The Bottom Line
- Convenient city center location at the top of Grafton Street.
- Exciting glass-and-iron architecture created a landmark building.
- Wide variety of shops provide brand goods as well as art and antiques.
- Layout can be confusing and gallery system is impractical for shoppers in a hurry.
Description
- Largest shopping mall in central Dublin.
- Constructed in the 1980s with a Victorian design.
- Brand names as well as less common goods on offer.
Guide Review - St. Stephen's Green Shopping Centre (St. Stephen's Green, Dublin)
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!
