Are we really having less sex?
Are we really having less sex?

Kate Demolder

Real Weddings: Iseult and Michael tie the knot in Smock Alley Theatre
Real Weddings: Iseult and Michael tie the knot in Smock Alley Theatre

Shayna Sappington

How to quit social media comparison for good
How to quit social media comparison for good

Niamh Ennis

Weekend Guide: 12 of the best events happening around Ireland
Weekend Guide: 12 of the best events happening around Ireland

Sarah Gill

How to handle the co-worker who brings everyone down
How to handle the co-worker who brings everyone down

Victoria Stokes

Majken Bech Bailey on her life in food
Majken Bech Bailey on her life in food

Holly O'Neill

A new Netflix series about the Guinness family is in the works
A new Netflix series about the Guinness family is in the works

Sarah Finnan

Why the music of Sinéad O’Connor will stay with us forever
Why the music of Sinéad O’Connor will stay with us forever

Jan Brierton

My Life in Culture: Artist Jess Kelly
My Life in Culture: Artist Jess Kelly

Sarah Finnan

This enchanting home on Lough Derg is on the market for €950,000
This enchanting home on Lough Derg is on the market for €950,000

Sarah Finnan

Image / Living / Interiors

#GreenFriday: The Irish independent homeware shops to support this Black Friday


By Megan Burns
18th Nov 2021

Boünd, photo: Kat Mervyn

#GreenFriday: The Irish independent homeware shops to support this Black Friday

Buy less, buy better is the idea behind Black Friday’s more sustainable alternative.

If you’re turned off by the excesses of Black Friday shopping, then Green Friday, its more sustainable alternative, is definitely for you.

Instead of looking for discounts from big brands encouraging us to spend spend spend (and then do it all again next year), Green Friday instead focuses on shopping in a more meaningful way, buying more thoughtfully, from independent retailers and makers.

Not only is this approach kinder to the planet, it also supports makers and shop owners in our local communities rather than simply feeding the off-the-scale profits (not to mention space travel) of certain multinational retailers.

Here are just some of the many incredible Irish independent retailers to support this Green Friday.

Irish Design Shop

This shop on Dublin’s Drury street is an amazing one-stop shop for Irish-made homeware, textiles, jewellery, gifts, and decorations. Pop in for a visit, or order online and your items will arrive, beautifully packaged, to your door.

Maven

Run by sisters Catherine and Patricia McGinnis, this Belfast shop is full of stylish furniture and homeware from Irish and international brands. While you’re there, pop in for a coffee at Coffee x Cactus.

The Old Mill Stores

Situated in Leap in Co Cork, this gem of a store always has interesting finds that will brighten up your home, or make a great gift. For those of us not based nearby, they also have a great online selection.

Nordic Elements

One for design lovers, Nordic Elements gorgeous new store in Dublin’s Blackrock is a great place to see their Scandi furniture range, but also to pick up smaller items like candles, cushions and mugs.

Scout

As well as a beautiful clothing selection, Scout in Dublin also have a gorgeous range of candles, quilts, prints and kitchen accessories.

April and the Bear

Perfect for fun and stylish homeware finds, we dare you to try and pass April and the Bear’s new shop in Rathmines without being tempted in by the window display.

NB Goods

You might accidentally walk past this little store on the main street of Wicklow if you weren’t paying attention, but it would be a missed opportunity. Inside you’ll find all sorts of lovely things, from dried flowers to linen napkins.

Boünd

This recently opened store in Belfast has products from some incredible makers that you won’t find elsewhere, including lighting, ceramics and textiles.

Distrikt by Mia

This Wicklow store is full of eye-catching furniture and homeware, as well as seasonal decorations.

Hen’s Teeth

For everything from cool prints to quirky mugs and candles, head to Hen’s Teeth in Dublin’s Blackpitts. When you’re there, don’t leave without sampling something from their incredible cafe menu.

Industry & Co

Another Dublin favourite with a cafe, Industry & Co always has a beautiful selection of homewares, as well as gift ideas you won’t see elsewhere.

Stone and Beige

Newly opened in Rathfarnam in Dublin, this interiors store is full of fun finds, including furniture, lighting and accessories.

My Shop… Granny Likes It

This Galway store is loved for its selection of Irish craft, and has everything from ceramics to prints to choose from.

Article

Always one that’s worth a wander if you’re in Dublin, this shop is great for tableware, homeware and gorgeous things you never knew you needed.

The Blue Door

As well as a beautiful homeware selection, this store in Monkstown, Dublin also has great outdoor accessories to choose from, perfect for garden lovers.