Malahide has long been considered a chic shopping destination and it’s helped in no small part by a vibrant restaurant and café scene that will keep you there all day.
The shoppers are well heeled too as evidenced by the fact that Marc Cain, the premium German fashion brand, set up its flagship Irish store at 2-3 Strand Street in 2013 and has flourished since, says franchise owner Louise Conway. She and her mother, Jenny Conway, already run the eponymous Jenny's boutique in Ashbourne and its sister establishment in Dunshaughlin. A brightly coloured summer coat, €649, is one of its cheeriest investment buys.
A browse through the stock at Gibney's of Malahide off-licence, New Street, reveals a preference amongst Malahiders for old-world wines. "Chardonnay is back in fashion", a sign further in proclaims. Many don't realise that classics such as Chablis and burgundies are made with this grape, Ann Moran, manager of the shop explains. Malahide seems to have a thriving dinner party scene if the amount of boxed liquors, truffles and Turkish Delight on offer is anything to go by.
Chez Emily chocolates, €19.99 for 340g, made locally in The Ward by a Belgian husband and Dublin wife team, are a popular choice.
The shop also does a brisk trade in craft beers and rosé at this time of the year, although no-one out here would ever call the latter “lady petrol”.
Salon Tibo is a Malahide institution. Twenty years in business, it has moved premises three times and finally got a shop window on Main Street in 2008. It's run by Thomas Behan and his two sisters. A hair cut by Behan costs €70. At this time of year he's busy with bridal consultations and recently installed a make-up bar to offer customers the complete package.
Tony Byrne Menswear is a crowded little shop on The Diamond where two men were being fitted for wedding suits on the day this writer visited. They're trying Magee Inky blue suits for size, a colour once known as "Fianna Fáil blue" back when the dapper Charles Haughey took a leaf out of JFK's book, the latter opting for an air force blue, Haughey opting for a slightly deeper shade that better flattered Irish skin.
Although busy, the raptor-eyed Byrne still managed to clock this writer and ask if I was okay. Bravo. The suiting fabric, €350 for a two-piece, €425, for a three-piece, has built-in stretch that lends formal wear an ease but still looks sharp.
A potter around Michael's Garden Centre, housed in an empty lot, reveals bedding plants from €3, while across the street at Sylvester's Market, a low- ceilinged indoor space, the blush tomato pesto by local 88 Food Company, €3, is one of the best selling products.
Alanna Gallagher
