Irish Fashion & Design: Where to Shop in Dublin (2026)

Irish fashion has evolved from traditional wool and tweed craft heritage into a diverse contemporary scene including major international designers like Simone Rocha and Orla Kiely alongside emerging Irish brands. Dublin is the centre of Irish fashion with flagship stores, designer boutiques, and the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) which trains the country’s top emerging designers. This guide covers Irish fashion brands worth knowing, where to shop for them in Dublin, and how to find authentic Irish design beyond the mass-market tourist offerings.

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Major Irish Fashion Designers

Simone Rocha

Simone Rocha (London-based, Irish-born) is Ireland’s most internationally successful contemporary fashion designer. Her signature combines feminine silhouettes with Irish craft references including hand-knitted Aran patterns, lace, and pearl detailing. Worn by Rihanna, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Florence Welch. Available at Brown Thomas’s Irish Design Floor in Dublin. Pieces typically €500-3000.

Orla Kiely

Orla Kiely (London-based, Irish-born) is internationally known for the distinctive Stem print and 60s-inspired graphic design. Her products span fashion, homeware, accessories, and stationery. Available at Brown Thomas Dublin and various stockists. The brand experienced significant changes after closing UK retail operations in 2018 but design continues. Pieces typically €50-300.

Philip Treacy

Philip Treacy (London-based, Irish-born) is the world’s most acclaimed millinery designer. His sculptural hats have been worn by major celebrities and at royal weddings. Available through Brown Thomas Dublin special orders. Hats typically €500-5000+ for bespoke pieces.

Paul Costelloe

Paul Costelloe (Dublin-born, London-based) is a veteran Irish fashion designer with strong tweed and Irish wool references. Best known for Princess Diana’s wedding-era dressing. Available through select Irish retailers and Brown Thomas. Pieces typically €200-1500.

Aisling Camps

New York-based Irish designer Aisling Camps creates contemporary feminine fashion drawing on Irish craft heritage. Available through select Brown Thomas stocking. Pieces typically €300-1500.

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Traditional Irish Fashion Makers

Carraig Donn

Carraig Donn is Ireland’s flagship retailer of traditional Irish fashion. Multiple Grafton Street locations sell authentic Made-in-Ireland Aran sweaters, Irish wool products, Donegal tweed accessories, and craft jewellery. Aran sweaters €120-200. Established 1965 and remains one of Ireland’s most respected craft retailers.

Avoca

Avoca (founded 1723 in Avoca, County Wicklow) is the oldest continuous textile mill in Ireland and one of the world’s oldest weaving businesses. The Avoca brand combines woven textiles (throws, scarves, jackets), Irish food, homeware, and gifts. The Suffolk Street Dublin flagship combines store and cafe. Pieces typically €30-300.

Kevin & Howlin

Kevin & Howlin at Nassau Street specialises in traditional Irish menswear including Donegal tweed jackets, Aran cardigans, tweed caps, and traditional Irish accessories. The shop dates from 1936 and remains a Dublin institution. Bespoke tweed suits available at premium prices. Items typically €200-2000.

Magee 1866

Magee 1866 (founded 1866 in Donegal) produces traditional Donegal tweed in Donegal and sells through Brown Thomas, Avoca, and various Dublin retailers. Magee tweed jackets and accessories €200-800. The Magee Donegal mill continues to weave tweed in the traditional manner.

Aran Knitwear Makers

Multiple specialised Aran knitwear makers operate in Ireland selling through Dublin retailers. Inis Meain, Carraig Donn, John Hanly & Co, and various smaller producers maintain hand-knitting traditions. Authentic Aran sweaters carry “Made in Ireland” certification and feature hand-knitted pattern variations.

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Contemporary Emerging Irish Brands

• Aoife Mc Namara — Contemporary Irish fashion with focus on sustainability. Available at the Irish Design Shop.
• Natalie B Coleman — Womenswear with distinctive prints. Available at various Dublin boutiques.
• Sive — Cork-based knitwear designer with Aran-influenced contemporary pieces.
• Ciara Lyons — Hat designer and milliner.
• The Tweed Project — Galway-based contemporary tweed clothing brand.
• Alanna Plekkenpol — Contemporary feminine Dublin designer.
• Heidi Higgins — Limerick-based contemporary designer.
• Sarah O’Neill — Contemporary Irish fashion.
• Aimee O’Loughlin — Contemporary Irish menswear.
• Caoimhin Lennon — Contemporary Irish menswear.

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Where to Shop Irish Fashion in Dublin

• Brown Thomas Irish Design Floor — Grafton Street. Premium contemporary Irish designers including Simone Rocha, Orla Kiely.
• The Irish Design Shop — Drury Street. 100+ Irish designers across fashion, jewellery, and homeware.
• Carraig Donn — Stores in Dublin’s shopping centres. Traditional Irish.
• Avoca — Suffolk Street. Premium Irish textiles and design.
• Kevin & Howlin — Nassau Street. Traditional Irish menswear and tweed.
• Designyard — South Frederick Street. Contemporary jewellery and design.
• Powerscourt Townhouse — South William Street. Boutique fashion in Georgian setting.
• Industry & Co — Drury Street. Homeware and small fashion.
• The Cow’s Lane Designer Market — Temple Bar Saturdays. Emerging Irish designers.
• Various Powerscourt boutiques — Multiple Irish designer stockists.
• Brown Thomas Concept Stores — Limited-time designer pop-ups.

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Irish Jewellery Designers

Designyard, at 25 South Frederick Street, is a contemporary jewellery and design gallery showing over 150 designers from Ireland and abroad. Notable Irish jewellers:

• Niamh Utsch — Contemporary geometric pieces.
• Seamus Gill — Sculptural silver and gold work.
• Aoife Casey — Contemporary Irish craft jewellery.
• Linda McLaughlin — Goldsmith with bespoke commissions.
• Edge Only — Contemporary unisex jewellery.
• Chupi — Romantic contemporary jewellery line.
• Nadia Trinder — Contemporary fine jewellery.
• Various Designyard stockists — 30+ Irish jewellers.

Pieces range from €80 for smaller silver items to €5000+ for fine gold and precious stone work. The Claddagh ring (traditional Irish design) remains the most popular Irish jewellery item with authentic versions carrying Irish Assay Office hallmarks.

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A Brief Irish Fashion History

Irish fashion developed from traditional craft heritage including Aran knitting, Donegal tweed weaving, linen production, and Connemara lacemaking. Each tradition represented centuries-old skills tied to specific regions of Ireland. The 20th century saw industrial expansion of these traditions through companies like Magee 1866 and Avoca. The 1970s emergence of designer Sybil Connolly brought international attention to Irish fashion. The 1980s-1990s saw Paul Costelloe and Louise Kennedy establish international Irish fashion careers.

The 2000s-2020s brought the breakthrough of Simone Rocha, Orla Kiely, and Philip Treacy as global Irish fashion figures. The National College of Art and Design (NCAD) and the Limerick School of Art and Design have established Ireland as a producer of fashion talent training contemporary designers. The annual Irish Fashion Innovation Hub at NCAD showcases emerging Irish design. The Irish Design Week (typically October) brings industry attention to Irish fashion alongside furniture, ceramics, and graphic design.

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National College of Art and Design (NCAD)

The National College of Art and Design (NCAD) at 100 Thomas Street in the Liberties is Ireland’s top art and design school. The annual NCAD Degree Show in June showcases graduating students including fashion, textiles, jewellery, ceramics, and graphic design. The show is free and one of Dublin’s best opportunities to see emerging Irish design.

The Fashion Show during the Degree Show is particularly notable, featuring final-year fashion graduates’ collections in a runway format. Tickets typically €15-25 with industry attendance. Many contemporary Irish designers including Simone Rocha studied at NCAD or similar Irish art schools. The school’s public canteen is open to visitors and serves quality food alongside displaying student work.

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Sustainable Irish Fashion

Sustainable fashion has emerged as a significant Irish fashion category. Smaller Irish designers emphasise local production, traditional methods, and ethical sourcing. The Irish Design Shop on Drury Street prioritises stocking sustainable Irish designers. Avoca’s emphasis on traditional Irish craft production maintains sustainability principles. Aoife McNamara is particularly known for sustainability focus.

Vintage and consignment shopping in Dublin includes Siopaella on Drury Street (premium consignment), The Vintage Hub (multiple locations), Dublin Vintage Factory, and various charity shop chains. The Saturday Cow’s Lane Designer Market and the monthly Dublin Flea Market both feature sustainable and vintage fashion. Brown Thomas has expanded sustainable fashion offerings including B Corp certified brands.

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Irish Textile Mills

Traditional Irish textile production continues in several mills:

• Avoca Handweavers — County Wicklow. Continuous weaving since 1723.
• Magee 1866 — County Donegal. Traditional Donegal tweed.
• Studio Donegal — County Donegal. Hand-woven tweeds.
• Hanna Hats — County Donegal. Traditional tweed caps.
• McNutts of Donegal — County Donegal. Scarves, throws, and tweeds.
• John Molloy — County Donegal. Aran knitwear and tweeds.
• Aran Crafts — County Galway. Hand-knitted Aran sweaters.
• Inis Meain — Aran Islands. Premium knitwear.

Visiting these mills (most in Donegal and Connemara) makes excellent Irish road trip stops for fashion enthusiasts. Dublin shops carry the products from these mills throughout the year. Mill shop visits offer factory tours, seconds at reduced prices, and direct purchasing.

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Irish Design Week and Fashion Events

• Irish Design Week (October) — Annual Irish design industry event including fashion programmes.
• NCAD Degree Show (June) — Free annual exhibition including fashion student collections.
• Brown Thomas Christmas Windows launch (late November) — Iconic Dublin fashion event.
• Dublin Fashion Festival (variable dates) — Annual Dublin fashion week event.
• Powerscourt Townhouse fashion events — Various designer pop-ups year-round.
• Brown Thomas Fashion Show events — Periodic premium designer events.
• The Irish Fashion Innovation Hub at NCAD — Year-round programme.

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Irish Fashion Budget

Budget (under €100)

Single-item Avoca scarves (€30-80), basic Carraig Donn wool accessories (€40-80), Irish Design Shop emerging designer pieces (€30-100), vintage Irish wool items at charity shops (€10-50).

Mid-range (€100-500)

Authentic Aran sweaters from Carraig Donn (€120-200), Donegal tweed jackets from Kevin & Howlin (€200-400), Avoca jackets and full outfits (€200-400), Designyard contemporary jewellery (€100-300), Orla Kiely accessories.

Premium (€500-2000)

Premium Aran sweaters, Magee tweed jackets, Designyard premium gold jewellery, Simone Rocha entry pieces at Brown Thomas, Paul Costelloe pieces, premium Avoca tailoring.

Luxury (€2000+)

Bespoke Donegal tweed suits at Kevin & Howlin (€2000-4000), Simone Rocha designer pieces (€1000-5000+), Philip Treacy bespoke hats (€1500-10,000+), premium contemporary jewellery (€1000-5000+).

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Dublin Fashion Shopping Tour

This 4-hour walking route covers Dublin’s essential fashion shopping:

• Start: Brown Thomas Grafton Street — Visit the Irish Design Floor for premium contemporary Irish designers. 60 minutes.
• Walk to the Aran Sweater Market, lower Grafton Street — Irish wool products and Aran sweaters. 30 minutes.
• Cross to Avoca Suffolk Street — Premium Irish textiles and design with cafe lunch. 60 minutes including lunch.
• Walk to Kevin & Howlin Nassau Street — Traditional Irish menswear. 30 minutes.
• Visit Designyard, South Frederick Street — Contemporary jewellery and design from 150+ designers. 30 minutes.
• Walk to The Irish Design Shop Drury Street — 100+ Irish designers across all categories. 60 minutes.
• Optional: Powerscourt Townhouse — Additional boutiques in Georgian setting.

Total walking distance about 2km. Allow 4-5 hours including stops. Combine with breakfast/coffee at Bewley’s or lunch at Powerscourt Townhouse for a complete fashion day.

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VAT Refunds on Irish Fashion

Non-EU visitors can claim VAT refunds (23% Irish VAT rate) on Irish fashion purchases over €75 from a single retailer. Brown Thomas, Carraig Donn, Avoca, Kevin & Howlin, and Designyard all participate. Request tax-free shopping form at purchase. Process refund at Dublin Airport before departure. Refund typically €15-20 per €100 spent after operator fees. Particularly valuable on luxury Irish fashion purchases where the VAT amounts are substantial.

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Current Irish Fashion Trends

Several trends define contemporary Irish fashion. Modern interpretations of traditional craft: Simone Rocha’s Aran-influenced collections, contemporary tweed brands like The Tweed Project, and updated Aran knitwear designs. Sustainability focus: Aoife McNamara, the Irish Design Shop’s emphasis on small-batch production, and ethical sourcing across emerging brands. Gender-neutral pieces: Edge Only jewellery, contemporary tweed jackets sized for all genders, modular knitwear designs. Mixing high and low: Pairing premium Brown Thomas designer pieces with high-street Penneys basics is now common Dublin style. Irish-influenced contemporary pieces: Designers worldwide reference Irish craft traditions; Irish brands lead the authentic versions of these trends.

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Brown Thomas Personal Shopper Service

For visitors interested in significant Irish fashion purchases, Brown Thomas offers a complimentary Personal Shopper service available with significant intended spend. The service includes private shopping rooms, escorted access to designer concessions, refreshments, and after-hours appointments. Book in advance through the Brown Thomas website. The service works particularly well for Irish designer purchases including Simone Rocha and Orla Kiely where private fitting and consultation enhance the experience. International visitors can use the service for VAT refund processing alongside shopping. Open during regular store hours plus after-hours appointments for special requests.

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Irish Fashion Accessories

Beyond clothing, Ireland produces excellent fashion accessories. Hats: Philip Treacy bespoke pieces, Ciara Lyons millinery, Hanna Hats traditional Donegal tweed caps. Scarves: Avoca’s premium scarves, McNutts of Donegal, John Hanly & Co. Bags: Various Irish leather workers including Aisling Maher and smaller studio brands at the Irish Design Shop. Belts: Traditional Irish leather workers and contemporary designers. Sunglasses and watches: Premium options through Brown Thomas concessions. The Powerscourt Townhouse boutiques house several quality Irish accessory designers worth exploring.

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The Future of Irish Fashion

Irish fashion continues to evolve. The Irish Fashion Innovation Hub at NCAD supports emerging designers with industry connections. Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland fund Irish fashion exports through trade shows including Paris Fashion Week. The Irish Design Week (October annual) brings industry attention. The 2030 Irish design strategy emphasises sustainable fashion and Irish craft heritage maintenance. Contemporary Irish designers continue establishing international reputations. The combination of strong craft heritage, training institutions, and government support positions Irish fashion for continued growth through the 2020s and beyond.

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Irish Design Week and Cultural Events

The annual Irish Design Week in October is the major event for Irish fashion and design industry. The week combines fashion shows, designer talks, gallery openings, and trade events. Free public events include design exhibitions at the Irish Design Shop, the National Gallery, and various Dublin venues. The Brown Thomas Concept Stores often launch new Irish designer collections to coincide with Design Week. Visitors interested in Irish fashion should plan trips to coincide with Design Week if possible. The October timing also aligns with the Bram Stoker Festival for combined cultural visits.

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Photography Locations for Fashion Visitors

Visitors interested in fashion photography will find Dublin offers excellent backdrops. The Brown Thomas Christmas Windows (late November-January) are iconic. Powerscourt Townhouse’s Georgian setting provides architectural fashion backdrops. The Grafton Street pedestrianised setting works well for street style photography. Trinity College’s Front Square is photogenic at any time of year. The Iveagh Gardens provide a quieter Georgian garden backdrop. Stoneybatter and Smithfield’s industrial buildings offer modern fashion photography settings. Most Dublin fashion bloggers and influencers use these locations regularly. Most public photography is welcomed but commercial shoots require permits.

For broader Dublin shopping context including general retail, markets, and shopping centres, see our Dublin Shopping pillar guide.

Combining Irish fashion shopping with other Dublin activities works well. Pair Brown Thomas browsing with Trinity College Long Room. Combine Carraig Donn shopping with Powerscourt Townhouse food hall lunch. Pair Designyard browsing with the National Library of Ireland Yeats Exhibition. Pair Avoca shopping with St Stephen’s Green park afternoon. The Grafton Street area accommodates extensive shopping alongside major sightseeing.

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Irish Fashion and Design: FAQ

Who are Ireland’s best fashion designers?

Internationally: Simone Rocha (the most successful), Orla Kiely (graphic design), Philip Treacy (millinery), Paul Costelloe (veteran). Domestically: Aoife McNamara, Natalie B Coleman, Heidi Higgins, The Tweed Project, and many emerging designers at NCAD. Traditional Irish heritage brands include Carraig Donn, Avoca, Kevin & Howlin, and Magee 1866.

Where can I buy Simone Rocha in Dublin?

Brown Thomas’s Irish Design Floor (Grafton Street) stocks Simone Rocha. Pieces typically €500-3000. The Brown Thomas Personal Shopper service (free with significant purchases) provides escorted shopping including Simone Rocha and other premium Irish designers.

What is Donegal tweed?

Donegal tweed is traditional Irish handwoven wool fabric originating in County Donegal. Distinctive flecks of colour are characteristic. Kevin & Howlin on Nassau Street specialises in Donegal tweed menswear. Magee 1866 is the premier Donegal tweed producer. Tweed jackets €200-800; bespoke tweed suits €2000-4000.

Where do I buy authentic Aran sweaters in Dublin?

Carraig Donn (stores in Dublin’s shopping centres) is the flagship retailer of authentic Made-in-Ireland Aran sweaters €120-200, and the Aran Sweater Market on lower Grafton Street is the handiest stop in the centre. Avoca on Suffolk Street has premium Aran options. Brown Thomas’s Irish Design Floor carries premium contemporary versions. Carraig Donn, Avoca and Brown Thomas all carry “Made in Ireland” certified items distinct from mass-produced “Aran style” sweaters.

What is the Irish Design Shop?

The Irish Design Shop on Drury Street is Dublin’s flagship contemporary Irish design retailer with 100+ Irish designers across fashion, jewellery, ceramics, prints, and homeware. The shop prioritises emerging Irish designers and sustainable production. Open Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm.

When is the NCAD Degree Show?

The National College of Art and Design (NCAD) Degree Show runs annually in June with the dates announced each spring. Free admission for the general exhibition; the NCAD Fashion Show during the same period charges €15-25. The show is one of Dublin’s best opportunities to see emerging Irish design across all categories.

Are there Irish fashion outlet stores?

Kildare Village (45 minutes south of Dublin by car) is the nearest premium outlet centre with 100+ premium and luxury brands at 30-60% discounts. The Avoca mill shop in County Wicklow offers Avoca products at outlet prices. Most Irish heritage brands (Carraig Donn, Kevin & Howlin, Magee) maintain full retail pricing in Dublin city centre.

Where can I see emerging Irish fashion designers?

The Irish Design Shop on Drury Street stocks 100+ emerging Irish designers. The Saturday Cow’s Lane Designer Market in Temple Bar features emerging designers selling direct. The NCAD Degree Show in June showcases graduating students. Brown Thomas occasionally runs concept store pop-ups with emerging designers. Powerscourt Townhouse boutiques rotate emerging designer stockists.

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Keep Reading

• Dublin Antique & Vintage Shopping Guide — Francis Street’s antiques quarter, the Drury Street vintage rails and the weekend market circuit.
• 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.
• luxury shopping — a related guide from elsewhere on the site.