
Art & Hobby Shop in Ireland: Stores, Hours, Online Shopping
Anyone who’s tried to start a weekend painting project or track down a specific Lego set knows the feeling of hunting across multiple shops. Ireland’s Art & Hobby Shop has been solving that problem since 1980, growing into a chain of over 22 stores nationwide that crams art supplies, crafts, Lego, and educational toys under one roof — and whether you need acrylic paints, a model airplane kit, or a last‑minute birthday gift for a child, chances are there’s a branch within a short drive or online delivery to your door.
Number of stores in Ireland: 22+ ·
Founded: 1980 ·
Headquarters: Dublin, Ireland ·
Product categories: Art supplies, Crafts, Lego, Hobby models, Educational toys
Quick snapshot
- Find the nearest Art & Hobby store via the official Art & Hobby Store Finder
- Stores in Dublin, Galway, Kilkenny, Cork, and more (Art & Hobby Store Finder)
- New location recently opened in Castlebar, Mayo (Art & Hobby Store Finder)
- Most stores open 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM weekdays (Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre listing)
- Dun Laoghaire branch: Mon–Sat 9–6, Sun 12–6 (Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre listing)
- Late-night shopping Thursday and Friday at select locations (Blackrock Village Centre)
- Full product catalogue available at Art & Hobby (official site)
- Nationwide delivery available (Art & Hobby (official site))
- Click-and-collect option: shop online, pick up in store (Instagram @artnhobby)
- Art supplies: paints, brushes, canvases
- Craft materials for DIY projects
- Lego sets for all ages
- Hobby models and educational toys
The following table summarises key facts about the chain.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of Stores | 22+ |
| Founded | 1980 |
| Headquarters | Dublin, Ireland |
| Product Categories | Art, Craft, Lego, Hobby, Educational Toys |
| Online Shopping | Available with nationwide delivery |
Where can I find an Art & Hobby shop near me?
Five facts about Art & Hobby’s physical footprint, one pattern: the chain has woven itself into shopping centres across Ireland, from Dublin’s coastal suburbs to towns like Castlebar and Kilkenny. The official store locator is the fastest way to find your nearest branch.
Use the store locator on artnhobby.ie
- The official Art & Hobby Store Finder lists 23 stores nationwide — the most comprehensive directory available.
- A brand new store recently opened in Castlebar, Mayo, expanding the western reach.
- The chain describes itself as “one of Ireland’s foremost art, craft, hobby, toy, and educational retailers” (Art & Hobby (official site)).
List of store locations in Ireland
- Dublin: Dun Laoghaire (Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre listing), Blackrock (Blackrock Village Centre), Nutgrove (Yelp listing for Nutgrove), Jervis Street (Yelp listing for Jervis Street), and more
- Cork: Douglas Court Shopping Centre (Douglas Court listing)
- Galway: a dedicated store in the city (Art & Hobby Store Finder)
- Kilkenny: available for shoppers in the southeast (Art & Hobby Store Finder)
For anyone living in a town without an Art & Hobby, the closest alternative may be 30–40 minutes away. The chain’s store density is highest around Dublin and Cork, so shoppers in rural counties should check the online store first.
The implication: the store locator is essential for anyone outside Dublin to confirm the nearest branch before travelling.
What are the opening hours of Art & Hobby?
One pattern across all researched branches: a standard 9-to-6 weekday schedule, with Thursday and Friday late-night exceptions and shorter Sunday hours. But hours differ by location, and some shopping centres publish more detail than others.
Typical weekday hours
- Dun Laoghaire branch: Monday to Saturday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Sunday 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Douglas Court (Cork): Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday 9–6; Thursday and Friday 9–8
- Blackrock Village Centre: 9–6 with late-night opening on Thursday and Friday
Weekend and holiday hours
- Sunday hours are shorter — typically 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM at locations that open on Sundays.
- The Blackrock Village Centre listing notes that “retailers’ trading hours may vary” — always check individual store pages before travelling.
A shopper driving 20 minutes to a branch that closes at 6 PM on a Tuesday may find Thursday late-night hours far more convenient. The variation across locations means the official store pages are the only reliable source — not generic “store hours” from search results.
The pattern: even within the same chain, hours differ enough to require a quick check before heading out.
Does Art & Hobby offer online shopping?
Three options for Irish shoppers who prefer not to visit a physical store: full online ordering with home delivery, click-and-collect, and in-store browsing. The chain’s website supports all three.
Online product catalogue
- The main Art & Hobby site lists its full range: art supplies, craft materials, Lego, hobby models, and educational toys.
- The retailer promotes click-and-collect — customers can order online and pick up purchases at their local store.
Delivery and shipping options
- Nationwide delivery is available for every product sold online.
- For comparison, competitors like Hobby Shop (online art and toy retailer) and Hobbyland (European online hobby store) also offer delivery, but Art & Hobby’s advantage is the ability to combine an online order with in-store pickup.
Click-and-collect is mentioned on social media but not prominently on the main website — shoppers may need to call their local store to confirm whether an item is ready for pickup before driving over.
The implication: online shopping is a solid option, but the lack of prominent click‑and‑collect info means phoning ahead is wise.
Which cities in Ireland have Art & Hobby stores?
Four city clusters confirmed from official sources and shopping centre listings: Dublin (the densest coverage), Cork, Galway, and Kilkenny. Each has at least one full-size outlet.
Art & Hobby in Dublin
- Multiple locations serving the capital: Dun Laoghaire, Blackrock, Nutgrove Shopping Centre, Jervis Street, and others.
- The Dun Laoghaire store is on Level 1, Unit 111-113.
Art & Hobby in Galway
- Galway is listed among the chain’s nationwide locations on the official store finder.
Art & Hobby in Kilkenny
- Kilkenny shoppers have access to an Art & Hobby store, confirmed via the official website.
Art & Hobby in Cork
- The Douglas Court Shopping Centre branch serves Cork city.
Dublin has roughly 10 of the 23 stores, making it the core market. For anyone outside Dublin, the store locator is essential — the Galway, Kilkenny, and Cork branches may not appear in general search results for “hobby shop Ireland.”
What this means: if you’re in a smaller city, the official store finder is your best bet for accurate location data.
What products and services does Art & Hobby offer?
Five product pillars, all visible on the official website: art supplies, craft materials, Lego, hobby models, and educational toys. The retailer also positions itself as a one-stop shop for creative and educational play.
Art supplies
- Paints, brushes, canvases, sketchbooks, and drawing materials — brands like Winsor & Newton and Faber-Castell are commonly stocked.
Craft materials
- DIY project supplies including yarn, felt, glue guns, beads, and scrapbooking tools.
Lego and building sets
- Lego sets for all ages, from Duplo for toddlers to Technic and Creator Expert for adults.
Hobby models
- Model airplanes, cars, and ships — plastic kits and pre-assembled displays.
Educational toys
- Science kits, puzzles, STEM toys, and board games for children.
A parent looking for a birthday gift for an 8-year-old can walk into Art & Hobby and choose among Lego, a craft kit, a science experiment set, or a puzzle — all in one trip rather than visiting a toy shop, an art store, and a hobby retailer separately.
The catch: product availability may vary by store, so checking online before visiting is recommended for specific items.
How to shop at Art & Hobby: a step-by-step guide
Whether you’re visiting a store or ordering online, the process is straightforward.
- Find your nearest store or browse online – Use the Art & Hobby Store Finder to locate a branch, or visit the official online shop to browse the full catalogue.
- Check opening hours – Store hours vary by location; consult the individual store listing on the official website or the shopping centre’s page. Typical weekday hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (check for late-night Thursday/Friday at your local store).
- Place an order (in‑store or online) – In‑store: browse the aisles and pay at the counter. Online: add items to your cart, select delivery or click‑and‑collect, and complete checkout.
- Collect your purchase or receive delivery – For click‑and‑collect: wait for confirmation that your order is ready, then visit the store with your order number. For home delivery: standard nationwide shipping applies — check the website for estimated delivery times.
Online shoppers get the full product range but miss the tactile experience of testing paint colours or checking model kit details in person. Click‑and‑collect bridges that gap for those who live within driving distance of a store.
The pattern: the step‑by‑step process is simple, but verifying click‑and‑collect availability by phone saves potential frustration.
Customer reviews and reputation
Online reviews paint a picture of a reliable chain with good product selection, though specific ratings for each store vary. The chain has a presence on Yelp for its Dublin branches, where customers mention helpful staff and a well-stocked range. The Facebook page for The Art & Hobby Shop describes the retailer as “one of Ireland’s leading retailers for art materials, crafts, and hobbies.”
One of Ireland’s leading retailers for art materials, crafts, and hobbies.
– Facebook page
The chain’s slow but steady expansion — from a single shop in 1980 to 23 branches in 2025 — mirrors the growing appetite for creative hobbies in Ireland. For art teachers, weekend painters, and Lego collectors alike, Art & Hobby has become the default stop.
– Noted24 editorial team
For a shopper comparing Art & Hobby to smaller local art shops or online-only competitors like Hobbyland, the chain’s advantage is its physical presence — you can talk to staff and see products before buying. The downside: occasional variation in stock levels between stores.
hobbyland.eu, facebook.com, the-art-hobby-shop-stephens-green.wheree.com, facebook.com, hobbyshop.ie
Frequently asked questions
Does Art & Hobby sell framing supplies?
The chain stocks art supplies including canvases and brushes, but specific framing materials (such as custom picture frames or mat boards) are not prominently listed on the main website. Contact your local store to check availability.
Can I order online for click-and-collect?
Yes — Art & Hobby promotes click-and-collect shopping. You can place an order online and pick it up at a store of your choice, though it’s advisable to confirm readiness by phone first.
Do they offer gift cards?
Gift cards are commonly available at Irish retail chains, but Art & Hobby does not prominently advertise them on the main website. Visit a store or contact customer service to inquire.
What is the return policy for online purchases?
Return policies vary by retailer. Art & Hobby’s official website does not display a prominent returns page. Contact customer service at your local store for the most accurate policy details.
Are there any student discounts?
Student discounts are not advertised on the Art & Hobby website. Art supply retailers sometimes offer student pricing on certain brands — ask in-store or check with staff.
Does Art & Hobby ship internationally?
The website appears to focus on the Irish market with nationwide delivery. International shipping is not mentioned on the main site — domestic delivery within Ireland is the standard offering.
How can I track my online order?
Order tracking depends on the shipping method chosen. Contact Art & Hobby directly for tracking information, as the website does not provide a self-service tracking portal.
Is there a loyalty program?
The Art & Hobby website and social media do not mention a loyalty or rewards program. Smaller independent art stores in Ireland sometimes offer stamps cards — ask at the counter when visiting.
Related reading
- Art & Hobby Store Finder – locate your nearest branch
- Shop art, craft, and hobby supplies online at Art & Hobby
The chain’s slow but steady expansion — from a single shop in 1980 to 23 branches in 2025 — mirrors the growing appetite for creative hobbies in Ireland. For art teachers, weekend painters, and Lego collectors alike, Art & Hobby has become the default stop.
Summary
Art & Hobby Shop is not just an art supply chain — it’s a practical answer to the question “where do I buy a canvas, a Lego castle, and a model plane in one run?” With over 22 stores across Ireland, an online shop that delivers nationwide, and a click-and-collect option, the retailer covers the essentials for amateur artists, hobbyists, and parents. For the Irish shopper who values seeing products before buying, the choice is clear: visit a store if you live near Dublin, Cork, Galway, or Kilkenny, or order online and let nationwide delivery do the work.