Argh, me and hardware stores really don't work well together, and you'll know that if you've read…read moreany of my reviews on the subject. They are super scary, intimidating shops for most females, and I am definitely no exception. At first glance, Geddis and McKee is a hardcore hardware shop. We're talking high vis jackets, huge manly boots, every nail / screw / whatever else men need that you could possibly think of. It almost screams "man" in a deep, threatening voice. And then I found some rubber gloves that my mum absolutely loves (I am a true rhyming master), and thought, 'huh, this shop isn't as tough as it first looks'. Selling ladies bright yellow rubber gloves is definitely a drop down a notch in the overall manly ratings. In fact, Geddis and McKee isn't as scary as I first thought. It has a whole load of household cleaners and the like, pet food and accessories and even a selection of confectionery. Mmm. Some might say it's almost ladylike. Almost.

McCune's is a well known DIY shop in Carrickfergus. This is one of the few shops in the town that…read morehas been 'part of the furniture' for as long as I can remember. They sell a range of wallpaper, paint, varnish, in fact, pretty much anything you would need for general DIY. Perfect for someone who has a quick job to do, and doesn't want the hassle of having to go all the way up to Newtownabbey to visit one of the larger DIY stores. They also sell a range of gardening items. As has already been mentioned, the staff are super helpful, especially for someone as clueless as me when I wanted to make my first attempt at wallpapering (it didn't work, but it wasn't due to ill advice, just my poor skills) In addition, McCune's is one of the few places locally that you can get a key cut, so if you ever need a spare key in a hurry, this is the place to go. Nice selection of keyrings too!

Sampsons is one of those places that sort of sells everything. I once went in with a list of the…read moremost obscure stuff imaginable, I think the list included a 40 watt light bulb, some miracle grow, a poker and a bag of turf. Upon entrance the list was taken off me and low and behold within 1 minute all items were on the counter waiting for payment. This is the type of shop Sampsons is, no matter how odd the request they will have it. They are primarily a hardware store but they have recently diversified to the garden market and now offer potted plants and compost. Although on the downside I found the shop very confusing so if you do not know exactly what you are looking for it is best to ask. Sampsons is very reasonable in price and he will sometimes throw in a few extra bits and bobs if he thinks you need them. The only real alternative is Homebase or another big DIY specialist but if you are in the centre of town and you need something no matter how strange (I think they even do plastic spanners and left handed screw drivers) then Sampsons is the place to go.

This is one of the oldest shops in Bangor, it has to be. I have lived here all my life and I don't…read moreremember it not being here. It is based on Hamilton Road which means that it can be tough to get to because of the one-way system but if you park the car in the Asda Car Park it is only a wee hop, skip and a jump across the road so you should be ok. This place stocks everything from garden pots, tools, miracle gro, DIY tools, hammers, spanners, nuts, bolts, brushes, hoes, rakes and basically every type of hardware that you could possibly think of other than light firearms. The staff are knowlegeable and extremely helpful. Always polite and efficent, they make popping in here to pick something up a charm.

Known locally as Hurrells if you need a diy item they have it, they also have a large builders…read moresupply yard and sell wooden products such as pet houses and garden sheds. Theres a furniture dept upstairs and a second hand furniture section out the back. Wether you need one nail or 5 tons of sand Hurrells will have it. They deliver heavy goods in the town for £4 with a same day service. Anything not in stock can usually be ordered for collection next day

This is a really excellent wee shop where almost everyting can be purchased for any kind of diy to…read morebe completed. The staff in the place are able to locate everything straight away i really dont know how they always remember where things are kept. The store is really well located although parking can be a bit of a bummer sometimes.

It just struck me (like a bolt of lightening, some might say) before I began my review as to why…read morethis place is named so...Hardys Hardware. Excellent. Aside from the innovative name, Hardys is a pretty darn good wee shop. The fact that it's slightly more than a hardware store made me feel slightly more at ease (you may recall my previous review [singular] of a hardware store, and how I felt completely out of place), but I have to say that it was also the accompaniment of my dad that made the whole experience generally nicer. Thanks Daddy. Back to the vast range of stock though. Yes, it's got the wood, tools, gadgets and DIY stuff, but there's a huge variety of other stuff too. There's toiletries, household cleaners, pet goods, home decor...even confectionery! I got lost in the toiletry section while my dad looked for some man thingy. Or something like that. It's definitely the extensive assortment of goods that makes Hardys that little bit special. Hardys and Other Items You May Find Yourself Needing doesn't have quite the same ring though...

One of the best general hardware and DIY stores you will find in NI. The range is huge and its more…read moreconvenient being in the centre of Comber than travelling to B&Q and other superstores in Ards north Down or Dundonald.

Very friendly and great helpread more

Has everything you need from peats to coal to clothes pegs! Good old fashioned store and service..read more