Dublin is a great shopping city especially for those with a stronger currency! It has all the UK high street shops, Topshop, Oasis, Miss Selfridge, Debenhams, Marks & Spencers as well as the internationals, Gap, H&M and Zara to name but a few. Grafton Street and Henry Street are the main shopping areas but there are also great shopping centres outside city centre at Dundrum (get the luas), Liffey Valley and Blanchardstown (bus).

To feed yourself in your hostel obviously you need to find food. There is a plethora of Spars, Centra, SuperValu, Londis convenience stores on every corner for a handy grab. However if you're looking for a more substantial shop, you are looking for a Tesco, Dunnes Stores, Lidl, Aldi or Marks & Spencer.

To buy books, Easons on O'Connell Street or Nassau Street, Waterstones or Hodges Figges on Dawson Street, or the cheapest (but with a smaller selection) Reads on Nassau Street. There are also many independant booksellers around town worth a look.

For music, hit HMV on Grafton or Henry Streets, Tower on Wicklow Street or Celtic Note for your Irish sounds on Nassau Street.

For Irishana, including Aran Sweaters, Waterford Crystal or Newbridge Silver etc hit Nassau Street. Just follow the American retirees.. you'll find the shops