Whenever I feel bad, I would always end up doing some retail therapy. And true enough, shopping keeps the sadness at bay just because I feel more tired hopping from one town to another, just to visit all possible stores I wanted to see.
Well, that was before I discovered that Monkstown has great shops to visit. No need to go from one suburb to another as this place has all the things that I need (and want!).
So if you need a little retail therapy without tiring yourself in transit, then read on as I go over the top shops you can visit in Monkstown.
How we chose:
1. The Blue Door Dublin
Consumer Rating: B+
| Google reviews score | 4.3/5 |
| Total reviews | 4/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Product variety | 4.5/5 |
| Durability and good materials used | 4.5/5 |
| Craftsmanship | 4.5/5 |
| Product quality | 4.8/5 |
| Location | 4.5/5 |
| Close to public transport | 4.8/5 |
| Parking provision onsite | 4.8/5 |
| Ambiance | 4.8/5 |
For those who just had a renovation, or maybe plan to restyle their homes, The Blue Door Direct in Monkstown could be a perfect shop to visit. We love that we can get stuff for the kitchen, dining, storage area, living room, and even items for our patio.
What’s great about this Monkstown shop is that they offer new products every season, making them a great choice for those who love adding a fresh touch to their homes from time to time.
We love that we can always find something unique at this lifestyle shop. We love how our house guests would ask us if we bought it from another country, telling us that they haven’t seen it from the local market.
We’re also quite impressed that the items we bought years ago still look like they’re brand new, showcasing the great quality of the merchandise sold in this shop.
Meanwhile, for those who can’t leave their home to shop, The Blue Door Direct has an online store where everyone can shop conveniently wherever they may be.
On top of that, they offer free deliveries for orders above €100, which we think is a nice touch.
However, we’ve encountered a few reports about minimal assistance for onsite visitors as employees were on the phone attending to orders and deliveries.
High-quality products
“Such a gorgeous shop. The owners clearly have good taste and there are just some gems you can’t get anywhere else. Always getting different things in for different seasons and they have very good customer service. High quality, once you buy something with them you will have it for decades. I’ve had one of their blankets for about 12+ years now from when they used to be in Naas. Online shop is excellent too, good interface.”
Naomi Scott-Hayward, Google Review
Keeps clients in the loop for product restocking
“I recently made a purchase online from The Blue Door and I have to say that they exceeded my expectations in every way.
I dealt with Peter who was extremely helpful and courteous throughout the whole process. The item I required was out of stock so I was offered an alternative first, which I declined, and then I was kept in the loop while the item I required was re-ordered.
My purchase arrived this week. Delivery was quick and the item was packaged beautifully . A top quality item for a very reasonable price. Their website was very easy to navigate and quick to make a purchase. Lovely to have such a good shopping experience. Will definitely purchase from The Blue Door again.”
Steph Jennings, Google Review
2. Avoca Monkstown Food Market
Consumer Rating: B+
| Google reviews score | 4.3/5 |
| Total reviews | 4/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Product variety | 4.9/5 |
| Durability and good materials used | 4.9/5 |
| Craftsmanship | 4.9/5 |
| Product quality | 4.8/5 |
| Location | 4.5/5 |
| Close to public transport | 4.5/5 |
| Parking provision onsite | 4.5/5 |
| Ambiance | 4.7/5 |
Avoca Monkstown is a great shop for those searching for gourmet items, fresh fruits and vegetables, artisanal breads, and unique ingredients.
It’s worth mentioning, however, that the prices here are slightly higher than the regular supermarkets in the area. Nonetheless, the shop provides great quality and unique products, justifying the price range.
Aside from consumable goods, we’re quite impressed that the shop also carries other items related to beauty, women, and even children.
We love that clients can even have them wrapped, great for gift-giving.
It’s quite impressive that this gourmet shop also has an in-store restaurant, letting clients replenish after their shopping time. They even have an outdoor patio, perfect for enjoying coffee and pastries under the sun.
On the other hand, we love that customers can also purchase ready-made meals that they can stock in their homes for a few days, allowing them to have a healthier alternative to ordering from fast food chains.
Another thing that we love about shopping here is that we can get fresh oranges from their machine squeezer, ensuring we stay refreshed while we go around the place.
However, this shop tends to get busier during weekends. Because of this, parking slots can also get quite hard to secure.
Fresh products
“I wish I lived nearer to this shop. Its just not fair. They have a great selection of different options, everything very fresh. Outside are loads of fruits and vegetables (mostly unpackaged) and inside is a fresh baked goods counter and a butchers at the back. The shop also has a decent wine section, prepared meals, prepared meats and a small restaurant! I’ve been lucky enough to visit a few times and have NEVER been disappointed with the selection. The sausage rolls were particularly delicious and I think that Avoca mince pies are the best (if you are lucky enough to be around at Christmas!)”
Emily Hunsley, Google Review
Unique selection of goods
“Never do I come back empty handed. This continues to remain my go to place for nicer, fresher and happier additions to my food cupboard. From bakery to ingredients to coffee to chocolates, very interesting collection.”
Aditi Tilloo, Google Review
3. Renaissance Boutique Monkstown
Consumer Rating: B+
| Google reviews score | 4.4/5 |
| Total reviews | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Product variety | 4.6/5 |
| Durability and good materials used | 4.6/5 |
| Craftsmanship | 4.6/5 |
| Product quality | 4.7/5 |
| Location | 4.4/5 |
| Close to public transport | 4.4/5 |
| Parking provision onsite | 4.4/5 |
| Ambiance | 4.4/5 |
For women’s apparel such as tops, dresses, sweaters, and trousers, Renaissance is a great shop to visit when in Monkstown.
We love that customers can also find women’s footwear and accessories here, allowing shoppers to complete an entire look.
Even better, this shop has been known to provide a well-stocked inventory, preventing their clients from waiting for re-orders.
However, since their styles are quite curated and very specific, we feel like their styles won’t appeal to everyone. It may feel limiting, especially to those whose taste doesn’t align with the clothing selection.
What’s great about this women’s apparel shop is that they have friendly and welcoming staff. They will immediately greet shoppers, asking them if they need assistance right off the bat.
It’s great that their staff instantly becomes personal stylists as they recommend styles and even pick an outfit that suits the customer well.
We also appreciate how they go beyond their way to check size and stock availability, ensuring customers get their undivided attention while trying out their merchandise.
While the shop’s employees extend their helping hand to each customer, we’re quite impressed that they never pressure clients to buy items. They give the clients enough time to think if they will proceed with the purchase.
Frequently updates the selection
“Love this store and the staff ( so helpful but not pushy! ) they always have great selection of stock and new items coming in all the time. Delighted to see they’ve launched online now too – so important to support these small businesses in difficult times. Well done to the team and best of luck x”
Joanne Pollard, Google Review
Assists customers in choosing the right outfit
“Lovely experience here today. Sally Ann was great in helping me pick an outfit. beautiful clothes and lovely staff it’s my go to whenever I have something special on. Keep up the good work.”
Lisa Kendrick, Google Review
4. Over The Moon
Consumer Rating: B+
| Google reviews score | 4.9/5 |
| Total reviews | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Product variety | 4.9/5 |
| Durability and good materials used | 4.9/5 |
| Craftsmanship | 4.9/5 |
| Product quality | 4.8/5 |
| Location | 4.8/5 |
| Close to public transport | 4.8/5 |
| Parking provision onsite | 4.8/5 |
| Ambiance | 4.8/5 |
When it comes to newborn, toddler, and nursery needs, Over The Moon in Monkstown should be on top of the list! We love that this shop offers some versatility, offering a great clothing selection for boys and girls.
What sets them apart is that they offer inspirational outfit ideas, perfect for parents who don’t have enough time and headspace to piece an outfit together. This is actually a great touch for those who wish to give these clothes as a gift.
Even better, they wrap these presents beautifully, making the recipient feel like the packaging is highly personalized.
Speaking of gifts, we love that this shop offers gift cards without expiration. This allows the recipient to choose the best time for them to shop—and yes, they can also enjoy the personalized shopping experience from the store’s helpful personnel.
Another thing we like about this baby clothing store is that they offer online shopping. Those who are really busy with their kids can just order comfortably in their homes.
On top of that, we’re quite impressed that Over The Moon is quick enough to process online purchases and prepare next-day deliveries, making them a great option for last-minute shopping needs.
It’s worth noting, however, that the store follows a strict exchange policy, especially for baby clothes. It’s best to ensure that the sizing is correct to avoid possible rejections for exchange requests.
Has good packaging, perfect for gifts
“Beautiful selection of children’s clothes and gifts, complemented by such gorgeous packaging. Online delivery was extremely convenient and speedy, but also such a lovely in store experience!”
Elaine Thompson, Google Review
Well-curated product line
“Hands down best childrens’ clothes shop in Dublin. So beautifully curated, the pieces are just exquisite. They also do excellent sales, a joy to visit and browse online”
Susie Hennigan, Google Review
5. Howbert & Mays Monkstown
Consumer Rating: B+
| Google reviews score | 4.9/5 |
| Total reviews | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Product variety | 4.5/5 |
| Durability and good materials used | 4.5/5 |
| Craftsmanship | 4.5/5 |
| Product quality | 4.5/5 |
| Location | 4/5 |
| Close to public transport | 4/5 |
| Parking provision onsite | 4/5 |
| Ambiance | 4.5/5 |
For the plant lovers out there, a must-visit shop in Monkstown that will have that garden covered is the Howbert & Mays. This store offers indoor and outdoor plants, garden sheds, as well as pots and planters, making them a complete one-stop shop.
Yes, we love that customers can shop for complete gardening tools, making their do-it-yourself projects more manageable. Even better, this shop showcases various ranges and variants, allowing clients to choose the best brand of tools for them.
We’re quite impressed with the level of client service at this garden shop. Clients love that they can comfortably ask for recommendations for their garden project, ensuring that they only shop for what they need.
Meanwhile, the shop also offers outdoor furniture and fixtures, saving the customers from taking time to shop elsewhere.
For first-time plant parents, this garden shop’s dedicated staff would recommend beginner-friendly and low-maintenance foliage, preventing newbies from getting overwhelmed while they care for their plants.
Another thing that we love about this garden shop is that customers can leave a wishlist, allowing the store to source them out and find them.
While Howbert & Mays offers an online shop, we still feel that the actual shopping experience onsite is better as most of the items are better seen in an actual setting.
Healthy plants
“A super nice shop with amazing and happy plants, good selection and very kind and helpful staff!”
Norbert Barát, Google Review
Great after-sales client service
“Great shop. Nicely presented – they seem to have everything even though it’s not that big. I brought back a hose recently with an issue that was likely more to do with operator error / bad luck than a manufacturing defect. Despite this, the staff could not have been more helpful. I really appreciate that and I’ll certainly be back!! Highly recommended!”
Geoffrey Porter, Google Review