Store purchases in Ireland can range from tacky to ‘do it all day’ variety. And Kildare Village is a strong argument for the latter, with a plethora of shops, big designer names, and great food too. And while ‘Kildare Village’ sounds idyllic and traditional, and to some extent, the resort really manages to preserve parts of the illusion by the nice shop architecture … at the end of the day (a very busy shop no doubt), it’s a company commercial . With a vengeance. Because this is Ireland’s premier version of the Outlet Mall, basically a grouping of brand name stores.
Although designed in such a way as to convey a “village setting” (with a rural or semi-urban North American flair added in some places). Which is still as clinical as Disney’s Main Street USA, despite attempts to even recreate stables. Very fitting considering that County Kildare is horse country and both the Irish National Stud and Curragh Racecourse are nearby. But ultimately, it’s just the dressing for large-scale retail therapy. Hold on to your credit cards.
In one word
Kildare Village offers a host of brand name stores in one location, in a reasonably attractive ‘village setting’, making a nice change from the ‘instant’ malls and shopping centers. Conveniently located for approaching via the M7, and close to local attractions, it can cater for a ‘family day out’. On the other hand, it is worth remembering that we are talking about “big brands” here, and that brand purchases do, even with reductions, do not necessarily equate to sale purchases. So prepare yourself.
Especially if you are used to shopping in other countries, as prices in Ireland can be more expensive.
The entire complex is a relatively new development on the outskirts of Kildare Town, literally off the M7 (take Junction 13) and properly signposted. For those arriving by public transport, there is a shuttle service to Kildare Town, the train station, and local attractions available (visit Saint Brigid, if you wish). Inside the complex, the cafes provide plenty of opportunities to rest and recuperate on site, unless you hit them during really busy hours.
Is it worth the trip?
Irish shoppers tend to get excited about the bargains here. Prices in Ireland are still generally high, especially for branded items, so even bargains can seem uninteresting to non-Irish shoppers. Especially those that come from countries affected by a weak currency compared to the euro.
On the other hand … you might get a weird special edition or a real bargain, so if you’re a shopaholic and have an hour or two, why not stop by and browse. As long as you’re prepared to see it more as a “leisure activity” than a guaranteed cheap shopping spree.
What stores and brands can you find?
Las siguientes marcas y tiendas están representadas en Kildare Village (en orden alfabético): AllSaints, Anya Hindmarch, Aquascutum, Armani, Asics, Barbour, Bedeck, Belstaff, Boss, Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein (jeans, ropa interior y relojes, así como joyas), Cath Kidston, Church’s, Clarks, Coach, Crabtree & Evelyn, David Clulow, Diesel, DKNY, DVF, Escada, Falke, Folli Follie, Fossil, French Connection, Furla, Gerard Darel, Gucci, Guess, Hackett, Hamilton, Heidi Klum Intimates, Hobbs, Home & Cook, Hour Passion, Jack Wills, Jaeger, Jigsaw, Joules, Juicy Couture, KIDS, Karen Millen, kate spade new york, Kipling, Kurt Geiger, LKBennett, Lacoste, Le Creuset, Levi’s, Lily O’Brien’s, Links of London, L’Occitane, Longines, Louise Kennedy, Lulu Guinness, Mido, Molton Brown, Mulberry, Musto, N.Peal, Napapijri, New Balance,Nike, Pandora, Penhaligon’s, Polo Ralph Lauren (niños y adultos), Pretty Ballerinas, Rado, Reiss, Samsonite, Sarah Pacini, Savoy Taylors Guild, Signet Jewelers, Só Collective, Superdry, Swarovski, Swatch, Ted Baker, The Kooples, The North Face, Thomas Pink, Timberland, Tissot, Tog 24, Tommy Hilfiger, Tumi, Under Armour, Versace, Villeroy & Boch, Watch Station, Wolford y Zwilling.
As for food and drink… you can top up at Crêperie Angélie, Dunne & Crescenzi L’Officina, Hatch and Sons, Joe’s Coffee, Luxe Gelato, Starbucks and Stone Ground Donuts.
Essential information
- Location: Kildare Village, Nurney Road, Kildare Town, County Kildare, R51 R265.
- Public Transport: Trains stop at Kildare Town, with a free shuttle service taking you to Kildare Village. There are also bus services catering to serious shoppers from Dublin Airport, Dublin City Center, Shannon Airport and Limerick City, branded ‘Shopping Express’ and run by local firm JJ Kavanagh.
- Parking: A free parking lot can accommodate up to 2,000 cars.
- Estimated time needed: budget for a few hours or until your credit card is declined.
- Website: kildarevillage.com
