St. Stephen's Green Shopping Centre (St. Stephen's Green, Dublin)

The St. Stephen's Green Shopping Centre at the top of Grafton Street (actually the southern end) was the first modern shopping mall constructed in Ireland. It towers above the surrounding buildings but, due to its imaginative architecture evoking Victorian greenhouses, does not create an unfavorable impression. And the interior continues this theme - shops not on the ground floor are in galleries, with a wide open space in the middle.

Pros

Cons

The first thing that strikes every visitor about the St. Stephen's Green Shopping Centre is indeed the architecture - a modern mall between the Gaiety Theatre, the Royal College of Surgeons and the actual St. Stephen's Green could have easily become a nightmare. The planners and architects avoided this by more than a passing nod to Victorian extravaganzas such as the Crystal Palace in London or the People's Palace in Glasgow. Creating an instant landmark and pleasing addition to the cityscape.

The main shopping areas of the St. Stephen's Green Shopping Centre are filled with all the usual brand names you might expect - from Benetton to Dunnes Stores. What makes the mall especially interesting, however, are several specialist shops and stalls. Tucked away in the upper levels you will find art, antiques, quick-working portrait artists, jewelry ... and relaxed walks along the galleries. These galleries are the bane of hurried shoppers, though, it can become frustrating to hop from shop to shop due to the wide (and long!) atrium area.

Definitely recommended due to variety of shopping, ambient atmosphere and a host of opportunities for coffee, tea or a full meal - the food court offers great views of St. Stephen's Green!