Hobby Shop Near Me: Ireland’s Best Local Stores

Walking into a hobby shop in Ireland feels more like a treasure hunt than a shopping trip, especially when the chain stores and independents offer surprisingly different experiences. This guide cuts through the confusion with verified details on Art & Hobby’s 22+ locations, independent gems like Hobby Shop in Sligo, and exactly what you’ll find on their shelves.

Art & Hobby stores in Ireland: 22+ ·
Top-rated shops on Yelp (Dublin): 10 ·
Art & Hobby locations nationwide: 22

Five key facts about Ireland’s hobby shop landscape, one takeaway: availability and specialty differ a lot between the chain and the independents.

Here’s how the numbers stack up for shoppers deciding between Art & Hobby and independent stores.

The implication: the chain wins on convenience and range, but independent shops offer targeted stock that enthusiasts value.

What do you buy at a hobby shop?

Art supplies and craft materials

• Art & Hobby stocks fine art materials from Winsor & Newton, craft supplies, and a wide selection of Lego (Blackrock Village Centre (shopping centre directory)).
• Hobby Shop in Sligo offers art supplies for students and professionals, alongside books and toys (Hobby Shop website (retailer)).
• K.M. Evans Art Supplies in Dublin 7 and The Cloth Shop on South King Street are additional options for specialised craft materials (One Fab Day (Irish wedding & lifestyle blog)).

Model kits and collectibles

• The Dublin Model Shop at 143 James Street specialises in scale modelling kits (Scalemates (modelling database)).
• The Model Shop on Capel Street stocks miniature sports cars, WW2 soldiers, figurine aeroplanes, and has a working model train on display (On the Grid (Dublin city guide)).
• Board games, puzzles, and collectible figures are common at most independent hobby shops across Dublin.

Educational toys and gifts

• Art & Hobby carries a range of educational toys, including Ravensburger puzzles and STEM kits (Blackrock Village Centre (shopping centre directory)).
• The chain labels itself as “one of Ireland’s foremost Art, Craft, Lego, Hobby & educational Toys retailers” with over 22 stores nationwide (Art & Hobby official site (corporate description)).

The upshot: Whether you’re a student, a hobbyist, or a parent, Ireland’s hobby shops offer a broad range. Art & Hobby covers the basics well; independents reward the enthusiast with rare finds.

Where is the Art and Hobby in Liffey Valley?

Art & Hobby at Liffey Valley Shopping Centre

• The Liffey Valley store is one of the chain’s 20+ outlets in the Republic (Art & Hobby store finder).
• Opening hours typically follow the shopping centre’s schedule: Monday to Saturday 9:00am–6:30pm, Sunday 11:00am–6:00pm (check centre site for variations).

Other Art & Hobby locations in Dublin

• Stephens Green Shopping Centre – third level, near the Luas stop (DublinTown (city centre business directory)).
• Jervis Street Shopping Centre – also in the city centre, close to Henry Street.
• Nutgrove Shopping Centre – Rathfarnham, open 9:00am–6:00pm Monday–Saturday and 12:00pm–6:00pm Sunday (Yelp listing (user-reported hours)).
• Blackrock Village Centre – open 9:00am–6:00pm, late Thurs/Fri, and Sunday trading (Blackrock Village Centre (shopping centre directory)).

How to find a nearby store

• Use the store locator on artnhobby.ie (official retailer site).
• Check Yelp or Google Maps for “hobby shop near me” with live opening hours.
• Call the store directly if you need Sunday or evening availability.

The pattern: Art & Hobby has excellent city-centre and suburban coverage. For a quick trip, any of the Dublin locations is within a short drive or Luas ride.

How long does Art and Hobby take to deliver?

Standard delivery timeline

• Delivery times vary based on location; typically 3-5 business days within Ireland (Art & Hobby delivery policy).
• Orders to Northern Ireland or international destinations may take longer; exact estimates are provided at checkout.

Click and collect options

• Click and collect is available at most stores – order online and pick up in-store, often same-day for stock held at that branch.
• Select your preferred location during checkout on artnhobby.ie.

Shipping within Ireland

• Standard shipping is via An Post or courier; tracked options may be available for larger orders.
• For urgent needs, visiting a physical store is the safest bet – especially the Dublin city-centre locations.

The catch: Delivery estimates are general. If you need supplies for a weekend project, click and collect or an in-store visit eliminates the uncertainty.

Do Art and Hobby do student discounts?

Student discount policy

• Art & Hobby does not publicly list a standard student discount on its website (Art & Hobby official site).
• Some independent shops in Dublin, such as K.M. Evans Art Supplies, may offer student pricing – ask at the counter.

How to verify student status

• If a discount is offered, you’ll typically need a valid student ID or ISIC card.
• Call your local Art & Hobby store directly to ask about current promotions.

Other ways to save

• Look for loyalty programs or price matching – not widely advertised, but some stores may match competitors’ prices.
• Follow Art & Hobby on social media for occasional sales and clearance events.

What this means: students probably won’t find a blanket discount at Art & Hobby, but smaller local shops may be more flexible. Always ask in-store – policies can change without being updated online.

Is there a Hobby Lobby in Dublin or Ireland?

Hobby Lobby availability in Ireland

• There is no Hobby Lobby in Dublin or anywhere in Ireland (Art & Hobby (largest Irish alternative)).
• The US chain operates only in North America; no European locations exist.

Alternatives: Art & Hobby and Hobby Shop

• Art & Hobby is the largest comparable chain in Ireland, with 22+ stores and a wide product mix (DublinTown (tourism authority)).
• Hobby Shop in Sligo is a notable independent retailer serving the northwest (Hobby Shop website).
• For craft supplies, The Cloth Shop and Murphy Sheehy in Dublin offer fabric and sewing materials (One Fab Day (Irish lifestyle blog)).

Key differences between US and Irish shops

• US hobby megastores (Hobby Lobby, Michaels) are typically 10,000+ sq ft; Art & Hobby stores are smaller but well-stocked.
• Irish shops place a stronger emphasis on educational toys and local art materials.
• Pricing: Art & Hobby is competitive on art basics; specialist import items (e.g., Warhammer) may be pricier than US prices due to shipping.

The trade-off: Ireland lacks the sheer scale of a Hobby Lobby, but the combination of Art & Hobby and independent shops covers most needs without the drive to an out-of-town retail park.

How to find the best hobby shop near you in Ireland

1. Identify your hobby category. Art & painting? Art & Hobby or K.M. Evans Art Supplies. Model trains/planes? The Dublin Model Shop or The Model Shop on Capel Street. Board games and puzzles? Art & Hobby carries a good selection; Forbidden Planet in Dublin specialises in geek culture.
2. Use the store locator. Visit artnhobby.ie for the full store list – 22+ locations across the country. For independent shops, search “hobby shop near me” on Google Maps and filter by open now.
3. Check opening hours. Many Dublin hobby shops close on Sundays or have limited hours. The Dublin Model Shop (James St) is closed Sunday (Scalemates (modelling database)). Art & Hobby at Nutgrove and Blackrock are open Sunday afternoons (Blackrock Village Centre).
4. Read recent reviews. Yelp and Google Reviews give real-time feedback on stock availability and customer service. Top-rated Dublin hobby shops on Yelp (10 as of 2025) often highlight knowledgeable staff (Yelp (user reviews)).
5. Visit and build a relationship. Independent shops often stock items not listed online; staff can recommend alternatives based on your project. Regular customers sometimes get early notice of new arrivals or discounts.

The paradox: The more you know about your hobby, the better the indie shop becomes. But for a quick run for basics, Art & Hobby’s consistency is hard to beat.

What’s clear – and what’s not – about Ireland’s hobby shops

“The Art & Hobby shop is one of Ireland’s foremost Art, Craft, Lego, Hobby & educational Toys retailers with over 22 stores nationwide.”

— Art & Hobby corporate website (official retailer)

“The Model Shop is a one-stop shop for model enthusiasts, stocking miniature sports cars, WW2 soldiers, and model aeroplanes.”

— On the Grid (Dublin city guide)

For shoppers in Dublin looking for a weekend project, the choice is between the convenience of Art & Hobby and the specialization of independent shops. The smart move: check opening hours online first, then visit to see what catches your eye.

Related reading: Art & Hobby Group Dublin locations guide · The Model Shop Capel Street Dublin

Frequently asked questions