Running from the Fusiliers' Arch at St Stephen’s Green to Trinity’s front door at College Green, Grafton Street is the city’s most well-heeled shopping strip. It's a who’s-who walkway with international high-street heavyweights sitting alongside homegrown heroes like Weir & Son jewellers and the grand dame that is the Brown Thomas department store.

Off this main artery run little tributaries of shopping heaven that will reward a map-free wander as much as a planned-out itinerary. West, towards the family-run George’s Street Arcade, is a warren of design stores, fashion boutiques and record shops amongst cafes and bars. Keen readers should head east to find both Dublin’s oldest bookshop and a bookshop selling the city’s oldest books.

To the north is Temple Bar’s cobbled maze of vintage and indie outlets, while beyond the river are the northside’s vibrant shopping neighbourhoods. Henry Street is all about A-list chain stores, while nearby Capel and Mary streets are a kaleidoscopic mix of haberdasheries, tailors, charity shops and ethnic restaurants. And then there's Moore Street, where traditional street traders ply their wares under the lofty gaze of historic department stores.