The world is watching Dublin. And no wonder – it is now one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe. Dublin’s Guinness-soaked past (the famous Irish stout is celebrating its 250th birthday this year) has thrown up some of the literary greats of Ireland. From Samuel Beckett to James Joyce via the genius of Oscar Wilde, Dublin is a city that, to this day, feeds the imagination. In a time when throwing cash around unthinkingly seems rather mindless, it takes imagination to travel and shop in a worthwhile, memorable way.
And there is nowhere more worthwhile to shop in Ireland than down in Kildare Village. Still shiny from its 2006 launch, this Village is just 60 minutes outside Dublin (and you can take a direct train from Dublin Heuston Station to Kildare town station where Kildare Village’s complimentary shuttle will take you to the Village). Set amidst County Kildare’s horse-racing heritage, the Village houses Ireland’s first and only collection of luxury outlet boutiques and offers the very best in homeware and fashion for the savvy traveller with an eye for a bargain. In the words of the Sunday Independent, Kildare Village is “the epitome of a girlie day out. It is Ireland’s best kept shopping secret for those who appreciate indulgent names at forgiving prices – it’s a place where spending time and money is made infuriatingly enjoyable”.
Kildare Village offers heritage-heavy, investment pieces – common sense lasting luxury – that you will want to keep, as HRH The Prince of Qatar, pop singer Ronan Keating and Irish model Glenda Gilson who have shopped here will have seen. Le Creuset is probably the most durable kitchenware on the planet. The same goes for Villeroy & Boch tableware, displayed by the smartest hostesses. To scent the home, Kenneth Turner is an admirable choice and one of his room sprays will last even longer than one of his deliciously-fragranced candles, boosting the headiness of any dinner party for very little money. Because at Kildare Village everything is reduced by up to 60%*. And here’s the joy – that’s all year round.
Splashing out on gorgeous underwear is painless at the beautifully appointed Calvin Klein Underwear boutique, while the highest quality tights are to be found at Wolford, who – along with Anya Hindmarch, Cath Kidston, Radley and Thomas Pink – have chosen Kildare Village to host their only outlet boutique in Ireland. Levi’s® don’t date and they don’t show much wear and tear either, Nike can provide performance sportswear, and L.K. Bennett is now well established as a modern, classic brand. Famous shoe and accessory designer Bally is also here. And to accompany the high heels, Karen Millen and Coast do well. For his suits, there is Savoy Taylors Guild, and for weekend wear, Ted Baker. At Petit Bateau you can pick up chic little T-shirts to share with your youngsters – that’s what all the fashion editors do, but don’t tell anyone. While Molton Brown sells everything for bath bliss, sturdy Samsonite at a fraction of the cost is on hand to provide the luggage to see your new finds safely home.
The nearby hotels thoroughly reflect this plethora of choice. The famous K Club is just 25 minutes from Kildare Village and offers high-end hospitality with its award-winning golf course, host to the Ryder Cup 2006, and spa. Nearer Dublin, in County Wicklow, is the spanking new and super plush Ritz-Carlton Hotel. If you are staying in Dublin itself, the Fitzwilliam Hotel is the capital’s most luxurious design hotel and nestles in the heart of the historic city. For smart budgeting, there is the centrally located Morgan Hotel.
“A cynic is a man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing,” said local literary hero Oscar Wilde. Value your time and your money by soaking it all up at Kildare Village.
