Barnardos Charity Shop

There’s something very unique about Bernardos on Liffey Street, it’s brand new.
Not the shop, which has been a mainstay on this Quays side street for years now, but the goods themselves. As part of a program launched by the charity, Barnardos now carries merchandise classed as «Brand New», donated from manufacturers and retailers for sale at lower prices in their store.
This hasn’t increased the amount of goods, and the selection can be just as spotty as when it was nanny’s old blouses and cardigans on the racks. But, when every purchase goes to helping children and families here in Ireland there’s no better bargain.

Perfectly nice shop this, but it can look a bit empty, as all the clothes are arranged around the wall and there are no racks on the floor. Also, any time I go in, there are about four members of staff on the floor and no one else. As the only customer, I feel a little over-​scrutinized and under pressure to find something or at least smile appreciatively at the clothing arrangements. All this is in my head, of course, but it doesn’t make it any less real.

Barnardos is Ireland’s leading children charity. One of the ways it campaigns for money is by having gift shops around Dublin where all proceeds go to helping Ireland’s disadvantaged children.
The shop of Liffey Street doesn’t get as much traffic as it deserves. If you have the patience, you can find some decent stuff. Their used book section sells page turners and classics for next to nothing. Clothing takes up most of the shop and is colour coded to make things easier. There are cute party dresses for little girls and a couple of exotic print blouses for women. The men’s section needs a bit more work, but it had some funky vintage shirts.
Overall Barnardos is worth a gander. At least your money goes to a good cause!