I always loved a day's shopping to Belfast - and nowadays, with the opening of Victoria Square, it's even better. It's probably no different to most UK cities in terms of it's shops - but there's one thing we have here that other UK cities won't have - Avoca. I love Avoca - to those not familiar with it, it's an Irish company, which started as a woolen mill in Avoca Village, County Wicklow over 200 years ago. The company was nearly lost until a local accountant bought it over over 30 yrs ago - and now it's really thriving. The photos here are of me visiting the original mill - Avoca heaven!
Avoca are primarily famed for their beautiful checked woollen blankets and garments - but the Avoca shops now exude a whole lifestyle - lovely crockery and homeware, with a vintage feel. They also do clothes; cookware and gifts for friends and children alike. They also have the most wonderful restaurants at each of their stores - and the food is delicious (particularly their desserts, soups and salads, and elderflower presse) - you can buy food to cook at home; and they also sell their recipe books should you wish to recreate their culinary delights at home. I can't recommend these books highly enough - delicious food for your family; and reasonably healthy too (most of the time!). My only criticism is that Avoca is an expensive shop; I love to look, often covet; but only occasionally buy,and often gifts for others. My next item of longing is a checked woollen blanket (Mr Chanders, if you're reading this!!!), but I can't justify this unless it's a significant purchase.
So if you're in Belfast, or a number of places in Ireland, such as Wicklow/Dublin/Ring of Kerry, be sure to check out Avoca - treat yourself to lunch or tea, but you might need to save a few pennies first....
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