Avoca

The Avoca store in Connemara is located on the shores of Ballinakil Bay on the main Clifden to Westport road at Letterfrack. It is known among locals as the most interesting shop in the west and a must-see visitor spot. Avoca combines the best of Irish crafts, artisan food products, gifts, clothes and house decorations – not forgetting a breathtaking view across the rugged coastline and rolling hills of Connemara. There’s something for everyone at Avoca’s Letterfrack store, from women’s wear to outdoor gear and not to mention the delicious healthy foods served from the Avoca Pantry range.

There is a selection on show of handmade Irish scarves, rugs and beautiful throws in materials such as lamb’s wool and cashmere, most of which are woven in the family mill in Avoca village, Co Wicklow. Avoca works with talented Irish people and offers an exciting collection of exclusive gifts such as leather, pottery and jewellery, including the Garret Mallon collection and many others. Avoca also stocks delicious-smelling fruity soaps, as well as organic soaps and beauty products. For more information and to find out other store locations, visit www.avoca.com.

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Enchanted Vintage Clothing

Enchanted Vintage Galway is located in Galway city, just off Eyre Square. This wonderful vintage shop opened its doors in July 2010 and allows everyone to throw themselves back in time and surround themselves with glamour from past decades.

Looking for a fancy outfit or something to take you back to the 1900s? This vintage store stocks occasion wear from the 1920s to the 1980s. The majority of the stock is from the 1940s or 1950s, but there is sure to be something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to wear something different for your wedding day or you’re a lover of everything magical, Enchanted Vintage Clothing has an entire room just for vintage wedding ball gowns.

The Galway store began to feature newer vintage clothing from the 1970s and 1980s in the spring of 2011 to keep up with growing demand. The store has featured more casual vintage for everyday wear, as well as continuing to stock the higher-end vintage for those looking to find that outfit that’s just that little bit different. Enchanted Vintage Clothing also stocks beautiful vintage accessories, bags, hats, shoes and jewellery.

The Gaiety

Clodagh and Sean Gaiety set up their own business in Westport in 2011. Their second store opened later in Galway city.

The couple launched an antique and vintage store as they both loved everything with a story behind it. Within the store, you will be able to find anything that wants to be re-used, rehoused or rehomed.

The pieces that the Gaietys find come from all over, as the couple travel the world searching for beautiful antiques and furniture. Lose yourself in discovering the Gaiety’s treasures at their pop-up shops. Experience more about antiques at the workshops Clodagh hosts between Westport and Galway.

Every type of antique you can imagine can be found in the Gaiety shop, from old wooden picnic benches that have been given a make-over to cabinets and old typewriters. Revamp your house or give it a more traditional feel with The Gaiety antique products. Visit www.thegaiety.ie for more information

Don Racine

An exclusive boutique opened which opened in Castlebar in 1981, Don Racine attracts customers from all over the country in search of their perfect outfit. The shop has recently been refurbished. It now has two floors displaying the most up-to-date trends for Irish women. Whether you are looking for an outfit for that special day at the races or a wedding, it is well worth a trip. Don Racine’s clothing collection also appeared on TV3’s Ireland AM last July. Visit www.donracine.ie for more information.