Life in Ireland

Figures from the Central Statistics Office in Ireland show that there was another big jump in the number of people on the Live Register last month. The number of job seekers signing on for dole payments rose by almost 1,000 per day during the month of June, by far the highest amount ever recorded. It brought the total on the dole to 220,811 - the highest for a decade, worrying us all.

It we multiply this up over the months left to Christmas, well its not good. Better leave it at that. However something rather interesting is stirring in the land. The number of small and micro businesses start ups is going up. So maybe when things are good and we all have jobs the motivation to start our own businesses is not strong. When that climate alters it stimulates us to start looking at our options. It is interesting to note that adversity or the threat of adversity stimulates entrepreneurial spirit much more than plentiful jobs.

So can it be a good time to start a micro business when there is so much uncertainty. Maybe - the micro business is the only business that we soul be considering in these uncertain times. Maybe - gone are the days of the big big loans, big gig risk, long payback times and reliance on a buoyant economy. Maybe - we are growing into the time when small is beautiful when it comes to our new business set ups. Maybe - sustainability in our business structure today has as much meaning as the need for constant growth in the previous decade.

Henry Street is located just off O’Connell Street (Dublin’s main thoroughfare) right in the heart of the city. If heading north on O’Connell Street, just take a left at ‘The Spire’ and you’re there!

Henry Street is definitely the place to go if you want to shop ’til you drop, as it’s literally overflowing with shops and it’s pedestrianised too. It’s home to the Jervis Centre, which is the largest shopping centre in Dublin city centre, with every kind of shop located under the one roof. Another popular shopping centre on Henry Street is the Ilac Centre, which is home to shops like Roches Stores, Dunnes and Argos.

A visit to Arnotts is a must when shopping in Henry Street. It opened in 1843 so it’s one of the oldest in the city! It’s a particulary good place to stop off if you’re looking for clothing, houseware and cosmetics.

Other notable shops on Henry Street include Penny’s, Marks & Spencers, Debenhams, HMV and some high street stores like Oasis, A-Wear, Sasha, Zara and River Island.

While on Henry Street it’s really worth taking a stroll down Moore Street - a colourful and lively market area which has become an attraction in itself!

If you want Dublin hotels in the Henry Street area we suggest you check into the nearby Abbey Hotel, the Ripley Court Hotel, the Gresham Hotel, the Royal Dublin Hotel, Cassidy’s Hotel and Lynam’s Hotel.

Grafton Street is the other shopping destination in Dublin and is located on the south side of the River Liffey stretching from College Green up to St. Stephen’s Green. It’s also a pedestrainised street lined with high street shops, shoe shops, jewelry shops and the odd souvenir shop.

Grafton Street is home to the fashionable Brown Thomas store where you can buy designer gear, so if you’re looking for Gucci, Prada or Chanel head here.

Other shops to be found on this street include Vero Moda, Next, A-Wear, Oasis and some designer stores like Pia Bang, Karen Millen, Ted Baker, Laura Ashley and Reiss.

At the top of Grafton Street, you’ll see the St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, which has over 100 shops under one roof. It’s a definite stop-off if you’re a visitor to Dublin as it’s got some very good gift and souvenir shops.

When the shopping is done, take the time to soak up the atmosphere on the street, as Grafton Street is renowned for its street entertainment. It was here, in fact, that many famous musicians started their career like Glen Hansard and Damien Rice who both started off as buskers on this very street!

If you want to be close to Grafton Street then choose Dublin hotels like Buswells Hotel, the Central Hotel, O Callaghan Mont Clare Hotel, Premier Suites Dublin Stephen’s Hall, the Grafton Capital Hotel, the Westbury Hotel, Brooks Hotel, Drury Court Hotel or the Conrad Hotel.

There are also some really good shopping centres outside Dublin city. If you’re going shopping at the Liffey Valley Centre we suggest you stay at the nearby Clarion Hotel Dublin Liffey Valley, for the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre stay at the Ballymum Plaza, or the Park Plaza Tyrrelstown. For The Square Shopping Centre in Tallaght, stay nearby at the Abberley Court Hotel or if you’re heading for the Dundrum Shopping Centre, stay at the Stillorgan Park Hotel.