Rae's Dublin

Hi Everyone, I hope you are all really well and excited about the prospect of Summer. We launch our high summer collection next week and I am really looking forward to sharing and helping you style your way through the summer/holiday months.

Dublin might be one of my favourite cities in the world. Ever since I was a child our parents would take us to Dublin every Christmas to see the Brown Thomas window. We'd then walk up Grafton Street and stop to listen to the various buskers singing, dancing or even reciting. The energy and atmosphere was incredible. My love affair continued when at school we studied James Joyce whose writing and descriptions of Dublin and its people are so vivid you felt you knew them personally. The Dubliners is well worth a read...

It then continued into my late teens and early 20"s when I built friendships with people from Dublin and my flat mates in London were from Dublin. Dublin was firmly ensconced in my soul. Rarely have I been anywhere with such a unique soul, warmth and energy.

With all this considered it is ironic/serentipidous that just a few weeks ago we launched our first ever permanent store in The Westbury Mall, Dublin. The mall  (ex convent) situated next to the iconic Westbury Hotel  is fast becoming a little shopping oasis with some great stores. 

Susan Hunter https://susanhunter.ie/collections/lingerie Established in 1984 and heavily respected luxury Lingerie Boutique located in the heart of Dublin City/Westbury Mall and specialise in natural fabrics, silk, cotton, cashmere, linen and wool. 

Stable Ireland https://www.stableofireland.com  One of the most beautifully curated  stores in Dublin selling a stunning selection of Irish sourced products. An absolute must visit if in Dublin.

Cloth Dublin https://cloth.ie 

CLOTH Dublin is a fabric shop filled with a beautiful assortment of textiles and notions for both apparel and interiors. The fabric store was established in Limerick City in 2010, relocating to Dublin in 2012.The shop is run by super friendly mother-and-daughter team,Deirdre Noonan and Sinéad Martin.

Appleby Jewellers https://appleby.ie A long established jewellery shop specialising in fine jewellery. Worth visiting just to have a look at the window displays. 

Paula Rowan https://www.paularowan.com world renowned maker of luxury leather gloves. Paulas pieces have appeared in practically every luxury magazine publication are the world styling everyone from Madonna to Lady Gaga to Prinxess Kate.

 Stonechat https://www.stonechatjewellers.ie Making unique jewellery in our in-house workshop, we champion beautifully pared-back, contemporary design. Stonechat Jewellers focuses exclusively on handcrafted pieces and have gone from strength to strength in recent years exploring the boundaries of accessible, modern creativity in Ireland.

Parfumarija https://www.parfumarija.com  Parfumarija is Dublin’s niche perfume shop and home to many rare and special scents. In apothecary chic surroundings, Founder & Creative Director Marija Aslimoska curates a handpicked collection of some of the world’s finest niche perfumes. Truly worth a visit.

Ecru Studio https://ecrustudios.com Founded by Husband & Wife duo John & Karen Redmond. Having spent all of their careers previously at Brown Thomas Group, John as Creative Director and Karen as Head of Buying working with the worlds largest luxury brands. Ecru Studios was born from a desire to create a unique online destination for beautiful timeless pieces whether shopping for you, your home, or a gift for that someone special. 

Paul Sheeran Jewellers https://paulsheeran.ie a long established Jewellery store specialising in fine Jewllery, engagement rings ( some whoppers!)  and luxury watches namely Panerai, Cartier, Brietling and Jaegar lecouture to name but a few.

So, as you can I see I am in great company and in addition 8/10 of the shops in the mall are female founded. 

Finally my guide to Dublin..

Where to stay - The Westbury Hotel https://www.doylecollection.com/hotels/the-westbury-hotel - beautiful family run with a homely feel for those on a budget look at some of the cities B&B's Ariel B& B in Ballsbridge is excellent. https://www.arielhouse.ie

What do to culturally - Visit the National Gallery for sure. Walk around Trinity College.Tour of the Guiness brewery - fascinating https://www.nationalgallery.ie Glasnevin cemetery https://citydays.com/places/glasnevin-cemetery/

Where to have a pint - Nearys on Chatham Street One of Dublins oldest pub

Where to have a cocktail - Sidecar in The Westbury Hotel or the Horseshoe Bar in the Shelbourne Hotel - seeped in history, https://www.theshelbourne.com

Where to shop - The Westbury Mall, Brown Thomas https://www.brownthomas.com Arnotts  https://www.arnotts.ie Helen Turkington Decoration Amazing home interior store. https://www.helenturkington.com Pay a visit to Powerscourt centre where you will find variety of small business stores. Skulpt is perhaps my favourite https://skulpt.ie selling variety of eclectic brands. Can not forget to mention my 'go to' small brand jewellery store Loulerie https://loulerie.com Owned and run by its founder Louise, you are sure to leave with something special to remind you of your time in this incredible 

 A few more shops I love Magee https://www.magee1866.com Specialising in classic and contemporary garments made from Irish Tweed. Monaghan's cashmere. www.monaghanscashmere.ie Beautiful quality cashmere pieces in both classic and contemporary designs.

Where to eat (relaxed) - https://www.cirillos.ie Homey Italian Pizza and Pasta Host in Ranelagh - everything is delicious https://hostrestaurant.ie Lotties https://lotties.ie The Dunmore in Rathmines gorgeous neighbourhood restaurant.  Well worth a visit  https://www.thedunmore.ie

Where to eat (smarter) - Wilde in The Westbury Hotel Shanahans on the Green very good steak https://shanahans.ie Excellent fish Sole https://www.sole.ie

Forn a traditional night out for me the only one is Jonnie Fox in the mountains - higher pub in Ireland. A real experience. Traditional food and music  https://johnniefoxs.com

Finally if you get a chance go for a swim in the 40 foot. https://www.dlrcoco.ie/en/40-foot

 I hope you enjoy my little taste of Dublin . Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Lots of love

Rae xx