The nominations for Best Shop are flooding in from every corner of the country and beyond. For knitwear that’s “light-years beyond the woolly jumper level”, Suzy Webster recommends a trip to Granny’s Bottom Drawer boutique in Kinsale, Co Cork. Its “underrated and stylish” clothing, including, she says, “raincoats that you actually enjoy wearing”, puts the store firmly on her list of favourites. Another little-known gem is the Guinness Gallery in Foxrock, Co Dublin, which Andrew Palmer describes as “an eclectic mix of paintings and quality giftwear” in an “increasingly standardised retail world”. “I love the way the Gallery’s blurb about the maker accompanies the gifts I buy,” he says, speaking of the shop’s little touches.
The "very personal attention" bestowed on customers in Mrs Bee's has made the natural remedy shop a big hit with many visitors. The store, located in Gorey, Co Wexford, is "treasured greatly by all the regular customers", and, says Sophia Leonard, "I always come away with a smile on my face." In Bandon, Co Cork, Wild Side Sports has been receiving massive praise from regulars for its stock of "everything and anything for the outdoors", not limited to surfing, hiking and kayaking gear, says Michael Milner. He also admires the staff's commitment in "personally testing the equipment in the shop" as well as the store's "involvement in promoting all these sports locally". Pat O' Hare gives a special mention to owners Phil & Laurie, a "young funky couple who really do live their brand".
Expert owners are very much valued this week, with Chris Miller praising Willie Meighan and Davey Holland, runners of Rollercoaster Records in Kieran Street, Co Kilkenny. "Every year," Chris explains, "the Rollercoaster becomes the ticket hub for Rhythm & Roots Festival", and between the two, they manage to organise "sound engineering, promotion, digs, transport from airport and venues" for the artists, as well keeping everything ship-shape in store. In Limerick, Ingrid Wallace is keen to share her one-stop shop: Lawless Flowers on Roches Street. The store, run by Dan Lawless – "a true gentleman with incredible taste" – and his partner Clive Cooke, "is a tremendous place" that "stocks flowers that are a bit different, which I really like". She also loves the "comfy chair" placed precisely for customers to relax on, and the "super old-fashioned bicycle propped up outside the entrance".
Lenisa Myler credits The Marie McElheron Bridal Design Studio in Arklow, Co Wicklow with helping make her big day unforgettable. Although Lenisa initially approached the idea of purchasing a wedding dress with a "heart beating out of my chest with panic", she says she felt "instantly relieved" by owner Marie's calm confidence. Having a dress made there was "a pure delight", she adds. John Gunn and his family are old hands at soothing frazzled nerves as well. "You always feel no question is stupid," says Helen Hanafin of the camera shop on Wexford Street, Co Dublin, "and that the use of a camera is easy."
If you're having a spot of bother remodelling the kitchen, Luke and his staff at the Italian Tile and Stone Shop in Terenure, Co Dublin are the ones to call, says Owen Butler. When there was a problem fitting the tiles he bought, Owen "got the builder on to Luke, who patiently took him through the best way to lay them over a number of calls, and a visit to the shop". "Happy days," says Ann Egan, summing up her experience there, all the while complimenting Luke's ability to "match up floors, walls and trimmings beautifully".
If a visit to your favourite shop makes your day, we want to know to know the where, why and who of it all, so get in touch by e-mailing bestofirishshops@irishtimes.com or commenting on our Facebook page, facebook.com/irishtimes.
