For some people, Christmas shopping feels like a pure joy, and for others working through their naughty and nice list seems more like a chore.
The shopping experience in Kildare Village caters for all with virtual shopping as well as those who love the sensory thrill of Christmas shopping, to indulge in a carefree and luxurious experience. For those who don’t want to get too involved there is a plethora of five-star services available to take the work out of their hands.
Those in the former camp can enjoy stopping by The White Company to inhale the scents of their elegant White Pompello candles, pause for a frothy coffee in Butlers Chocolates and then feel the buttery soft cotton of a Zadig and Voltaire t-shirt between their fingers. Perhaps moving on to test the sturdy weight of a Le Creuset heavy-bottomed pot.
For beauty lovers, Charlotte Tilbury is a continuous favourite and includes all sorts of sparkly holiday editions in its range. Spa-brand Elemis is a new addition. Irish-owned skincare line Pestle & Mortar and make-up brand Ayu have recently landed at the Village, the latter after a sleeper online success and its pop-up is most definitely worth a visit. The owner Suzie O’Neill specialises in producing shades of foundation, both vegan and cruelty-free, which are perfect for Celtic skin.
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For shoppers looking to refresh some of their home holiday décor, Christmas by Kilkenny Design is a hive of baubles, snow globes wreaths and garlands. There is a complimentary engraving service on all snow globes on Sundays between 11am and 5pm for a personal touch.
Enchanting atmosphere
Kildare Village at Christmas is magical. Its pretty streets are lit up with twinkly lights and tasteful decorations. The open-air boulevard is dotted with boutiques, pop-up boutiques, restaurants, and cafes, but it is the addition of the Barretstown Enchanted Forest which gives it such Miracle on 34th Street ambience.
Filled with a delicious smell of pine the beautiful indoor space is lit up with soft and cool white lights. This initiative is a partnership between Barretstown Kids Camp and the Tree Council of Ireland. For a €75 donation, you can sponsor a tree that will grow in forest planted in the grounds of Barretstown that you can visit, while the funds go to assisting the camp in helping children and families affected by serious childhood illness.
Doggone smart move
For those who are less enthused with figuring out their festive gift-giving, help is at hand. You can engage the services of an on-site concierge, who are available around the clock to help customers with any queries, valet parking, and hands-free shopping. This service will take your purchases and hold them in a secure space while you continue to shop or dine and lets you reverse your car in with help on hand to fill the boot with your buys. Dog owners should also note that there are even kennels on site to leave a furry friend in care for a few hours.
Its personal shopping service has been given a make-over with three stunning suites for you to book. Designed by international interior designer, David Thomas, the rooms combine contemporary and traditional Irish designs and hues, including a bold shade of Irish green and hand-painted wallpaper depicting the growth of oak trees. On the walls leading up the stairs are black and white portraits of WB Yeats and Samuel Beckett, nestled in between Jamie Dornan and Liam Neeson. This is a complimentary service.
Its Kildare Gallery features paintings and sculptures by artists from all over Ireland. Pieces from the gallery are also scattered through the Village and in the personal shopping suites. Popping in here to purchase or admire adds a whole other dimension to a day out.
When you feel peckish there is a menu of eats to choose from. Grab a Belgian waffle to go, washed down with made-to-order custom coffee at Butlers. Breaking up the shopping day with a delicious lunch or finishing it off with an early dinner is the perfect way to relax and leave feeling refreshed, not depleted. Choose from authentic Thai at Saba, an Italian fusion at Dunne & Crescenzi or organic options at Sprout & Co.
Sign up to Kildare Village’s membership programme and you will enjoy extra treats, additional offers, and early access to all it has to offer. You can sign up at the Kildare Village website, which is now also supporting a virtual shopping service that allows you to shop from home if you can’t visit in person—but to really experience this magical place you need to come and see it for yourself.
With its concierge staff on hand to collect your bags from the boutiques and store for you until you’re ready to leave Kildare Village, you’re free to explore all its boutiques and offers—an exceptional day out for everyone.
Book a hands-free shopping experience at Kildare Village here.