Appropriately April 1st saw me visit the Capital to do one last check on antiques dealers for my forthcoming guide to collecting – now titled ‘Collect Ireland’ – and, as usual, some shops had closed down while others had moved location. At 88 Francis Street I called into the well stocked premises of Sean McGahan & Sons, in the business for more than 20 years, and can highly recommend his shop to anyone looking for high quality antique furniture. His stock is spread over two floors and every inch of space is crammed with really quality items – some superb bookcases, tables, and a Victorian display case of birds including a Crowned Crane that really took my fancy. These days I limit my collecting to more easily manageable (and affordable) items so resisted the urge to splash out €3,000 on the display case. A fine oil painting of a Belfast sailing ship which disappeared off South Africa in the 1890s on its maiden voyage (€1,500) also had to be declined, this time purely for financial reasons. Sean also undertakes furniture restoration work. A dealer who is genuinely enthusiastic about his stock is, these days, an endangered species in my opinion! Be sure to give him a call if you’re in the area.

Sean McGahan & Sons,
88 Francis Street,
Dublin.8.
(086) 258 1233

Open: 11/4 Mon-Fri.

On the way back to Dublin.2. I called to Caxton Prints, 63 Patrick Street (the last business in Ireland without a website – according to the proprietor) but worth a call nonetheless. His main stock is 16th/19th century prints. Another friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable dealer.

Caxton Prints,
63 Patrick Street,
Dublin.8.
(01) 453 0060

Open: 10.30/4.30 Mon-Sat.

Back on South Great Georges Street a visit to the Market Arcade is a must – two book dealers, a coin/militaria dealer and a small art gallery. Stokes Books and its proprietor, Stephen Stokes, are a Dublin institution and if it’s quality Irish books you’re after look no further. Rare editions on Irish history, transport, literature etc. line the shelves while outside shelves groan under the weight of vast numbers of bargain books all at rock bottom prices. Stephen is an avid book collector himself and if he doesn’t know the book you’re looking for – well it probably never existed!

Stokes Books,
Market Arcade,
Sth.Great Georges Street,
Dublin.2.

(01) 671 3584

Open: 11/6 Mon-Sat.