Ask a local for shopping tips in Dundalk and they'll most likely point you in the direction of the town's two main shopping centres - the Long Walk in the centre of town and the Dundalk Shopping Centre on the Dublin road. But walk along the winding streets and there are still interesting small shops with great gift ideas
Threadware on Park Street has an interesting selection of pottery including work by cross-Border craftspeople. Favourites include a multi-coloured jug (£14) by Hathor Ceramics from Co Antrim and a funky-looking, polka-dot teapot at £42.50 by Bond & Cuffe (one member of the duo, Caroline Bond, is from Dundalk). Also painted silk ties by Lorsha, £32.50.
Tommy the Bikes Outdoor World, 11 Earl Street, is where fashion meets the great outdoors in the colourful selection of fleeces for all ages. Cutest are by Jack Wolfskin, from £39 for children's sizes, £70 for adults. Look for the trademark pawprint design. Also Animal watches - these chunky divers wristwatches start at £75 and hats and scarves to match starting at £12.
Halls Curios on Jocyln Street is a very attractive antique shop with the emphasis on furniture, although there is also a small selection of jewellery. Stock changes regularly and browsers are welcome.
Michael Smyth's of Francis Street is choc-a-block with an enormous variety of good Christmas gifts for all ages, from silver rings to pottery. Favourites include the locally made Ogam range of aromatherapy oils - great stocking fillers from £1.50 - and fully equipped wicker picnic baskets at £82 (not the most seasonal gift but a great present for any family).
Patricia Murphy of Francis Street has hand-painted silk and velvet scarves and wraps direct from the artist's studio. In dark jewel colours, prices range from £50 to £150 and Patricia does work to commission but you'll probably be a little too late if you want something for December 25th.
The Gift and Art Gallery of Clanbrassil Street is good for upmarket seasonal gifts such as a Denby teapot (£33.99) with a cheery Christmas motif, Irish Dresden Christmas tree ornaments from £12 and a set of six serviette holders designed by Paul Costelloe for Newbridge (£33).
R.Q. O'Neill of Earl Street is a Dundalk institution. The shop has been a general store in the true sense of the word for the past 100 years, selling everything from ploughs to tablecloths. Now it's mainly a mix of hardware and giftware. Best gift buy this Christmas would be anything from the John Rocha range of glassware for Waterford Crystal, from around £20.
Parking: The New Long Walk Shopping Centre in the town centre has a large car-park.
Lunchstop. Cafe Metz, Francis Street, is a very stylish cafe if you just want something small. `No 32' on Chapel Street, less than a month old but already packed every lunch time, is the place to head for if you want more. Chef Susan Heraghty serves up an interesting and varied lunch menu in her cool, 1950s-inspired restaurant. Less than £10 for a three-course lunch.
Hinterland highlight: D'arcy McGee Crafts Centre, Carlingford Village, is 15 miles from Dundalk. If the Crafts Council has its way Carlingford is set to become the Kilkenny of the north-east in terms of crafts and craftspeople. This newly converted grainstore in the village is where young craftspeople, including ceramicist Liz Byrne and woodturner Glen Lucas, have set up their studios. Studio visits are welcome and a shop will open in the crafts centre later this month.
