Doyle Collection Careers
The Good Shopper
Samui
Samui was opened by Clodagh Cronin in 2001 and it remains one of the coolest boutiques in the city. They stock such an interesting collection of brands and designers, and it’s all perfectly curated – I usually want to take out a second mortgage as soon as I step in the door so I can buy every last piece of clothing in there. But despite the high fashion, the staff are disarmingly friendly. You’ll always feel welcome in Samui. (It’s worth a visit just to see if you can spot Clodagh on the floor. Her taste is legendary, as are her outfits.)
17 Drawbridge Street, Cork City, Ireland, T12 NX80
O’Neill’s Butcher Shop
No guide of mine would be complete without including my parents’ butcher shop! It’s been in our family since 1919 and some of my earliest childhood memories are skipping in through the front door and asking my dad to hand over some of his famous black pudding. He makes it by hand himself, and theirs is one of the only butcher shops left in Ireland which still has its own abattoir attached. The cattle comes from Inchydoney – talk about low air miles?! His attention to detail and obsession with excellence has been an inspiration my entire life, and its reflected in the quality of the produce. Call in to say hi, pick up some of the black pudding and the honey and mustard sausages, and tell him Louise sent you.
7 Pearse St, Tawnies Upper, Clonakilty, Co. Cork, P85 VX32
Susu
When my sister was getting married in 2023, I must have ordered every dress there was to be found online. I was becoming increasingly desperate when I went home to Clonakilty for the weekend and my mother suggested I call into Susu. It was there I found the perfect outfit, a hot pink two piece. (Let me tell you, it was the summer of Barbie-core) What I love about Susu is that I’m just as likely to find something that suits my taste as my mother is to suit hers, and Mary, the proprietor, has an amazing eye. Often, she will tell me to try on something I haven’t even noticed and it’s invariably exactly right.
7 Ashe St, Scartagh, Clonakilty, Co. Cork, P85 AX27
The Green Dot
This is the shop I go to when it’s Christmas or someone’s birthday and I’m picking up last minute stocking fillers. I know I’ll find a gorgeous card or trinket, and there’s an emphasis on Irish made and fair-trade crafts. They also have a lovely café out the back which does great coffee and food.
42 Pearse St, Tawnies Upper, Clonakilty, Co. Cork, P85 PY84
Lowney’s
I almost have as many memories from Lowney’s jewellers as I do from my own shop! I’ve received countless presents from here over the years – my communion and confirmation, my 18th and 21st and 30th and 40th birthday. They have a lovely collection of jewellery and glassware and gifts, and the couple who own it are incredibly helpful.
24 Ashe St, Scartagh, Clonakilty, Co. Cork, P85 V279
