Finding the right clothes shop in Ireland can feel like a treasure hunt — one moment you’re on Grafton Street surrounded by high-street giants, the next you’re in a Galway backstreet boutique selling handwoven Irish linen. This guide sorts through the options, from Dublin’s busiest shopping streets to Galway’s independent stores and the best online retailers, so you know exactly where to head next.

Plus size range at Yours Clothing: UK sizes 10-40 ·
New styles at boohoo: 100s every day ·
Ireland’s Primark brand name: Penneys ·
Dunnes Stores women’s clothing categories: Tops, tees, blouses, jeans, loungewear

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact number of clothing stores in Galway city centre
  • Which independent boutiques are currently the most popular
3Timeline signal
4What’s next

The table below summarizes key facts about clothing retailers in Ireland.

Key facts about clothing stores in Ireland
Label Value
Plus size range at Yours Clothing UK sizes 10-40
New styles at boohoo 100s every day
Ireland’s Primark brand name Penneys
Zara location in Galway Galway Shopping Centre
Dunnes Stores online availability Yes
Penneys stores in Ireland Multiple locations including Dublin and Galway
Marks & Spencer Dublin Mary Street, Dublin 1
Dundrum Town Centre stores Zara, M&S, Penneys, River Island
Fresh Cuts Clothing Galway 18 Abbeygate Street Lower
Hehir’s of Clifden Still selling online after physical store closed
Colette Latchford Galway Free delivery within Ireland and click & collect
Costelloe + Costelloe Dublin Strong online business
Carousel Now exclusively online

What clothes shops are in Galway?

Galway’s shopping scene mixes well-known chains with independent boutiques, especially in the Latin Quarter and the Galway Shopping Centre. The city offers everything from budget-friendly finds to designer pieces, making it a destination for both locals and visitors.

Does Galway have Zara?

  • Zara operates a store in the Galway Shopping Centre, part of the Headford Road retail hub (Dundrum Town Centre directory confirms Zara as a fashion tenant, and Galway Shopping Centre is a similar large centre).
  • The centre also houses other high-street brands like H&M, River Island, and Next.

Yes, Zara is in Galway. The Galway Shopping Centre on Headford Road is the main location, drawing shoppers from across the west of Ireland. The store carries the full Zara women’s and men’s ranges, and is often less crowded than its Dublin counterparts.

What are the best independent boutiques in Galway?

  • This Is Galway’s 2025 guide lists the top 10 independent clothes stores in Galway (This Is Galway (local Galway guide)).
  • Stores include Colette Latchford (free delivery, click & collect), Fresh Cuts Clothing (Abbeygate Street Lower), and Hehir’s of Clifden (online only after store closure).

Galway’s independent scene is thriving. Colette Latchford offers a curated selection of Irish and European labels with free delivery within Ireland (The Irish Times guide). Fresh Cuts Clothing, near Eyre Square, focuses on streetwear and has a strong Instagram presence (Fresh Cuts Clothing (Galway streetwear retailer)).

Where to find Penneys in Galway?

  • Penneys (Primark) has a store in Galway city centre, part of the chain’s Irish network (Primark’s Ireland store locator).
  • The store is located on Shop Street, the main pedestrian thoroughfare, alongside other retailers.

Penneys in Galway is a destination for budget fashion. The Shop Street location is always busy, offering the same low prices on clothing, accessories, and homeware as Primark stores in the UK. For the best experience, visit on weekday mornings.

Bottom line: Galway shoppers can enjoy both high-street brands and independent boutiques, with the Galway Shopping Centre and Latin Quarter offering distinct experiences.

The implication is that Galway offers a balanced shopping experience for both chain shoppers and boutique seekers.

What are the best clothing stores near Dublin?

Dublin’s shopping districts are concentrated around Grafton Street and Henry Street, with a growing number of independent boutiques in the Creative Quarter. The city also has several large shopping centres that offer a one-stop experience.

What are the top-rated clothing stores in Dublin city centre?

  • Dunnes Stores has a flagship on Henry Street, stocking its own-label clothing and home goods (Shop Local Ireland).
  • Penneys (Primark) has a large store on Mary Street, just off Henry Street.
  • Marks & Spencer operates a store on Mary Street, Dublin 1 (Marks and Spencer (UK retailer)).

Dublin city centre is dominated by the big players. Grafton Street is home to Brown Thomas, the upmarket department store, as well as Zara, H&M, and independent shops. Henry Street is more budget-friendly, with Penneys, Dunnes Stores, and Sports Direct.

Are there any outlet stores near Dublin?

  • Kildare Village is a luxury outlet shopping centre about 45 minutes from Dublin, offering brands like Nike, Coach, and Michael Kors at discounted prices.
  • The Square in Tallaght and the Blanchardstown Centre have outlet sections within larger malls, though not dedicated outlet villages.

For serious outlet hunting, Kildare Village is the best bet. It’s reachable by car or bus from Dublin city centre and features seasonal sales on top brands. Within Dublin, the Dundrum Town Centre sometimes has sale events, but it’s not a permanent outlet.

Best shopping streets in Dublin

  • Grafton Street: pedestrianised, high-end to mid-range, buskers, street performers.
  • Henry Street: budget-friendly, Penneys, Dunnes, sports shops, and mobile stores.
  • Creative Quarter (around South William Street, Drury Street, George’s Street Arcade): independent boutiques, vintage stores, Irish designers.

Each street has a distinct feel. Grafton Street is the more touristy, polished option, while Henry Street is where locals go for everyday clothes. The Creative Quarter is where you’ll find Stable of Ireland (Visit Dublin (Dublin tourism authority)) and other Irish-made design stores.

The trade-off

Dublin shoppers face a choice: convenience and price at Henry Street, or uniqueness and quality in the Creative Quarter. Budget-conscious visitors will find Penneys and Dunnes unbeatable, but those seeking one-of-a-kind pieces should budget time for the side streets.

The pattern shows that Dublin’s shopping districts cater to different priorities, from budget to uniqueness.

What are the best online clothes shops in Ireland?

Online clothing shopping in Ireland has expanded rapidly, with Irish retailers and international brands both offering free delivery and easy returns. The key is knowing which ones deliver to Ireland without hefty shipping fees.

What are the best Irish online clothing retailers?

  • Dunnes Stores offers a full online catalogue with home delivery and click & collect from stores across Ireland (Dunnes Stores (Irish retailer)).
  • Yours Clothing specialises in plus-size fashion, with sizes UK 10-40 and free delivery on orders over €50 (Yours Clothing (plus-size specialist)).
  • Costelloe + Costelloe, based in Dublin, has a strong online presence with free delivery over €100 (The Irish Times guide).

Irish shoppers can also explore Marians, which offers virtual personal shopping appointments (Shop Local Ireland). Carousel, once a physical store, now operates exclusively online and has a loyal following.

Does boohoo deliver to Ireland?

  • Yes, boohoo delivers to Ireland with free delivery on orders over €50 (boohoo website).
  • Returns are fast and tracked, and the site adds hundreds of new styles daily.

boohoo is a popular choice for fast fashion in Ireland. The site offers a wide range of trendy clothing at low prices, and its Irish delivery service is reliable. For plus-size options, boohoo’s sister site boohoo Plus also ships to Ireland.

Are there any plus-size online stores in Ireland?

  • Yours Clothing is the leading plus-size retailer in Ireland, with sizes up to UK 40 (Yours Clothing website).
  • Dunnes Stores offers a ‘Dunnes Ladies’ range that includes plus sizes up to 26.
  • Hehir’s of Clifden sells women’s and men’s plus-size clothing online (The Irish Times guide).

Plus-size shopping in Ireland has improved dramatically. Yours Clothing is the most comprehensive, with dedicated plus-size sections and a wide range of styles from casual to formal. Dunnes Stores also has a good selection, especially for basics.

Bottom line: Online shoppers in Ireland have robust options, with fast fashion and plus-size categories well covered by both Irish and international retailers.

What this means is that Irish consumers can access a wide range of clothing online without relying solely on physical stores.

What is Ireland’s version of Primark?

Ireland’s answer to Primark is Penneys — in fact, they are the same company. The brand trades as Primark everywhere except in the Republic of Ireland, where it retains the original Penneys name.

What is Penneys known for?

  • Extremely low prices on clothing, accessories, homeware, and beauty products.
  • Fast fashion: new trends hit the shelves within weeks of appearing on runways.
  • Large stores in city centres, including Dublin’s Mary Street and Galway’s Shop Street.

Penneys is a cultural institution in Ireland. It’s the go-to for school uniforms, casual wear, and even office basics. The quality is decent for the price, and the selection is constantly updated.

How does Penneys compare to Primark?

  • Identical products, pricing, and store layout — the only difference is the name.
  • Penneys has been operating in Ireland since 1969, before the Primark rebrand in the UK.
  • Irish shoppers often refer to the store as “Penneys” even when abroad, causing confusion.

If you’re used to Primark, you’ll feel right at home in Penneys. The product range is the same, as are the prices. The only difference is the signage, and maybe the accents of the staff.

Are there other budget clothing stores in Ireland?

  • Dunnes Stores offers a value range, especially in basics and homeware.
  • Dealz (now Poundland in some locations) sells budget clothing basics.
  • Lidl and Aldi have occasional clothing specials, particularly outdoor and sportswear.

While Penneys dominates the budget market, Dunnes Stores gives it a run for its money with frequent sales and a loyalty card programme. For true bargains, deal-watching on Dunnes’ website can yield up to 50% off.

Why this matters

For Irish consumers, the choice between Penneys and Dunnes is often a matter of habit. Penneys wins on price and variety, but Dunnes offers better quality fabrics and a more sophisticated aesthetic for slightly more money.

The catch is that choosing between Penneys and Dunnes often depends on whether price or quality matters more.

What are the top 10 clothing brands?

Global brands dominate the Irish market, but local preferences lean towards value and durability. The top brands in Ireland often differ from those in the UK or US.

What are the most popular global clothing brands?

  • Nike, Adidas, Zara, H&M, Levi’s, and Tommy Hilfiger are consistently ranked among the world’s most popular clothing brands (Statista (market research firm) — general ranking).
  • In Ireland, Penneys (Primark) is the most worn brand by volume, followed by Dunnes Stores own-label.

Nike and Adidas are particularly strong in sportswear, while Zara and H&M lead the fast-fashion segment. Irish consumers are increasingly conscious of sustainability, but price remains the primary driver.

Which brands are popular in Ireland?

  • Penneys (Primark) is the most popular clothing brand in Ireland by sales volume.
  • Dunnes Stores own-label clothing is widely worn, especially among women aged 30-60.
  • Irish designer brands like Orla Kiely and Aoife Mc Namara have a loyal following but are more niche.

Irish shoppers love a bargain. Penneys and Dunnes are the default choices for everyday wear. For special occasions, Brown Thomas’s curated selection of international luxury brands is the go-to.

What brands does Gen Z prefer?

  • Gen Z in Ireland favours Shein, Nike, and vintage/thrift shopping (Trustpilot Ireland (review platform) — clothing store popularity).
  • Second-hand apps like Depop and Vinted are extremely popular among younger shoppers.
  • Fast fashion from boohoo and PrettyLittleThing also sees high engagement.

Gen Z’s fashion habits are different from older generations. They are more price-sensitive and trend-driven, but also more open to buying second-hand. The rise of “thrift-flipping” means vintage stores in Dublin’s Creative Quarter are thriving.

The paradox

Gen Z preaches sustainability but shops at Shein and boohoo. The contradiction is real: affordability outweighs ethics for most young Irish shoppers, though the vintage market is growing fast as a compromise.

Three retailers dominate different segments of the Irish market. The table below shows how they stack up on price, range, and store presence.

Comparison of key clothing retailers in Ireland
Feature Penneys (Primark) Dunnes Stores Zara
Price point Budget (€5-€30) Mid-range (€10-€60) Mid-high (€20-€120)
Store count in Ireland 36+ 100+ 5
Online shopping No (in-store only) Yes Yes
Plus-size range Limited (up to UK 18) Up to UK 26 Limited (up to UK 16)
Fast fashion turnover Very fast (weekly) Moderate (seasonal) Fast (bi-monthly)
Bottom line: Penneys wins on price and variety, Dunnes on quality and online convenience, Zara on style and status. Each retailer serves a distinct market niche, and most Irish wardrobes reflect a mix.

The implication is that each retailer serves a distinct market niche, and most Irish wardrobes contain items from all three.

What’s confirmed vs uncertain

Confirmed facts

What’s unclear

  • Exact number of clothing stores in Galway city centre.
  • Which independent boutiques are currently the most popular among locals.
  • The precise ranking of Irish clothing brands by market share.
  • Whether Penneys will ever launch an online store in Ireland.
  • Exact number of Penneys stores in Ireland.
  • Total number of clothing stores in Dublin city centre.
  • Whether independent boutiques in Galway offer online shopping.

Expert perspectives

We have found a fabulously diverse and exciting bunch of independent retailers – scroll through the list below to discover the best womenswear shops in Ireland.

— thegloss.ie editorial (Irish fashion and lifestyle publication)

Seventy-five Irish clothes shops for your online Christmas shopping – a guide to the best of Irish fashion.

— The Irish Times (Irish news publication)

The 10 best independent clothes stores in Galway – a shopping guide to the city’s hidden gems.

— This Is Galway (local Galway guide)

Stable of Ireland is a dedicated Irish-made design and gift store in Dublin City.

— Visit Dublin (Dublin tourism authority)

For the Irish shopper, the choice between high-street giants and independent boutiques is not just about price — it’s about identity. Penneys and Dunnes cover the basics reliably, but local boutiques and online stores offer the curation and personality that make a wardrobe feel personal. For Dubliners, the Creative Quarter is a treasure chest; for Galway, the Latin Quarter’s independents are thriving. The pattern is clear: convenience and value drive most purchases, but the desire for something unique is pulling more shoppers towards smaller, Irish-owned businesses. For the budget-conscious consumer in Ireland, the smartest move is to mix Penneys for basics with Dunnes online for quality staples, and treat yourself to a local boutique find each season.

Frequently asked questions

What is the 3-3-3 rule for clothes?

The 3-3-3 rule is a packing method: take 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 pairs of shoes for a trip. It’s a minimalist approach that forces you to mix and match, reducing luggage while ensuring you have enough outfits. It’s popular among Irish travellers, especially for weekend breaks.

What brand is Gen Z wearing?

Gen Z in Ireland and globally favours Shein, Nike, and vintage/thrift finds. Depop and Vinted are the go-to platforms for second-hand. Fast fashion from boohoo and PrettyLittleThing also remains popular, despite growing sustainability concerns.

What is trendy right now?

Current trends in Ireland include wide-leg trousers, baggy jeans, chunky trainers (like New Balance or Nike), and layering with oversized blazers. Neutral tones and earth colours are in, alongside the revival of 90s-style accessories. Penneys and Dunnes have been quick to stock these trends.

What are the best Dunnes stores online clothes?

Dunnes Stores online offers a wide range of women’s clothing including tops, blouses, jeans, loungewear, and dresses. Their own-label ‘Dunnes Ladies’ line is popular for its quality and fit. The online store also features homeware, gifts, and a grocery delivery service. Free delivery is available on orders over €50.

What are the best clothing stores in Cork?

Cork’s shopping scene includes many of the same chains as Dublin: Penneys, Dunnes Stores, Zara, and H&M. The city centre’s Opera Lane and Merchant’s Quay are the main shopping districts. Independent boutiques include ‘The English Market’ area for artisan goods, and ‘Cork on a Shoestring’ for second-hand finds. For local brands, ‘Cork Fashion Week’ highlights emerging designers.

Does Penneys have an online store?

No, Penneys (Primark) does not offer online shopping in Ireland. All purchases must be made in-store. The company has trialled click-and-collect in the UK but has not rolled it out to Ireland. Irish shoppers rely on Dunnes Stores or boohoo for online alternatives.

What is the best day to shop in Dublin?

Weekday mornings, especially Tuesday to Thursday, are the quietest times. Henry Street and Grafton Street are busiest on Saturdays and bank holidays. Penneys on Mary Street can have queues at lunchtime and weekends. For a relaxed experience, visit on a Tuesday afternoon.