I have often gone into Caple street to visit this shop, and have a look around, but although I have…read moregone in at different times it always seems to be closed ? Is this shop still in business or has it closed for good. I had been there several times in the past and although it is quite small its like a little wonderland for model makers. It would be sad if its gone as there should be more of these stores dotted around the city to encourage younger people to explore their imagination and get them away from games consoles and use their minds and create new skills. Can anyone confirm if this store is still in business. Here's hoping its still .

Dang do I wish I knew someone who built model airplanes. Or flew model helicopters. Or loved…read morerecreating battleships in miniature. Or just needed a lot of balsa wood or paint brushes. If I did, then I'd have an excuse to come back to Model Shop at least a few times for the craic; the shop owner is a warm, friendly sort who really enjoys his work. In the tightly packed but neat shop he enthusiastically sells, cajoles and demos all the goods on sale. I get the feeling that he's hand picked most of the stock in here, a great thing to think given the high quality of the models and accessories on the shelves. Perhaps as a concession to those shoppers not passionate about car bodies and propeller blades, there is a small corner dedicated to doll housery (though The Doll Shop on George's street seems to have that covered).

I labelled this a 'hobby shop' for want of a shopping category entitled 'random bric-a-brac', which…read moreis more appropriate unless your hobby is collecting die-cast statuettes of dragons or electronic plastic-fairy-on-toadstools water features. Nao's is the type of place I do most of Christmas shopping. There's nothing more fun than getting an utterly useless but hilarious tacky gift for your relatives. I once bought my Granny a radio (that didn't work) in the shape of a Mexican 'lucha libre' wrestler's head, what else is both priceless and one euro fifty simultaneously? Anyway Nao's is the place to find this type of fun, vulgar junk - great for stocking fillers and amusing Kris Kringle gifts. Nao's also own another unit in the Bloomfield's Shopping Centre which sells furniture, the range most interestingly includes miniature 'lazy boy' chairs for anti-social 21st century Playstation kids, and full size 'lazy boy' chairs for anti-social 21st century Playstation grown-ups, like me!

When I first took my son to this place he was speechless... granted he was a year and a half old…read moreand couldn't say a whole lot anyway but what few words he had he didn't say! Now I know you are gong to say "Of course Q, its a toy shop, what do you expect?" and its a fair point, but this place is different - all of the toys have an educational slant and for once his doesn't mean the place is the equivalent of a stalk of broccoli to a child, the stock is well chosen and fun, and appealing to the ankle biters! They also have a whole range of art and craft supplies for those rainy days; stickers, card, glitter, glue, glittery glue etc etc etc. I know you'll really want to know so I'll tell you, after my son had recovered his power of speech we decided on a cow as a suitable memento from our visit, he was still clutching it as he went to bed this eve!

What a cool little shop! i love just going in here and having a look at everything and wishing i…read morewas a kid just so that i can justify buying everything in the shop. This place has the types of toys that you want your kids to play with, no play stations and Wiis or other electronic stuff it has total back to basics kind of things. these are the kind of toys that the kid who plays with the box instead of what was in the box needs, they don't need fancy pants complicated stuff they need a trip to nimble fingers.its like the shop is teeming with innocence. The art supplies in the shop are top quality too, anything you need in the way of arts and crafts can be found in here. I also love how this is a family run independent store, its not a greedy chain looking for a fast buck, it seems that the shop people in here genuinely care about what they do

This is real-deal shed-dwelling anorak heaven. Model making in general strikes me as an English…read morepast time but obviously we Irish are a wee bit partial to model railways ourselves. My Dad is case in point, he loves anything that is scaled down a thousand time whilst retaining a completely anal level of detail. He wants a working radio and movable air vents in his palm sized 1920s Mercedes and this is exactly the type of request that, let alone won't get you hurled out of Marks Models, but will probably get you a special club card and make you privy to the secret handshake. Marks Models is brilliant and being inside the shop is like rocket fuel for the imagination. With inspiring and desirable replicas of all the most famous engineering masterpieces since humanity learned to move about without using its legs, Marks Models is worth a visit ... or two.

The one stop shop for model train, plane, ship and car fanatics. Mark's Models has been around…read moresince 1987, when the Southern Model Railway Company folded, and established itself easily in the absence of other places to buy Airfix kits and Hornby train sets. Their basement premises is a treasure trove of diecast in all scales, Scalextrix and other slot car brands, and all sorts of railway modelling items. A full range of paints, glues, accessories and friendly advice are also on offer. Branches are also to be found in Dun Laoghaire and Cork.

The craft and kit element is strong here at Art & Hobby shop, a fantastic resource for all things…read morecreative in Jervis Centre. Now, the place is marvelous, don't get me wrong. They're stocking the fine-tip oil brushes and boxed pastel sets that would give any weekend artist a case of the vapours. But... does it have to be so hidden? I mean, how will people know that they can get sets of jelly jewels for their windows, quill and in sets, pipe cleaner animal kits and more if this place is so set back from the rest of the shopping area on this sizable centre's second floor... Could it switch spots with that Bershbear&M clothing shop a few doors down? It's not like that place is revolutionising fashion anyway. Maybe? No? Sigh. I'll just have to keep going myself to keep them in business.

Art & Hobby is a great shop that's less of an art store and more of just a fun place to shop! They…read moredo have a smallish selection of acrylic and watercolor paints, but this wouldn't be the place to come if you're looking for canvases, brushes or other serious art supplies. Rather, it's a place to come if you're looking for fun, artsy activities. Whenever I visit home, my sister and I like to do random fun activities on lazy afternoons, often scooting over to the local art store to buy paint by numbers or stained glass kits. Yes I know that these items are primarily aimed at children, and yes I know that I am 25 years old. But are you aware how challenging some of those huge paint by numbers are? When you're done, you feel straight up ACCOMPLISHED. Anyway, Art & Hobby is basically a store filled to the brim with this kind of stuff. It's an awesome place for parents or babysitters to get some fun, creative and cool projects for their kids to spend rainy days with. From the ubiquitous paint by numbers to more elaborate model kits, this place has everything. They sell tons of school supplies, once again making it perfect for kids, and all sorts of pens, stationary, gifts and decorations. They also currently have Halloween decorations, projects and costumes.

When you feel like doing a bit of "make & do" then the Art & Hobby shop is the place to get…read moreinspiration. They have everything from poster paints to face paints, model airplane sets to mala (plasticine to some) and everything in between. I sometimes attempt to make birthday cards myself so the Art & Hobby shop is great for fancy pens, markers, stickers, feathers, bobbles and bits that make my home-made cards look almost like I hope they would. Great for kids, big and little!

Meh, definitely experienced better…read more The display of prices here is very poor here. I had to get the items I was interested in price checked at the till. The place was also very cluttered, moving items stacked on top of what I wanted. Also another brand of the same product was on a completely different shelf behind me, which I found out after checking with staff. Final woo of my visit was the Staff member couldn't advise which brand was better. "Um, they're just different brands?". Shambolic and hard work. Getting a customer to part with their money should be made as easy as possible by a business. Only for I had been I'd been hunting for what I was after for the past two weeks did I stick at it here. Oh and one star for finding what I was after (ink pads, yay).

Part 2 of adventures in carpentry…read more This part of the tale involves the sourcing of the wood for the table that I am given the task of making. This place is hidden up a somewhat little road. I was greeted by a forklift, trucks, men in overalls and lots of wood. "I need to make a table." "OK, have yah the measurements." "Yeah well... Kinda, I mean he spoke so fast but I just want to make a simple table that is about this height." "Hmm..." And then Frank leads me on a lightening fast tour of wood and lengths and I forgot most of it but I nodded a lot. "I mean it's silly for you to buy a huge board, it would be a waste." "But I need wood for the table top Frank... I can't just make legs." "Tell yah what Annie, call me tomorrow and I will keep an eye out for a board that is those dimensions in the yard." So I called today. "Hi Frank, any joy?" "No Annie... But I have an idea, so come on in later." "Hi Frank." "Hi Annie, here is your board!" I got stupidly excited over a piece of wood. €20 for lovely wood and wood glue. Not only did Frank remember my name he insisted that I did not spend for excess wood and he make sure he got me a piece of wood close to those dimensions. He also tutored me on the types of wood and said that when I get good I can work with advanced wood... Bless. He has confidence in my ability. Great spot for all things wood, loads of door handles and all you could dream of DIY wise and so friendly. I never felt uncomfortable. I also enjoyed the looks of passer-bys as I loaded the wood into my tiny car as it poked against the window... Although driving with a plank of wood resting against your gear box is not advisable.

This is a very cute shop in the main street of Dalkey with a great selection of what you may not…read moreneed but are fun to buy. I was walking by this shop and spotted a delightful scarf hanging up - needless to say in no time it was hanging round my neck. Lots of gift ideas and crafts to boot. When you are here back sure you check out the back room for any art material.

Love this cute store and it's staffed by super friendly folk... A smile makes all the difference!…read moreAnyway, store is packed with wonderful giftware from scarfs, candles, crystal, mugs, crafts... Cards galore, actually love their card section some of the funniest birthday cards are stocked here! Fave section, the crafts...! Great spot to pick up essentials for my craft kit