With the rapid economic growth of Dublin came both increases in the population of Dublin an increases in the amount of money Irish people had in their pockets. As the Celtic Tiger roared on, much of the areas around Dublin were developed into residential areas. With large amounts of people living in the suburbs of Dublin, it made sense to build shopping centres in these same suburbs. 15 years ago people shopped in the centre of Dublin, but today this new generation of shopping centres draw visitors not just from the suburbs in which they are located, but from all over the city and the Counties around. In this article I am going to have a quick look at the shopping centres located in the suburbs around Dublin.

The Square Shopping Centre

Located in Tallaght, (pronounced Tallah) The Square was the first of new generation of shopping centres to spring up around Dublin City. The Square or 'Square' as it is known is so named because it is built in the shape of a Square. The 'Square' is 3 floors high and is home to Roches Stores, Argus, Dunnes Stores, Champion Sports and Lifestyle Sports. There is also a multi-screen cinema.

Blanchardstown Shopping Centre

The Blanchardstown Shopping Centre was the biggest shopping centre in the country. Known locally as the 'Blanch Centre,' the centre has four wings and massive car parking areas which struggle to cope with the traffic at weekends and holiday periods. Among the major multiples in the centre are Argus, Penney's, Dunnes Stores and Marks & Spencer. If you only have time to visit one shopping centre during your visit to Dublin, this should be the one.

Liffey Valley Shopping Centre

The Liffey Valley Shopping Centre was a controversial development and the rezoning of the land is now a matter being investigated due to suspicion that the politicians who rezoned the land were bribed. The shopping centre is bright and airy and is meant to resemble South Beach in Miami. There is the usual collection of multiples here, but what really stands out is the location, just off the M50.

Dundrum Town Centre

Dundrum Town Centre is the newest shopping centre in Dublin. The Centre only opened in March 2005 and is now the largest shopping centre in not just Ireland but all of Europe. The anchor tenants in Dundrum are Tesco, Marks and Spencer and House of Fraser. The centre is also home to the first Starbucks to open in Ireland. The Dundrum Town Centre has one major advantage as it is situated next to the Luas Green Line which makes access from Dublin City Centre very easy.

The Pavilion Swords

Situated in Swords in North County Dublin, the Pavilion is another of the new breed of shopping centres. The shopping centre is spacious, bright and spread over two floors. There are currently new extensions being added to the Pavilion which include a cinema and more shops. Parking in the Pavilion is free for the first 3 hours.