My 10 Favorite Shops In Dingle
In my opinion, Dingle Town is not only one of the best places to shop on the Dingle Peninsula, but in all of Ireland! Although it only has about 2,000 people, its concentration of local, hand-made arts, crafts, foods and more make it a shopper’s paradise for unique, high quality products. To show you what I mean, here is a list of my 10 favorite shops in Dingle.
1. Lisbeth Mulcahy-The Weaver’s Shop
I love going into Lisbeth Mulcahy’s shop, which is light, bright and filled with beautiful hand-made items, including sweaters, scarves, wall hangings and pottery. Originally from Denmark, Lisbeth designs all the woven goods in her shop and weaves all of the wall hangings on her loom. She is married to Louis Mulcahy, who is one of the best-known potters (and poets) in Ireland. She and Louis have lived on the Dingle Peninsula since 1975.
(I hung one of Lisbeth’s beautiful wall hangings in my dining room and have also bought several ceramic pieces from Louis.)
2. The White Room
Dingle flourished during the 18th century thanks to a robust trade in linen. Although the linen industry collapsed in the early 19th century (when industrialization transformed the industry), a few Irish families continue the tradition today. You can see the beautiful results at the White Room on Strand Street.
The White Room in Dingle is a smaller version of the larger White Room shop in Kenmare. In Dingle, you can find an extensive selection of beautiful Irish linen damask tablecloths, table runners, placemats and tea towels. They come in a variety of sizes, natural colors and traditional Irish patterns. You can also find a selection of linen shirts, linen lace, ladies’ nightwear, jewelry, candles and more. All are made in Ireland.
3. The Little Cheese Shop
The Little Cheese Shop provides a delicious selection of Irish cheeses, as well as all kinds of tasty accompaniments. Examples include charcuterie, olives, different kinds of vinegars and olive oil, wines, crackers, chutneys and much more. Chef Mark Murphy took over the shop in 2018 and is a font of information about Irish foods. He is also the man behind the Dingle Cookery School.
(I’ve taken several classes at the school, which are really fun. Click here to read an article I wrote about cooking with seaweed.)
4. Commodum Art & Design
Another of my 10 favorite shops in Dingle is Commodum Art and Design. This is my favorite shop in Dingle for traditional Irish goods such as knitwear, ceramics, glass and wood. In the last three years, I have bought scarves, sweaters (for myself and as gifts), and a beautiful, soft and warm wool-cashmere blanket that I wrap up in almost every morning.
5. Hedi O’Neill Dingle Pottery & Kelly Marie Jewelry Design
I have put Hedi and Kelly’s businesses together because they share one shop space in Dingle.
Hedi O’Neill creates vibrantly colored earthenware mugs, bowls, plates and jugs that make you happy just by looking at them! Because she throws them on a wheel and hand-decorates them, each piece is different.
The first thing I bought in Dingle was a lovely mug from Hedi—a couple of years before my husband and I actually moved here. It has been a treasured keepsake ever since.
Kelly Marie creates beautiful bracelets, necklaces and earrings using such materials as sea shells, silver and semi-precious beads. She has been influenced by the vibrant world of nature that surrounds her in West Kerry, as well as by the ancient Celts.
I bought a necklace from her recently that I love; it’s made from shells, silver and turquoise beads.
6. Dingle Bookshop
The Dingle Bookshop is a wonderful independent bookstore in the heart of Dingle. They carry books on a wide range of subjects, including local Irish authors. They are also happy to put in special orders and to meet the needs of online customers, too.
7. Original Kerry Shop
Original Kerry represents 32 craft professionals in County Kerry who design and make absolutely beautiful products by hand. Examples include ceramics, jewelry, baskets, clothing, woolen blankets, wooden bowels and copper art.
The shop is light and bright and draws you in from the moment you enter. I have bought wooden bowls and baskets there, as well as one of my prized possessions: a gorgeous, framed copper art picture from Ken Bolger.
8. Grá Dingle Health Foods
Grá Dingle Health Foods is one of my major stops whenever I am in Dingle. The owner, Kate, stocks everything you need for healthy organic eating and living–from dried beans, pulses and grains to teas, spices and personal care products. The only thing that’s missing is fresh produce — and in the summer, she even has wonderful fresh kale, chard, lettuce, herbs and more from a local grower.
Although these are my 10 favorite shops in Dingle Town, there are many other shops that are wonderful, too. This is why it is well worth spending at least a day to discover them all!
