Thriftify's Irish Summer Guide

Even though this summer looks different than any other summer, it doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy it without style. Why not use the opportunity to hit the road for some serious thrifting? If you’re planning a staycation this summer, be sure to check out this guide including some nice cafes to rest your feet after a hard day’s shopping. No time to shop? A lot of gems are just a click away in our shop.

As most of the shops are opening on a phased basis make sure to check the regulations beforehand. Avoid travelling during rush hours and when possible take your bike or walk to your destination. Stay home if you have any symptoms and wear a face mask!

Galway

Fancy going on a weekend trip to Galway? A newcomer on our website, Cope Galway - offering essential support services for some of the most vulnerable families and individuals in Galway – is a must if you’re looking for a great thrifting experience in the area. Last year they helped 2,984 vulnerable people across their homeless, domestic abuse and senior support services. They work with community partners, groups, businesses and individuals, to help some of the most vulnerable and isolated men, women and children in Galway. The charity shop they run is very well known locally, with a high quality range of sustainable fashion and much more.

Support them by making a visit to their wonderful shop on St Augustine Street in Galway City.

After scoring some great quality gems, be sure to grab a scrumptious cake and coffee from the Coffeewerk + Press Coffee shop, or the sustainable & vegetarian food at Dela Restaurant which is amazing.

Enjoy a delicious coffee at Coffeewerk + Press. Image: thisisgalway.ie

On 9, 17 Merchants Rd you will find the St. Vincent de Paul's Curiosity Shop for even more thrift shopping.

The Galway Market offers a great variety of foods and non-foods. Image: thisisgalway.ie

The trip isn’t complete without a trip to the Galway Market. With a great variety of delicious foods, it is the perfect way to experience old Galway. The market is open all year round on Saturdays from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm and Sundays, Bank Holidays, Fridays in July and August. End your day with a delicious pizza and a craft beer at the Dough Bros.

Looking for a thriftshop outside of the city centre? Supporting the Claregalway District Daycare Centre, the Never Too Old Charity Shop sells a wide range of designer clothing, furniture, books and household accessories. Their shop just had a major revamp so be sure to check out all the new items they have in store.

Showing off samples of the Spring/Summer options. Image: Instagram, cddcc2012

Make sure to visit the Claregalway Castle to round up the trip. The fully restored 15 th century Anglo-Norman tower house – situated on the banks of the River Clare is just under 10 km from Galway City.

Looking for more tips to make your trip unforgettable? Be sure to check out the this is Galway website.

COPE Galway: St Augustine St, Galway, Ireland
Coffeewerk + Press: 4 Quay Street, Galway, Ireland
St. Vincent De Pauls Curiousity Shop, 9,17 Merchants Rd, Galway, Ireland.
Galway Market: 7 Lombard St, Galway, Ireland
Dough Bros: Cathedral Buildings, 1 Middle St., Galway, Ireland
Never Too Old Charity Shop: Cois Chlair, Claregalway, Co. Galway, Ireland
Claregalway Castle: 83W5+F4 Claregalway, County Galway, Ireland

Cork

Looking for some staycation tips in the rebel county? Look no further! There are some great spots in Cork for a day trip or weekend away this summer.

First up: shopping. The Society of St Vincent de Paul has over 230 local Vincent's charity shops located in every county around Ireland. Make sure to visit their Cork shop in Ozanam House Tuckey St for some great bargains.

One of many, the Vincent’s North Main Street is a cute shop with a great collection of items. Main Street has more great charity shops to offer, right next to Vincent’s you will find the Enable Ireland Charity Shop (all profits from their charity shops go towards funding their disability services) and Second to None (Another SVP branch).

Make sure to visit the English Market afterwards for some delicious goodies and fresh produce. Still hungry? Try Three Fools Coffee or some “fool-proof” brews and cakes.

Three Fools Coffee in Cork. Image: Three Fools Coffee Instagram.

County Cork offers some great thrifting and you’ll be sure to find some great gems. And within walking distance – or a quick cab when it’s raining – to all the best restaurants and cafes.

With so many things to do and so many places to visit, it is impossible to list them all so be sure to check out Corkbeo’s guide with family friendly staycation tips in the area.

SVP Cork: Ozanam House, Tuckey St, Centre, Cork, T12 XH74,Ireland
Vincent’s North Main Street: 26N Main St, Centre, Cork, T12 E7EF, Ireland.
Enable Ireland Charity Shop: 32 N Main St, Centre, Cork, T12F5N8, Ireland
Second to None: Main Street, Carrigaline, Co. Cork
English Market: Princes Street, Centre Cork, Ireland.
Three Fools Coffee: Grand Parade, Centre, Cork, Ireland.