We're traveling with a 4 y.o. and a 80 y.o. and trying to pack light so we can fit everything in 1 vehicle! In case we regrettably need any basic sundries, where do locals shop?
We're flying into Dublin, staying 2 nights in Trim, 2 nights in Connemara, 2 nights in Dingle, and 2 nights in Dublin.
I might buy our rain coats over there, hoping it's PFAS free. iykyk.
We've shopped at Marks & Spencer in Dublin before.
There are two Marks and Spencers in Dublin. One on Grafton Street and another on the north side of the river, about 4 blocks up from the Ha'Penny Bridge. In that same area is the Jervis Mall which will most likely be less expensive than M&S.
We shopped in Dunnes a couple of times.
For such a short trip, I wouldn't want to have to shop for a rain jacket. And I LOVE to shop. From your other post, it appears you are going there in early May, when you will almost certainly need a rain jacket. Buy it now. There are loads of packable waterproof jackets available that don't take up a whole lot of room. Unless "we" includes more than two people, you shouldn't have any trouble fitting 3 adults and one small child (with a booster seat) and their luggage into a rental car. The days of tiny cars are mostly over in Ireland. When I last had a rental car (2018), it was a compact station wagon (probably a Renault Megane).
OTOH, I might stop into Dunnes (or IKEA or Decathlon near the airport) for an insulated bag to transport food and drinks for your long days on the road.
We bought new jeans and boxers at the Dunnes in Galway.
Thumbs up for Dunnes.
If your sundries are just the basics, then you will find smaller Spar markets everywhere.
I'd say Dunnes or TK Maxx.
No clue if it's pFAS free, but we bought a raincoat as a gift to bring home for my son in Killarney -- actually at Muckross House. Total tourist store. The said, brand was well reviewed and sale price better than buying in US (love google!). it was lighthouse UK - not Irish. We saw them everywhere (in stores and on people). We bought the other son an Icewear raincoat in Iceland that is amazing -- also cheaper in Iceland than in US and great quality. I bought myself a wax coat in Dublin -- jack Murphy off a sale rack near in the Aran Sweater market (also total tourist trap), but again cheaper than buying online at the time.
I could be wrong but I actually don't think you will spend more on a raincoat in Ireland -- I imagine the same cost or less. It's really whether you want to spend the time.
Otherwise, we managed luggage for 6 adults in Volvo SUV for 8 nights. We took two carry on size AWAY hard cases and three large Lands end duffle bag....squishable bags are key in a tight trunk. At least the four year old's clothing will be smaller so you can maximize their gear with extras if needed. We saw quite a few very happy, very muddy little kids along the way.
