Kilkenny Design Centre, Castle Yard, Kilkenny, Tel: (056) 772 2118, kilkennydesign.com 

One of the most popular attractions in the Marble City, the Kilkenny Design Centre is the showcase for a world-renowned selection of jewellery, knitwear, gifts, china and crystal, pottery and glass, home and fashion accessories and stunning one-off pieces. They also boast a prestigious collection of Irish handcrafted gifts, while the textile and jewellery selection includes contemporary pieces from Ireland’s leading designers. In addition, their superb, award-winning restaurant is an ideal place to enjoy a pot of tea and a freshly prepared scone, while looking out on the cobbled courtyard of Kilkenny Castle