The Art of Shopping as a Tourist in Ireland

If you have devoted any length of study to the amenities an attractions that await you in Ireland, you should by now be aware that Ireland is a first-rate shopping destination, surpassing many other locations around the world with its eclectic mix of modern and cutting-edge and the truly delightful products of the old cottage industries, such as fine Irish linens and Waterford crystal. Rent a car with as much storage space as is offered, if you plan to do a great deal of shopping in Ireland!

However, what you may not have learned yet is that shopping in Ireland can offer certain difficulties if you are not used to some of the differences, and before you set out to make any serious purchases in Ireland —most specifically clothing purchases!— you will need to be aware of some of these discrepancies.

I suppose the most important advice to tourists is to be aware that sizes are measured differently; ladies, don’t panic if you are told you are a size sixteen! Measurements in Ireland are different from those in North America and, in many cases, from those in Europe, too. Shoe sizes are different than what you are used to —a gentleman who is a size ten in North American will find he is a size nine in Ireland— as are those of men’s shirts, although men’s suit sizes in the UK and Ireland are on par with those in North America. Ladies, you will find your dress size increases, and it won’t be because of all the scrumptious Irish food! A North American size six is a size eight in Ireland, and in case you are curious, your children will also have mysteriously “grown,” as the North American child’s size six is an Irish 24/26.

As long as you familiarise yourself with your pertinent conversions before shopping, you should have no trouble in finding something to fit!

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