The Vintage Chronicles: Dublin

Fashionable trends are cyclical, and what was old will almost certainly become new again. There is a reason that styles like flared denim or crop tops, popular decades ago have now, once again, come back to life. In the mayhem of denim jackets and last occasion-bargain-skirt from the 50s, it should be easy nowadays find some very reliable spots in which you can dig enough to catch that craved item. Charity shops, vintage shops, even flea markets, have established their importance in such a city like Dublin, but moreover in a country like Ireland, and there’s one for everyone’s pocket.

Therefore if you, just like us, feel a bit like Macklemore and want to “pop some tags” cause you “only got twenty dollars in your pocket”, have a look at the list of vintage, thrift shops and flea markets in Ireland we created just for you. Let’s start in Dublin.

Vintage Shops

First and foremost, I must say that sometimes vintage shops can be expensive. I know, that’s a bummer! It’s true that “vintage” indicates the year of production and in terms of fashion, however, age can elevate a product to a whole new status. Do not despair, here a selection of the best vintage shops in Dublin:

Monto

Establishing its heritage for 21 years in Parnel Street, Monto Vintage is indeed the most eclectic vintage shop. You can find genuine Hawaiian-made shirts and clothes from various designers. These include Irish brands Niamh O’Neill and Paul Costello, as well as famous fashion labels like Moschino, Valentino, Oscar de la Renta. Hence, if it wasn’t enough, some pieces are handmade and customised on the spot from a local artist. A stop worth making during your vintage hunting.

Where:1 Stewart Hall, Parnell Street, Dublin 1

Lucy’s lounge

Go through the upstairs boutique and you’ll find an Aladdin’s basement of vintage goodies. You can easily be wandering for an hour or two here before re-emerging triumphant with something unique to brighten up your wardrobe. Quirky, interesting, eccentric accessories and items here! Worth a stroll!

Where:11 Fownes Street Upper, Temple Bar, Dublin 2

A Store is Born

Just like stepping into a 1950’s movie, a Store is Born is the forefront of vintage clothing in Dublin. Unfortunately, it’s only open on Saturday from 11 am until 6 pm: blink and you may miss it. Their collections perfectly blend the sophisticated with the sartorially fun, ranging from a great selection of (fake) furred-coats to delicate pieces as kimono throws and 1920s silk slips.

Where:34 Clarendon Street, Dublin, Ireland

Dublin Vintage Factory

Clear the way for His Majesty Dublin Vintage Factory. From its humble debuts, this place has managed to become one of Dublin’s top vintage shops. Not only is it the most acclaimed and visited one, but it is also the first to introduce the kilo shop concept to Ireland. That is, for each item/set of items per kg you pay 20 €. At €20 a kilo you really can’t go wrong!

Where: Basement store, 11 Fownes Street Upper, Temple Bar, Dublin, D07 F6HV

Dublin Vintage Shop

With a fairly less noisy backstory, the Dublin Vintage Shop on famous Capel Street stands up to the Factory. First and foremost for the character of the items and their cost. From books to a peculiar selection of pieces from 60s/70s and 80s, the Dublin Vintage Shop will have the right item you’re looking for: denim-woollen pattern jumper to any colourful jumpsuits and XXL size aviator coats.

Where: Capel Street Capel St, North City, Dublin 1, D01 CX68

The Harlequin

A vintage and retro boutique run by a mother-daughter team, the Harlequin shop is a secondhand clothes and accessories shop from the 1920s up to the present day. Dressing up both men and women, they hold an unusual quantity of men’s tweed jackets, as well as evening-more elegant pieces. As its name suggests, this place boasts a great variety of all decades’ collection to a very reasonable price.

Where: 13 Castle Market, Dublin, D02 XH05

Charity Shops

Thrift shops, or charity shops, sell old clothing for really low prices. Their stock can offer more variety than a vintage shop, as it’s based on donation, not curation. The good news: prices remain low and the store will still make a profit, of which a part will be donated. With this, you can still have a pretty cool and fashionable wardrobe while doing something great not only for some communities and associations but also for the environment.  Sustainable is fashionable. Here the best and most well-stocked thrift shops in Dublin:

Vincent’s

St Vincent Society aims to work with people experiencing poverty and disadvantage, helping them to alleviate its effects and providing them with some housing supports. To do so, they do a collection of clothes to be sold. And frankly, this small gem in Rathmines, Dublin, can surprise with many lovely items and quite well-maintained pieces: a raincoat coat for 17€ is an awesome way to add a great item to your collection and acknowledging to have done a great gesture.

NB: they also have an “elegant”/wedding section, if you can’t find your wedding dress.

Where:310 Rathmines Rd Lower, Rathmines, Dublin 6, D06 C3N0

With Love

This children association doesn’t only sell clothes for childcare, but it has several designer ends of lines, beautiful cocktail items wore by Ireland’s most glamorous celebs, great luxury items for very affordable pockets. Therefore, if you happen to have any unwanted gift, ex-boyfriend huge sweaters or some shoes you don’t use anymore, step in and donate. A good cause for a good cause.

Where: Unit 2 Portmarnock Town Centre Dublin, Ireland

NCBI Retail

NCBI is the national sight loss organisation, working for people with sight loss. With its detailed and forefront programs, it provides practical and emotional support, rehabilitation services and other training to help people to live independently. Their retail shops provide a great variety in summer\fall collections, aiming at recycling and being as sustainable as they can be. Both for women, men and children you are no-doubt going to miss some budget beauties (the prospects of which is always heartbreaking!)

Where: 73 Thomas St, Merchants Quay, Dublin

Age action

Age action, scattered all over the nation, is focused on helping older people and their families to live full and independent lives, highlighting the needs of the most disadvantaged of older people. The store contains a wide range of both male and female designer and contemporary clothing, hats, bags, shoes and jewellery. Reasonably priced and known to do 2€ clothes days including coats. Honestly, can’t complain about that!

Where: Camden Street Lower Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 2, D02

Flea Markets

And when we talk about second-hand things, we need to include the picturesque world of Flea Markets. It’s, unfortunately, sad to discover that they’re an endangered kind, as more shops appear lesser stalls will be alive. You can get everything there, from tee’s to jerseys, jeans, shoes, knives, jewellery, it’s where you go if you got some money and you’d like to get rid of a whole lotta fresh junk that would have cost you hundreds normally.

Dublin Flea Market

The Dublin Flea Market, a crazy bazaar, will be likely to find any sort of vintage (and what-not)clothing, second-hand item and, sometimes, if you can smell a bargain, great pieces of authenticity like Vera Wang sunglasses or even some Birkins. It’s quite important to remember, though, that the position could vary. So, stay tuned to the Market’s website: you don’t want to miss it, do you? Every last Sunday of the month.

Where: Newmarket Square, Dublin 8. (Better double-check the website, though)

Jamestown Market

Their saying is “if you can think of it, we probably have it”, and that’s actually quite accurate.  With a combination of new and vintage, modern and retro, it is a completely enjoyable way to spend a day in the pursuit of some fine piece fro the 80s or 2000s. There is a great variety of new, antique and second-hand merchandise to suit everyone’s taste and budget.

NB: Paul’s and Deirdre’s stalls are rich in Vinyl, musical equipment and just lots of really cool stuff.

Where: Jamestown Market, 90 Jamestown Road, Dublin 8, Ireland.