The Best Shops in Ireland

OOH by Gum has “something of a kind of Chocolat-type influence on the women in Clifden”, says reader Ethel Feneran, who describes owner Sharon Griffin as a “fairy godmother.” In Limerick, Fiona Foley is nominating Alchemist Earth on Sarsfield Street for its “life changing”, chemical-free beauty products. Eileen Mullen praises Swans on the Green in Naas, run by Larry Swan, for its fresh fruit and vegetables and deli, while in Tipperary Miriam Halley is nominating Hickey’s Bakery and Cafe in Clonmel, describing the decor as Parisien and praising the friendly staff and the “fantastic” organic food.

Nolan’s deli in Kilkee gets the thumbs up from James Allison for its low prices, and terrific sandwiches – “don’t order a big roll unless you are starving”, he says. There are hundreds more suggestions from readers, and please keep them coming.

Over the summer, our team will be visiting shops all over the country and each week we’ll keep you updated on the nominations. On August 25th, we’ll gather the very best, across several categories, in a special edition of the Magazine.

Tell us about your favourite shop or shop-keepers by emailing bestofirishshops@irishtimes.com or commenting on our Facebook page, facebook.com/irishtimes