Where to Find the Best Vintage + Secondhand Shops in Dublin - Traverse (2024)

Vintage clothing is a big deal in Dublin. In fact, I was shocked by the sheer number of secondhand clothing shops in the city. Dublin didn’t necessarily strike me as a vintage clothing capital. When I think of that, cities like Stockholm or Antwerp come to mind. But sure enough, there are LOTS of shops dedicated to all manner of preloved goods throughout Dublin.

I love to shop, and I always seek out cool boutiques when I’m traveling. In 2017, I transitioned to wearing only secondhand apparel as part of a larger effort to reduce my carbon footprint. I was living in Chicago at the time, which is full of incredible secondhand shops. Nowadays, I live in Cologne, Germany, which also has plenty of good thrift shops.

Needless to say, I am especially interested in finding vintage and thrift shops during my travels.

From tiny clothing stores where you sift through bargain bins to stylish vintage boutiques curated by fashion experts, Dublin has a secondhand shop for you. Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect retro jacket or want to spend an afternoon browsing at kilo store, here are the best places for vintage shopping in Dublin.

Nine Crows

Offering a colorful assortment of trendy merchandise, Nine Crows is one of the coolest vintage and secondhand shops in Dublin. They have an especially large selection of sportswear and streetwear. Think tracksuits and fleece zip ups. In general, the shop has super Gen Z vibes. You can expect to find vibrant jackets, a glorious amount of denim, and quirky accessories.

• Address: 8 Mary St
• Website: https://www.instagram.com/ninecrowsthriftshop/

Collected Treasure

Stepping into Collected Treasure feels like stepping into a nice boutique. The racks aren’t overfilled with items, and there is a clean aesthetic to it. I find the staff especially friendly and approachable here. The selection can be hit or miss, but in general, it is well aligned to contemporary styles and popular trends.Prices are slightly higher, but still reasonable.

• Address: 11 Anglesea St
• Website: https://collectedtreasure.ie/

Tola Vintage

With a few locations around the Temple Bar neighborhood, Tola is my favorite secondhand shop in Dublin. Their curated selection matches well with my style, and I have found some real gems here. The overall theme is branded 80s and 90s vintage clothes with a slightly minimalist aesthetic.There is a large selection with good prices, and you can even find designer duds. I found this spectacular vintage Dolce and Gabbana dress for only 80 euros. Both mens and womens products are available.

• Address: 10 Fownes St Lower
• Website: http://www.tolavintage.com/

LOOT

There is a very limited selection of items at Loot, but I can tell you – every piece is perfect. I love the minimalist style of the shop. It gives it a high-end designer feel, especially with the sparse racks and glass cases. The curation here is spot-on, which is reflected in the higher prices. You might not find something every time you come here, but when you do, it will be love at first sight.

• Address: 23 Drury St
• Website: http://lootdublin.com/

Om Diva

The most unique Dublin shopping experience on this list has to be Om Diva. This cool shop has three floors, each with a different concept. You’ll find contemporary designs by Dublin makers on the ground floor and first floor with vintage clothing and accessories in the basem*nt. The style here is super feminine. Think lace, lots of pink, and a massive selection of jewelry. You can also find unusual secondhand items like swimwear and lingerie. Women's clothes only.

• Address: 27 Drury St
• Website: http://www.omdivaboutique.com/

Badlands

One of the most beloved vintage stores in Dublin has to be Badlands Vintage. What sets Badlands apart from other shops is their top-notch customer service. The owner Mikey McQuade opened the business during the heart of the Covid pandemic, and really focused on getting to know his customers by name. Plus, the company was recently hit with a major setback when their factory shop was destroyed by a fire. Needless to say, supporting Badlands Vintage is both good for your wardrobe and the community. The moment you enter this store, you'll feel an incredible sense of excitement with all the stuff they offer – fleeces, jeans, shirts and more.

• Address: 3 Fownes St Upper
• Website: https://www.instagram.com/badlands_dublin

A Store Is Born Vintage Clothing

If you are looking for a splurge worthy vintage item, then this is the shop for you. A Store is Born offers an incredible selection of name brand vintage items, like Burberry trench coats and Pendelton jackets. The prices are quite high (like 450 for a jacket), but the quality is exceptional. Staff is knowledgeable but they can come off a little elitist and unapproachable. I didn’t feel super comfortable inside the store.

• Address: 35 Clarendon St
• Website: None

Lucy’s Lounge

Located in Temple Bar, Lucy’s Lounge is by far the quirkiest and most intriguing vintage store in Dublin. But it works for them – they have been in business for over 40 years! When you first walk in, you'll be met with a witchy, almost goth-like vibe with lots of silver rings, odd prints and intense burners. Make your way downstairs to find the vintage. Once you descend to the basem*nt, you'll enter an Alice in Wonderland sort of shop full of gorgeous jackets, funky knitwear, prairie floral tops and a whole range of pieces you wouldn't find anywhere else. They also make their own upcycled collection, and sometimes you’ll see employees actively sewing new pieces.

• Address: 11 Fownes St Upper
• Website: https://lucyslounge-dee.blogspot.com/

Dublin Vintage Factory

Whether you're looking for 90s windbreakers, knitted vests, or 80s band tees, you'll find something to suit you at Dublin Vintage Factory's Merchant's Arch store in Temple Bar. This is the only kilo shop I have found in Dublin. They are quite common in Germany, so I was surprised by this. Regardless, nothing has a fixed price and you pay based on the weight of the items you choose starting at €30 per kilo. The selection is carefully hand-picked and geared more towards the Gen-Z style and clientele.

• Address: 1 Merchant Arch
• Website: http://www.dublinvintagefactory.com/

Other Dublin Charity Shops

If you’re looking for a real bargain, then you need to check out one of Dublin’s many thrift shops. They are called charity shops in Ireland and the UK. Dublin’s charity shops tend to appear in clusters with several shops in a row along a street. Especially convenient if you’re in the middle of a shopping spree!

On South Great George’s Street, you’ll find Oxfam Ireland and Enable Ireland as well as an outpost of Vincent’s. On Camden Street, there are five different charity shops in quick succession, including a Dublin Simon Community shop and a large NCBI Charity Store. Over on Capel Street, you’ll again find a nice cluster of options such as an Irish Cancer Society and the Dublin Vintage Shop.

Have thoughts or questions about this Dublin secondhand shopping guide? Tell me in the comments below!