This place does a roaring trade in rugby gear for three reasons: Firstly it's the official Leinster…read moreRugby kit place thing-a-ma-bob; secondly, it's at the epicentre of a large number of big rugby schools, not least of all the rugby academy they pretend is a school, Blackrock College; and thirdly this is where lots of south side mom's* go shopping. I bought an Irish rugby jersey here for our disappointing last World Cup. I had to buy it in kids, age 10. How embarrassing is that?! Now, I'm twenty-three, five foot nine (and a half, mind you,) and I weight nearly seventy kilos. I demand that Canterbury present to me a ten year old that size. Now. See, they can't! Still, it's a good gag, I've gotta give it to them there. They really had me on that one. I suppose it's in the ethos of the sport too, so fair play, fair play. The staff here are friendly, it's Irish owned and they know there stuff in particular when it comes to rugby stuff. Four stars. *and Dad's but it doesn't sound as good that way :)

Not one of the best sports shops around. It also happens to be the main official Leinster rugby…read morestore, but that's so inconsequential, I'm going to leave that aside and concentrate on the non-Leinster-related-paraphernalia side of things. Not that there's much, it's a fairly small space. And they've taken up outside with Jansport bags (very nice for backpacks or what have you, but in space this small, you'd think they'd want to minimise superfluity, not expand it...) They've got the basics I admit, gumshields, rugby shirts, shin pads and the like. Not the best range of footwear, which, unless you do something like martial arts or swimming is kind of a big deal) and their swimwear isn't the broadest choice either, which is odd considering that one of the biggest clubs in Ireland is based around 10 minutes away so you'd think that could be a bit of a draw. My advice? Go to Lifestyle in Dún Laoghaire.

I bought a pair of expensive hiking boots there in December last year and quickly found out there…read morewas a size problem. There was no problem with the return. Unfortunately I had another problem with a serious defect in the replacement boots while walking the Camino. Again there was no problem when I returned. They gathered the facts and agreed to replace the boots with a new pair. The customer service was friendly and helpful and common sensed! Ian in particular was great to deal with. Great place to shop.

I needed wetsuit booties and I got wetsuit booties…read more I immediately sought out a sales person after I stepped through the door and they brought me through my bootie options. Then I was brought my size for a try in the booties I opted for and they seemed right. I tried the next size down just to be sure. And I was. Bish bash bosh, booties got. (I love the fact they are called booties, makes me smile every time) To be honest my visit here today was rushed (as I was tight on time and knew what I wanted), but it appears to have a lot going on in the store. The Great Outdoors brand is a bit pricey though, this and their other main store around the corner are the only shops of their types on this side of town and they know it. But the staff know their stuff and they do stock a good range of gear.

I was prepared to hate Champions Sports because this city has killed the sporty look. I'm so tired…read moreof seeing people in tracksuits that I was afraid to go into this shop. I overcame this fear when I saw that Champions Sport was having a 20% off Nike clothes. This brand is expensive so I was pleased with the markdown. Inside, there were some amazing offers, the best one being a Nike Baywatch red bikini for 11 euro. I was gobsmacked: the bathsuit was quite fashionable and good quality, much better than the ones in Topshop. Besides the swimwear, the shop also sells great Addidas tracksuits in bright colours like purple, red and green. I would wear one of these if I was running a marathon or working out. Contraily to my original belief, Champion Sports does have some decent sporty clothes that won't make you look like something out of Little Britain.

Now if you are looking for a brightly coloured matching addidas tracksuit (who isn't these days?)…read morethen get your rear down to Champion in Jervis St Shopping Centre. They have everything you could possibly ever want! Stocking all the major labels like Nike, Reebok, Puma etc they have everything from gym gear to football boots. Funnily enough I went in here a couple of months ago to buy football boots (PURELY for tag rugby of course) and I hadn't a notion what I was looking for. Luckily, after much laughing at me, one of the male sales assistants helped me and my shopping trip was a success!

I love the Quiksilver/Roxy look. I can't really pull it off, I admit (I blame the climate in which…read moreI live though..Ireland is not conducive to the surfer look), but it's still well cool. And there's something unbelievably attractive about a guy who can pull it off...of course the fact that he's most likely South African or Australian is an added bonus. They do everything from ski to surf stuff, as well as shoes, accessories...well, a bit of everything really. My one gripe is the fact that it's so damn expensive. I know everything has to be imported, but my god, it's pushing the boat out a bit when you see what they expect you to pay. Especially if you've ever been anywhere else and seen what others pay...not impressed. However, their stuff IS cool, if a bit too linked to the Ross O'Carroll Kelly brigade of late...but you can hardly blame the shop for that now can you?

This Australian sportswear brand has a fabulous store in the Stephen's Green Shopping Centre, with…read morecool, stylish gear for both Shielas and blokes. In Oz, a lot of its clothes are bought up the surfer dude crowd but our lack of waves on Dolymount strand doesn't mean that you can't enjoy the clobber. Think fitted hoodies and t-shirts, three quarter-length shorts in floral madras and swimwear for hardbodies.

I discovered Penney's while perusing the buzzing neighborhood near my hotel. As soon as I walked…read morein, it reminded me of Primark. Lo and behold, I found out they're a part of the same company/brand. How cool!! Same great products, same great prices. They even had a fully operating hair and nail salon inside. I barely had any vacant space in my luggage, but I absolutely had to grab some good deals and exit quickly lol. The store is huge and the various sections are easy to browse. It was also easy to spot employees walking around if you needed to ask for help.

This is my first time coming to Ireland as an adult and my Mother and Sister in law who visit often…read morehave raved about this store...it's 100% worth the hype. In retrospect, I wish I had packed half the clothing that I did for this trip and just purchased the majority of my trip's wardrobe here upon arrival! The clothing seems of very nice quality and so inexpensive. One of the rolling carry-on bags we used on this trip my mom got here during her last visit and it was by far one of the easiest of all our bags to travel with.

Service is top class selection of clothes fab great value for money very friendly staff especially…read moreGeraldine