Powerscourt Townhouse

What? Powerscourt Townhouse, an elegant, high-end boutique shopping centre located within a magnificent Georgian (1774) townhouse | Where? 59 South William Street, Dublin 2, D02HF95 | How to get there? It's a 10 minute walk from the apartment  | What's in it? A wide range of upmarket retail and design outlets - fashion, jewelry, antiques, art, gift shops, accessories, hair and beauty salons - as well as restaurants, a bar and cafes | Times? 10am-6pm, Monday to Saturday; 12pm-6pm, Sundays

Much more than just a shopping centre, Powerscourt Townhouse is a really nice place to browse and hang out. The building is steeped in history, which you can read about here, but today houses some of the finest one-of-a-kind boutiques, retailers and restaurants in Dublin. Several of the retailers specialise in Irish-made products, making this a great place to pick up gifts or souvenirs. One of the cafes - the Pepper Pot - is particularly good. And the cocktail bar Farrier & Draper is well worth a visit.