Must-see shopping in Northern Ireland

  • Designerie

    County Antrim

    This nonprofit social enterprise sells handcrafted ceramics, soaps, art and textiles by some 60 Irish designer makers. There are some fine pieces to be…

  • Unique Artshop

    Belfast

    At Ulster University, this dynamic artshop sells pieces by students, alumni and other local designer makers, including graphics and prints, sculptures,…

  • Space Craft

    Belfast

    This shop and exhibition space displays the work of more than 40 local designers and artists. High-quality pieces include ceramics, artwork, cushions,…

  • Studio Souk

    Belfast

    With three floors filled with pieces by local artists and designers, Souk is the perfect place to pick up Belfast-themed items including pottery, printed…

  • Smart Swag

    Derry (Londonderry)

    Run by local artists and designers, Smart Swag sells original and unusual pieces such as jewellery made from vinyl records, upcycled furniture, screen…

  • No Alibis Bookstore

    Belfast

    Specialising in crime fiction (and even appearing in print in Colin Bateman's Mystery Man series), this small, independent bookshop run by friendly and…

  • Friend at Hand

    Belfast

    This whiskey museum and shop has more than 200 different whiskeys for sale as well as displays of old whiskey paraphernalia and 600 bottles from the…

  • Craft Village

    Derry (Londonderry)

    A handful of craft shops sell Derry crystal, handwoven cloth, ceramics, jewellery and other local craft items in this renovated courtyard. One of the best…

  • Steensons

    Belfast

    This city-centre showroom sells a range of stylish, contemporary, handmade jewellery in silver, gold and platinum, from the Steensons workshop in Glenarm,…

  • Slemish Market Garden

    County Antrim

    At the Ecos Nature Park, this food shop sells organic and biodynamic produce from the on-site gardens and local farms. Pick up seasonal fruit and fresh…

  • Co Couture

    Belfast

    This small subterranean shop has won prizes for its hand-crafted chocolates made using raise trade (a step up from fair trade) chocolate from Madagascar…

  • Victoria Square

    Belfast

    This modern shopping mall is set around a soaring atrium topped by a vast glass dome, with a viewing platform. It's filled with upmarket chains, including…

  • Books Paper Scissors

    Belfast

    Bright and welcoming independent bookstore with a good selection of fiction and non-fiction, including Irish literature and children's books. Staff are…

  • Bella & Bear

    Belfast

    Attached to the excellent Reids Florist, this small, family-run homewares store sells beautiful ornaments, vases, greetings cards and fun gifts like…

  • Gallery 1608

    County Antrim

    Some of Ireland's top artists are represented at this small gallery that's packed full with paintings, photography, ceramics and sculptures. The…

  • Matchetts Music

    Belfast

    Acoustic instruments, from guitars and mandolins to penny whistles and bodhráns (hand-held goatskin drums), fill the shelves here, along with books of…

  • Fresh Garbage

    Belfast

    Easily recognised by the gaggle of Goths hovering outside the door, this place has been around for decades but remains a cult favourite for hippie and…

  • Wicker Man

    Belfast

    In addition to offering knitting and crochet classes, arty Wicker Man sells a wide range of contemporary Irish crafts and gifts, including silver…

  • Cool Discs Music

    Derry (Londonderry)

    One of Northern Ireland's best independent record shops, Cool Discs has a wide selection of music by Irish artists old and new and sells concert tickets.

  • Foyleside Shopping Centre

    Derry (Londonderry)

    This huge, four-level mall just outside the eastern city walls contains a Marks & Spencer, Eason bookshop and other high-street chain stores.

  • Keats & Chapman

    Belfast

    You could lose hours browsing the crammed shelves of this secondhand bookshop, that's been in business since 1928.

  • Young Savage

    Belfast

    This compact shop spread over two floors is packed full with vintage clothing, shoes, records and books.

  • Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory

    Belfast

    This 1950s-style shop sells fudge, candy, chocolates, toffee apples and other traditional sweets made by hand. Book ahead for child-friendly candy-making…

  • Titanic Store

    Belfast

    The gift shop at Titanic Belfast sells a range of memorabilia and souvenirs, including replica dinner services, vintage posters and books.

  • Archives Antique Centre

    Belfast

    A warren of curios and collectables including Irish silver, brass, pub memorabilia, militaria, books and light fittings.

  • Whatnot

    Derry (Londonderry)

    Jewellery, militaria, bric-a-brac and collectables cram this interesting little antique shop.

  • Waterstones

    Belfast

    General fiction, nonfiction and Lonely Planet guidebooks, plus a cafe on the 1st floor.

  • McConvey Cycles

    Belfast

    This Ormeau Rd shop stocks bicycles and accessories, though it doesn't rent them out.

  • Eason

    Belfast

    Eason sells books, maps, magazines and stationery.

  • Cowley Gallery

    Derry (Londonderry)

    This small gallery sells pieces by local artists.

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