The presentation of the personalised gifts at Stitches Embroidery, Ballybay, Co Monaghan is uniquely different, writes Michelle McCauley. "I live in Fermanagh, but if I require any special gifts, I always contact owner Liz. She then emails all the products she has available for me to choose from."
The Lemon Tree, Ballyshannon, Co Donegal, deserves to win the Best Café/Tearoom category as it is a beautiful coffee shop with a lovely friendly atmosphere, says Denise Carty. "The staff always have a smile on their faces and nothing is too big of deal for them even for a fussy eater like myself."
In the Best Market Stall category,
[ Cornude PopcornOpens in new window ]
, Kilmainham, gets Emer Fogarty’s vote. “Stylish, complex flavours in an otherwise unassuming, feelgood product, and, best of all served with a smile that will stay with you to the bottom of the box.”
Dymphna Cremin is rooting for Garrett's Butchers, Castletroy, Co Limerick for its "colourful and creative display" and "extremely polite and helpful staff". That and the fact that it stocks "fabulous ready to cook dinners for busy people so that you don't have to resort to a takeaway".
In The Wardrobe, Carrick-on-Suir, Co Waterford stocks absolutely fab clothes for all ages and styles says Linda Doyle. "The friendly staff put a smile on my face even when I ring them."
Dundrum's loss was Rathgar's gain, writes Dermott Flynn of The Rathgar Bookshop, which moved from D14 to D6 a decade ago. "Its imaginative presentation of books, sociable atmosphere, efficient ordering service and garden to retreat to" makes it a winner in his eyes.
The Legenderry Master Barbers in Derry city should be considered in the Best Newcomer category says David Nowman. "The owner Denis always goes out his way to help opens early and works late offering great customer care and a fantastic atmosphere. Not to mention the best haircuts and shaves in Derry."
Alex Hamilton nominates Weir's of Baggot Street in the Best Specialist Shop category because "they always have what I need, and they know exactly what their customers need and want. It is one of the best shops of its kind in Ireland."
For customer service Breda Forde singles out gift shop
[ O’Reilly TurpinOpens in new window ]
in Westport, Co Mayo. While on holidays in the town she popped into the store, a stockist of Juvi jewellery. She was on the lookout a rose quartz and silver necklace and matching earrings. “The store arranged for the items to be delivered to Westport during our three-day stay. Corry O’Reilly, one of the owners, was extremely helpful in keeping me informed on its delivery.”
Don't forget to nominate your best shop at irishtimes.com/life-and-style/best-shops-2015/nominate.
Tweet us @IrishTimesLife or with the #bestshops15
Best Shops 2015 is sponsored by Clover, a First Data product from AIB Merchant Services
