tables, sideboards, secretaire desks, wing-back chairs, side tables, mirror frames. Prices typically €200-5000 depending on quality and provenance. O’Sullivan Antiques handles premium pieces; smaller Francis Street dealers handle mid-range. Note that international shipping costs significantly for large furniture — budget €200-1000+ for transatlantic shipping.

Religious Antiques

Catholic Ireland produced extensive religious antiques throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Francis Street dealers stock chalices, statuary, religious paintings, prayer cards, sanctuary lamps, and ecclesiastical furniture. Many items came from churches closing or merging during 20th century. Prices €30-2000+ depending on quality.

Vintage Prints and Maps

Francis Street dealers stock framed and unframed vintage prints, including 19th-century Dublin maps, botanical prints, sporting prints, and theatrical posters. The Hugh Lane Gallery print collection is reference material rather than for sale. Cathach Books on Duke Street stocks book-format antique prints alongside their bookshop. Smaller dealers along Francis Street rotate framed print stock weekly. Prices €25-500 for individual prints.

Irish Folk Art and Country Furniture

Authentic Irish folk art includes traditional country furniture (settle beds, dressers, Irish chairs), traditional craft items (basketry, lacework), and vernacular Irish decorative pieces. Several Francis Street dealers specialise in these categories. Authentic Irish folk art is increasingly valued by international collectors and serves as distinctive Irish souvenir at higher price points. Prices €100-3000+.

Silverware and Jewellery

Irish silver, including Georgian and Victorian Irish silverware with Dublin Assay Office hallmarks, holds particular interest for collectors. Premium dealers including O’Sullivan stock authenticated Irish silver. Pieces €200-5000+. Antique Irish jewellery including Victorian and Edwardian pieces also available at premium dealers. Authentication of Irish hallmarks is essential for serious collectors.

Ceramics and Glassware

Dublin antique shops stock extensive Belleek pottery (1857 onwards), Waterford crystal (1783), Royal Tara china, and various 19th and 20th century Irish ceramics. Vintage glassware including Edwardian decanters and Georgian wine glasses available at premium dealers. Belleek collectors particularly active — valuable older pieces command significant prices. Authentication marks essential.

Cuid 08

Other Dublin Antique Locations

• Cathach Books — Duke Street. Rare and antiquarian books.
• Hodges Figgis bookshop antique section — Dawson Street. Some second-hand Irish literature.
• The Winding Stair — Ormond Quay. Iconic independent bookshop with rare items.
• Adam’s Salesrooms — St Stephen’s Green. Premier Dublin auction house.
• Whyte’s Auctioneers — Multiple Dublin locations. Specialist auction house.
• The Auction Rooms — Various Dublin locations. Mass market auctions.
• De Vere’s Art Auctions — Specialist Irish art auctions.

Cuid 09

Dublin Auction Houses

For serious Irish antique collectors, Dublin’s auction houses offer the most comprehensive Irish antique market access. Adam’s Salesrooms on St Stephen’s Green is Dublin’s premier auction house with monthly Irish art and antique auctions. Whyte’s Auctioneers specialises in Irish art, books, and specialist collections. De Vere’s Art Auctions handles premium Irish fine art. The major auctions are advertised in advance with catalogues available online. Telephone and online bidding accommodate international buyers. Most auctions take place Tuesday-Saturday with viewings the preceding week.

Auction premium typically 20-25% above hammer price plus VAT (which is partially refundable for non-EU buyers). Auction purchases can sometimes deliver significant savings on equivalent retail prices, but require informed bidding. The Dublin auction circuit is well-respected internationally with collectors from UK, US, and continental Europe regularly buying at Dublin auctions.

Cuid 10

Shipping Antiques and Vintage Items Home

Most Francis Street dealers and Dublin auction houses arrange international shipping for antique purchases. Costs vary significantly by item size, weight, and destination. Small items (jewellery, smaller silver, books): €30-100 international shipping. Medium items (small furniture, prints): €100-400. Large items (full furniture, paintings): €400-1500+. Specialist antique shippers handle insurance, customs documentation, and careful packing. For premium furniture purchases, the shipping cost may exceed the item value — factor into purchasing decisions.

EU buyers benefit from free movement between member states. UK buyers face customs duty since Brexit but VAT is refundable for non-EU. US buyers face import duties on commercial purchases above various thresholds. Each dealer handles customs documentation differently — ask about provenance documentation and customs paperwork before completing significant purchases.

Cuid 11

Charity Shop Bargains

Dublin’s charity shop scene offers excellent vintage bargains. The St Vincent de Paul, Oxfam, Enable Ireland, and Irish Cancer Society charity shop chains operate across the city. Major Dublin charity shops with strong vintage clothing sections include the St Vincent de Paul shops on Camden Street, the Oxfam Bookshop on South Great George’s Street, and various branches throughout Rathmines and Drumcondra.

Charity shop prices: clothing typically €3-20, books €1-5, bric-a-brac €1-30. Quality varies but committed browsers find good vintage finds and occasional valuable items at fractional prices. The Saturday morning rush to charity shops by Dublin vintage enthusiasts produces good early-bird competition for premium items.

Cuid 12

Dublin Auction Calendar

• Adam’s Salesrooms monthly auctions — Irish art and antiques.
• Whyte’s quarterly Irish art auctions — Premier Irish art events.
• De Vere’s major Irish art sales — Twice yearly.
• The Auction Rooms weekly sales — Mass market with occasional finds.
• Various specialist auctions — Stamps, coins, militaria, etc.
• Charity auctions — Periodic fundraising events.

Auction houses publish catalogues 2-4 weeks ahead with full descriptions, photographs, and estimated price ranges. Viewing days the week before the auction allow physical inspection. Online bidding now standard. Phone bidding available for higher-value items. Reserve prices are set; items not meeting reserves are unsold.

Cuid 13

Dublin Antique and Vintage Walking Tour

This 4-hour route covers Dublin’s essential antique and vintage shopping:

• Start: Hodges Figgis bookshop antique section, Dawson Street — 30 minutes browsing literary items.
• Walk to Cathach Books, Duke Street — Window browse rare books (limited hours).
• Cross to Adam’s Salesrooms, Stephen’s Green — If auction viewing days, browse upcoming auction items.
• Walk to Siopaella, Drury Street — 30 minutes premium consignment vintage.
• Walk to Francis Street (the Liberties) — Spend 2-3 hours along Francis Street browsing dealers.
• Stop at Two Pups Coffee on Francis Street — Cafe break during the tour.
• End at the southern end of Francis Street near The Coombe — Affordable second-hand and vintage shops.

Total walking distance about 3km. Allow 4-5 hours with stops at multiple dealers. Saturday timing aligns with Cow’s Lane Designer Market for additional vintage shopping in Temple Bar.

Cuid 14

Tips for Dublin Antique and Vintage Shopping

• Browse before buying — Walk Francis Street entirely before any purchase.
• Negotiate prices — Many Francis Street dealers expect some haggling.
• Check authentication — Irish silver hallmarks, Belleek marks, signature/maker’s marks essential.
• Ask about provenance — Quality dealers provide piece history.
• Consider shipping costs — Factor shipping into total cost for large items.
• Use cards plus cash — Cards accepted but some smaller dealers prefer cash.
• Visit during quiet times — Weekday mornings give dealers time for detailed conversation.
• Attend auction viewings — Auction houses welcome browsers during viewing days.
• Ask about restoration — Furniture restoration adds to cost; some dealers handle in-house.
• Get written documentation — Important for customs, insurance, and resale.

Cuid 15

Dublin Antique Fairs and Events

Several annual Dublin antique fairs supplement the regular dealer and auction circuit. The Royal Dublin Society (RDS) Antique Fair typically runs in spring and autumn featuring 50+ established Irish antique dealers in a one-stop event. The Dublin Antique Centre Fair brings dealers from Ireland and UK to the RDS. The Irish Furniture Fair focuses on Irish country furniture and folk art. The Whyte’s Specialist Sales regularly feature themed Irish art and antique auctions. Check the Visit Dublin website and individual auction house schedules for current fair dates.

Cuid 16

Online Irish Antique Buying

Several Dublin antique dealers and auction houses operate online. Adam’s Salesrooms website provides full auction catalogues and online bidding. Whyte’s online presence offers the same. Many Francis Street dealers maintain Instagram pages showing current stock. The Dublin Antique Centre operates online. International buyers can purchase Irish antiques remotely through these channels, with shipping arranged by the dealer or auction house. Online bidding requires advance registration and identification verification for most Dublin auction houses. Some dealers prefer phone or email enquiries for valuable items not displayed online.

Cuid 17

Vintage Shopping Budget Examples

Realistic Dublin vintage shopping budgets vary widely. Casual vintage clothing: €50-200 covering a few good charity shop finds and one or two Siopaella pieces. Serious vintage clothing: €200-500 for premium Siopaella designer pieces. Antique browsing: €100-1000 for small items including silver, prints, and smaller decorative pieces. Furniture and significant antiques: €500-10,000+ depending on size, period, and provenance. Premium collector purchases: €5,000-50,000+ for rare Irish silver, first edition books, museum-quality furniture, or major Irish art at auction.

Cuid 18

The Future of Dublin Antiques and Vintage

Dublin’s antique and vintage scene continues to evolve. Francis Street has seen some dealer turnover with retirements and new arrivals over the past decade. The growth of online vintage and antique marketplaces has supplemented traditional retail. The increased Irish interior design interest in vintage and reclaimed pieces drives demand for quality items. Sustainability concerns drive interest in second-hand fashion. The Dublin auction houses report continued international interest in Irish art and antiques. The Irish Design Week (October) increasingly features vintage and antique elements alongside contemporary design. The overall Dublin antique and vintage scene remains vibrant with quality dealers, regular auctions, and active markets supporting collectors and casual buyers alike.

Cuid 19

Francis Street History

Francis Street takes its name from the Franciscan friary that operated in the area from the medieval period until the Reformation. The street has been a market and trading thoroughfare for centuries. The 18th and 19th centuries saw the street develop as a cattle market and craft district. The 19th century antiques tradition began as estate sales and downsizing drove pre-loved furniture and decorative items into Francis Street second-hand shops. By the 20th century, Francis Street had become Dublin’s established antique quarter. The 21st century has seen some shift toward vintage clothing and emerging design alongside traditional antiques. The street’s historic character is protected by Dublin City Council planning policies that maintain the area’s heritage feel.

Cuid 20

Dublin Antiques and Vintage: FAQ

Where is Dublin’s antique quarter?

Francis Street in the Liberties is Dublin’s historic antiques quarter with dozens of antique dealers, vintage shops, and small galleries. The street runs from Christ Church Place south to The Coombe. The Francis Street antiques scene developed from the 19th century. Most dealers operate Tuesday-Saturday with reduced Sunday/Monday hours.

What is Dublin’s best vintage clothing shop?

Siopaella on Drury Street is consistently rated Dublin’s best vintage and consignment shop with carefully curated designer items, vintage Chanel, premium dresses, and accessories. The shop combines vintage with premium consignment fashion. Prices reflect curation but offer significant discounts versus new retail.

Where can I buy rare Irish books in Dublin?

Cathach Books at 10 Duke Street specialises in rare and antiquarian Irish books including first editions of Joyce, Yeats, Beckett, and Wilde at premium prices. Hours are limited — often by appointment. For collector-grade signed material and estate sales, Cathach is the Dublin destination.

What Dublin auction houses sell antiques?

Adam’s Salesrooms on St Stephen’s Green is Dublin’s premier auction house with monthly Irish art and antique auctions. Whyte’s Auctioneers specialises in Irish art and books. De Vere’s Art Auctions handles premium Irish fine art. Online bidding accommodates international buyers. Buyer’s premium typically 20-25% above hammer price.

How do I authenticate Irish silver?

Irish silver carries hallmarks from the Dublin Assay Office including a maker’s mark, the standard mark (lion passant for sterling), the date letter, and the Hibernia mark unique to Irish silver. Premium dealers including O’Sullivan Antiques provide authentication. Reference books on Irish silver hallmarks help self-authentication for serious collectors.

Where can I find vintage records in Dublin?

Tower Records on Dawson Street is Dublin’s most comprehensive record store with new releases and second-hand vinyl. Claddagh Records specialises in traditional Irish music. All City Records on Crow Street covers electronic and contemporary genres. The monthly Dublin Flea Market typically has vinyl vendors. Charity shops occasionally yield vinyl bargains.

Is the Dublin Flea Market worth visiting?

Yes for vintage and antique enthusiasts. The Dublin Flea Market runs roughly monthly on Sundays, 11:00–17:00, at the Digital Hub on Thomas Street (Roe Lane) — check social media for the next date. Approximately 100 stalls of vintage clothing, antiques, vinyl records, and second-hand goods. €3 admission. Excellent for collectors and casual browsers.

Can I ship antiques home from Dublin?

Yes — most Francis Street dealers and Dublin auction houses arrange international shipping. Costs vary by item size and destination: small items €30-100, medium items €100-400, large items €400-1500+. Specialist shippers handle insurance and customs documentation. EU buyers benefit from free movement; non-EU buyers can claim VAT refunds on purchases over €75.

Cuid 21

Keep Reading

• Best Dublin Markets: Food, Vintage & Craft — More than a dozen weekly and seasonal markets, from Temple Bar Food Market to the Howth harbourfront.
• Grafton Street Shopping Guide — 750 metres of pedestrianised retail — the flagships, the buskers and what’s actually worth your time.
• Best Irish Souvenirs to Buy in Dublin — Aran knitwear, whiskey, Claddagh rings and Belleek — how to tell the real thing from the tourist tat.
• the Liberties — a related guide from elsewhere on the site.