If you have ever been let down by a carpet supplier – late delivery and sloppy fitting are the most common crimes – next time you buy, place yourself in safe hands. Maurice Walsh Carpets was located on Upper George’s Street in Dún Laoghaire for 28 years, before closing last summer. Now, the two men behind the shop, Brian Harrison and Philip Sisk, have opened new premises across the street.

Anyone can sell you a carpet, but it’s the fitting that matters and these guys have a reputation in the trade for doing things properly. The brands they have are the best – in particular check out Crucial Trading for chic sisals and Curragh Carpets for failsafe basics. Curragh’s Velvet Twist range (€54 per square metre) is very soft, yet extremely hard-wearing. There are beautiful shades, but be sure to have a look at Nebula (a grey-blue) and Mercury (a warm creamy shade).

Dún Laoghaire Carpets, 44 Upper George’s Street, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin. See dunlaoghairecarpets.com