If you're searching for the best places to go Christmas shopping in Northern Ireland, then look no further. If there's one thing we love it's the joy that a good day’s shopping can bring. So, wherever you go, you’ll find top class shopping centres, wonderful local markets, boutique design stores and artisan craft shops. All perfect places to pick up something special as a gift to bring home, or a way to treat yourself.
Victoria Square Shopping Centre, Belfast
Looking for the perfect day out? Head to Victoria Square, where you can shop and dine at over 70 stores and restaurants. It's home to a wide selection of top brands, from Ted Baker and Hollister to Tommy Hilfiger and Hugo Boss. It has also recently become the home of Northern Ireland's first Lego store!
You can also make your way to the iconic Dome. Here, you'll be treated to 360-degree views of Belfast's skyline. You can even see all the way to the famous Harland & Wolff cranes, known to locals as Samson and Goliath.
Q-Park Victoria Square is conveniently located right beneath the shopping complex, offering direct access to every level of Victoria Square. The car park provides a range of services, including car washing and valet options, and you can even pre-book your parking space. It features 1,083 spaces, including 64 accessible bays and 10 electric vehicle charging points.
CastleCourt Shopping Centre, Belfast
CastleCourt's motto is simply: Shop, Eat, Play, Repeat. You can do this to your heart's content with over 80 stores like Matalan, Bperfect, and New Look. Once you've worked up an appetite, there are 15 great food places to choose from. After a day of shopping, why not catch a film? Treat yourself and the whole family to a movie at The Avenue Cinema, Café & Bar, CastleCourt's luxury cinema. All of this is just a 6-minute walk from Belfast City Hall.
CastleCourt offers convenient on-site parking with several flexible options. Take advantage of the Early Bird offer for all-day parking at just £8, or choose a Flexi Pass for £210, which works out at £7 per day. Valet and car wash services are available, along with 6 electric vehicle charging points.
St. George’s Market, Belfast
St. George’s Market is one of Belfast’s oldest and most colourful attractions. Here, you’ll find the best of local produce and speciality foods from around the world, all under one roof. Look out for fresh fruit and vegetables, artisan meats and the widest range of fish in Ireland, there were 23 fish stalls alone here, at the last count. For extra local flavour, check out the soda farls, ‘Belfast Baps’, Suki Tea and Broughgammon goat's meat.
There are also plenty of antique and collectibles stalls, clothes, local craft sellers and live music from local bands.
There are several convenient parking options when visiting St George’s Market. The closest is the Cormac Street Car Park, which offers 150 spaces and is just a short walk from the market. You can also use the Lanyon Place Parking Complex or find additional parking nearby on Charlotte Street, which has around 90 spaces.
Lisburn Road, South Belfast
If independent designers are more your bag, take a stroll down the Lisburn Road for the latest in fashion and homeware style. JoJo Maman Bébé, Oliver Bonas, Deja Vu, Harrison Fashion and Hugo Thomas are all within reach. As are great bars and restaurants, such as the Chelsea or Shu. The Lisburn Road offers both on-street parking and the Marlborough Avenue Car Park, opposite The Chelsea.
Bloomfield Avenue, East Belfast
There’s more individual style in Bloomfield Avenue’s neat boutiques. It’s a browser’s heaven and you’ll more than likely walk away with something special. Siren, Peels Fashion Store and Folklore Yarn and Coffee are all great places to start your search. Parking is available on Ashdale Street, which offers 85 spaces, along with additional parking options at the Connswater Complex and on Ravenscroft Avenue.
Abbeycentre Shopping Centre, County Antrim
On the outskirts of Belfast, the Abbey Centre and surrounding Valley Retail Park is popular with locals. High Street names such as Next, Dunnes, Marks and Spencer, TK Maxx, B&M and Matalan have all made their home here. As have Synge and Byrne the perfect spot to enjoy an artisan coffee and a shopping break.
Parking at Lesley Abbey Centre is free for up to four hours across the entire site. If you plan to stay longer, you can use the dedicated Long-Stay Car Park. All car parks include accessible bays and Parent and Child spaces (for children up to age five).
Ballymena, County Antrim
The town of Ballymena has an eclectic mix of independent shops and department stores. Try Primrose in Greenvale Street for fashion or check out bigger stores such as McKillens in Church Street and Camerons in Broughshane Street. Nearby, Fred Funk and Pretty Woman are great for well-known labels and up and coming designer fashion. There are several convenient parking options in Ballymena. Parkway Ballymena offers around 1,100 spaces, while Springwell Street Car Park provides over 800 spaces. You’ll also find plenty of on-street parking available throughout the town.
And Junction One, just off the M2 motorway, is a destination in its own right with its Next Clearance and M&S Outlet stores. The site offers 963 free parking spaces for visitors.
The Craft Village, Derry-Londonderry
It’s hard to imagine a more inviting spot than Derry’s delightfully Dickensian Craft Village. Here, a reconstructed 18th-century street meets a 19th-century square, creating a charming setting for exploration. The result is home to a mix of artisan outlets, with 70 local crafters, restaurants and coffee shops. Fine art prints, jewellery, glass, silks, tweed and knitwear live side by side with delicate soaps and scented candles. Edel McBride is here too, the Aran knitwear designer who’s a hit with both Hillary Clinton and Sarah Jessica Parker. Convenient parking is available nearby at Quayside Car Park, Strand Road Car Park (70 spaces) and William Street Car Park (146 spaces), making it easy to visit and enjoy everything the Craft Village has to offer.
Coleraine, County Londonderry
If you’ve a passion for unique and interesting small shops, you’ve come to the right place. Lovers of shopping will fall for Fashion Flair in Belhouse Lane. Specialising in affordable and stylish ladies fashion and accessories. While in the Diamond Centre, it’s always worth visiting Bishops Footwear and Ken Young for the finest menswear in Ireland. Convenient parking can be found nearby at Abbey Street Car Park (182 spaces), Mall Car Park (218 spaces) and Waterside Car Park (201 spaces).
And on the second Saturday of every month, there’s the Causeway Speciality Market, a bustling food and drink market in the town centre.
Rushmere Shopping Centre, County Armagh
Shoppers looking for great choice and convenience will love Rushmere, Northern Ireland’s largest shopping destination. Perfectly located between Portadown and Lurgan, just off the M1, Rushmere offers over 70 big-name stores across a bright indoor mall and a spacious retail park. From fashion favourites like Primark, H&M, and River Island to homeware, beauty, and lifestyle brands, there’s something for everyone. With popular eateries including Costa, Starbucks, McDonald’s, and Nando’s, plus over 1,800 free parking spaces, Rushmere is open seven days a week and makes the ideal spot for a relaxed day of shopping and dining.
Magherafelt, County Londonderry
Magherafelt is a shopping hotspot too. All located on Broad Street, Spoilt Bella, By Alison and Nicolls Menswear which provides men’s classic tailoring, casual-wear, and up to date fashion trends. The Fashion House on Market Street is worth a look too or, for covetable footwear and handbags, it’s got to be the Style Boutique on Queen Street. With convenient free parking available throughout Magherafelt and additional spaces at the Union Road Car Park, allowing you to take your time exploring the town’s stylish boutiques.
The Linen Green, County Tyrone
A stunning designer shopping village in Moygashel, the Linen Green has it all. First-class quality homewares and interiors shops including Anthologie, Bedeck, Gareth McFarland Design Yard and Lavish. And alongside them, fashion stores such as The Lingerie Room, Storey and Panache Shoe Company. With 650 free parking spaces available on-site, visitors can shop, browse and relax at their leisure.
The Buttermarket, County Fermanagh
If you’re looking for original art and crafts, The Buttermarket in Enniskillen is the place to go. Formerly the site of a 19th-century dairy market, it’s now the heart of Fermanagh’s thriving craft industry with everything from original art, pottery and ceramics to handmade jewellery, textiles and picture framing. Plus, Rebecca’s Café offers delicious homemade goodies. Convenient parking is available nearby at Head Street Car Park (62 spaces) and Castle Park Car Park.
The Boulevard, County Down
Shoppers with an eye for value know all about The Boulevard, Northern Ireland's premier outlet destination. Located just off the main A1 Dublin to Belfast Road, you'll find jaw-dropping prices on your favourite brands in an open-air setting. Discover designer discounts and permanent offers of 30% - 70% off the RRP from top brands like Murmur, Kurt Geiger, Nike, and Joules. The Boulevard also offers a selection of food outlets and an eight-screen cinema, and with 1,300 free parking spaces, The Boulevard is the perfect place for a family day out!
The Quays, Newry, County Down
Discover The Quays Shopping Centre, perfectly situated on the picturesque Newry Canal. With its convenient location just off the M1 motorway, they’re an easy trip whether you're coming from Belfast or Dublin. Once you arrive, you’ll find plenty of parking and a nearby bus station, making your visit hassle-free. Inside, you can explore a wide variety of stores, from major brands like Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury’s, and Next to unique finds like Sostrene Grene and Lush. Whether you’re looking for a new outfit, outdoor gear from Trespass, or something special from Pandora, you’ll find it here. And when you’re ready for a break, refuel at one of their many food and drink spots, including Subway, Starbucks, and Eddie Rockets.
The Buttercrane Centre, Newry, County Down
The Buttercrane Centre, located in the heart of Newry on Buttercrane Quay. Getting here is easy, with the centre just an hour's drive from both Dublin and Belfast and only minutes from the local train and bus stations. With over 1,000 on-site parking spaces, finding a spot is never a problem. Explore over 50 stores, from well-known names like Primark, Boots, and Dunnes to fashion favourites like Jack & Jones and DV8. After you've shopped, grab a bite to eat at one of the many cafes and restaurants, including Burger King, Costa Coffee, and Subway.
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Wherever your Northern Ireland itinerary takes you, there’s always time to fit in some local retail therapy. And it’s pretty certain you won’t leave empty-handed. So, it might be wise to add another suitcase to that shopping list, just to make sure you can get it all home.
Northern Ireland’s biggest and brightest shopping centre. Inside Victoria Square you'll find shops, an Odeon Cinema and lots of eateries. Highlights include Five Guys, House of Fraser, Urban Outfitters, and Hugo Boss.
CastleCourt offers the ultimate shopping experience with all your favourite shops under one roof right in the heart of Belfast. With over 80 great stores and 15 great food places to choose from, there's never been a better time to visit.
St George’s Market one of Belfast’s oldest attractions and is one of the best markets in the UK and Ireland. It has been voted for numerous local and national awards for its fresh, local produce and great atmosphere.
Abbey Centre is a large indoor shopping centre, just 6 miles from Belfast City Centre. Over 70 stores, under one roof, cater to your every need, including Next, Primark, Dunnes Stores and Poundland. Open until 9pm every weeknight, you can shop and dine at your leisure with free parking for up to 4 hours. Services include hospitality (Nando’s, McDonald’s, Caffe Nero and more), banking, opticians, pharmacies, medical practice, shoe repairs and locksmith.
Welcome to the distinctive delights of the hidden jewel in Derry~Londonderry’s crown, the classic Craft Village. Dickensian in appearance and delightful in layout, Derry~Londonderry’s Craft Village is a cultural oasis in the heart of a vibrant city.
Operating on the second Saturday each month (weather permitting), the Causeway Speciality Market showcases a wide range of high quality, artisan locally produced arts, crafts and gourmet food products.
