The highest quality retail therapy is to be found in Grafton Street, a pedestrian thoroughfare that’s home to Brown Thomas and its range of designer labels such as Gucci, Prada, Hermes, Armani and John Rocha, who’s been adopted as something of a national hero.

A sassier alternative is the nearby George’s Street Arcade, the only place in town where you can get your bellybutton pierced, hair braided, larder stocked, CD collection updated and wardrobe replenished all under the one roof. It’s also a great spot to grab a coffee and watch the locals come and go. Temple Bar is famous for vintage and second-hand shops, with Eager Beaver (17 Crown Alley, D2) and The Real McCoy (Sprangler’s Yard, Fownes Street Upper, D2) specialising in ‘70s gear and American classics.

Heading north across O’Connell Bridge brings you to Arnott’s (Middle Abbey Street) and Cleary’s (O’Connell Street), two famous Dublin department stores where you can stock up on brands like Esprit, Tommy Hilfiger and Mango. Bargain lovers will enjoy scouring the discount shops along Henry Street, which also provides access to Moore Street Market and its United Nations of stalls, delis and restaurants.

Ireland’s rich literary history is celebrated in The Winding Stair (Ormond Quay Lower, D1), a café bookshop which has tens of thousands of new and secondhand titles including rare and valuable first editions