All The Best Places For Home Thrifting Around Ireland

Let’s be real, nothing beats the thrill of scoring a unique vintage find for a fraction of the price.

Whether it’s a dreamy antique mirror, a ready to restore vanity, or a quirky retro vase, second hand shopping is the ultimate way to add personality to your home while staying sustainable. Plus, there’s just something deeply satisfying about the hunt, sifting through dusty shelves, uncovering forgotten items, and imagining the story behind them. 

And lucky for us, Ireland’s thrifting scene is packed with hidden gems waiting to be uncovered, just begging for a second (or third) life in a new home.

 

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If you love the thrill of second hand shopping, Catherine Carton of Dainty Dress Diaries is your go-to guide for uncovering these hidden gems. Whether you’re an upcycling pro, vintage homeware enthusiast, or just someone who enjoys a good bargain, Catherine has mapped out Ireland’s greatest spots for thrifting, covering everything from car boot sales to antique shops.

With a passion for sustainable shopping and home decor, Catherine offers an insider’s look at where to find upcycled furniture, antiques and preloved treasures. A must for those wanting to decorate on a budget while embracing the charm of rustic and mid-century modern styles.

Top Thrifting Destinations in Ireland

Car Boot Sales – Dublin and Surrounding Areas

For those seeking affordable homeware, furniture and one-of-a-kind pieces, Catherine highlights Dublin and surrounding areas best car boot sales, from Balbriggan, Ballymun, Jamestown Indoor Market, Le Zeitgest Flea Market, Fairyhouse (Meath), and Straffan (Kildare).

These bustling markets are filled with second-hand gems such as retro kitchenware, antique ornaments, or unique upcycling projects with great prices. These sales also offer an amazing opportunity to meet fellow thrifting lovers and discover even more hidden treasures. Locations aside, the most important is, of course, arriving early enough to snag the best finds!

@robyntaylor212 #fyp #markets #fairyhouse #follow #vlog ♬ young folks nightcore – ㅤ🎧

Charity Shop Warehouses – Preloved Home Furnishings

For those looking to furnish their homes with character while staying on budget, Catherine points out NCBI Ballyfermot Warehouse and SVP Navan Warehouse as top destinations.

These large charity shops go beyond the usual selection, offering an immense range of second hand furniture, including wardrobes, vintage cabinets, bookshelf, dining tables, and so much more. Ideal for upcyclers or anyone looking to add a unique touch to their home! Catherine highlights these locations as goldmines for high-quality, affordable pieces with charm and history.

Architectural Salvage Yards – Historic Pieces with Charm

For shoppers with an eye for architectural history, try some of Dublin’s best salvage yards, including Mac’s Warehouse, Landmark Architectural Salvage, and Kilkenny Architectural Salvage.

These treasure troves are ideal for unique home additions like reclaimed wooden doors, vintage tiles, ornate fireplaces, cast iron radiators, and wrought iron gates. These yards offer a sustainable way to incorporate high-quality easy to repurpose materials into home decor.

@eadaoinfitzmaurice Have you been to the oldest salvage yard in #dublin ♬ original sound – Éadaoin

Antique Shops – Collectable Finds and Timeless Elegance

Dublin 8’s Francis Street is well known for its antique shops, a must visit for collectors of fine art, period furniture, delicate porcelain, and rare books. O’Sullivan Antiques, in particular, is perfect for those who love to collect carefully curated historical pieces.

For those seeking a more leisurely shopping experience, Straffan Antiques & Victorian Tea Rooms in Kildare combines beautiful antiques with an afternoon setting, making for a charming day out. Whether you’re a longtime collector or simply just enjoy the nostalgia of past eras, these shops offer a captivating experience filled with history and craftsmanship. 

For up-to-date information on car boot sales, Catherine suggests checking Collect Ireland for the latest locations and schedules.

You can follow Catherine on Instagram at @daintydressdiaries, and subscribe to her YouTube channel @daintydiaries.

Words by Emilia Cercel