The heart of the capital has a Christmas beat!

There's nowhere like the city centre for festive shopping SHOPPING in the suburbs has its advantages - there is less traffic for one thing - but at the end of the day what can beat a shopping trip to Dublin city centre with all its glitter and unique Christmas atmosphere. Foremost among the Dublin shopping streets must be Wicklow and Exchequer Street - set right in the heart of Dublin's premier shopping area offering character, speciality shops and a tradition built up over decades. Starting at the bottom of Grafton Street - where Brown Thomas faces Weir's - Wicklow Street merges into Exchequer Street at the junction of the Old Stand pub, taking you all the way through to Georges Street. Along this stretch are a collection of retail outlets covering everything from beauty treatments and jewellery to leather goods, men's and women's fashion, and even musical instruments! So if you're looking for a Christmas present for family or friends, or a Christmas treat for yourself, you need go no further than these two fine Dublin shopping streets. Below we profile some of the shops you will find on Wicklow and Exchequer Streets. If you're looking for a Christmas present for family or friends, or a Christmas treat for yourself, you need go no further than these two fine Dublin shopping streets . . . * Rianoir (the Irish for King of Gold) is a jeweller with a difference. They manufacture all their own diamond and wedding rings. They also take commissions for rings so they can make a ring to suit any taste, design and budget. Sandra McGrath, the manager of Rianoir explains their philosophy: "We work around our customers and their budgets and hope to bring some of our experience to bear to help them in making their choice." She points out some of the important considerations engaged couples should be aware of when selecting their wedding and engagement rings. "The wedding ring must match the engagement ring both in the precious metal it is made of and the carat. For example, you could not have a platinum engagement ring and a white gold wedding ring, as the platinum, which is a harder metal, will eventually wear away at the white gold." Rianoir have a lot of designs for couples to choose from. "We find that white gold and platinum are particularly fashionable at the moment and we can make up your ring and have it ready for you in just five days." But whatever your choice, Rianoir staff - including their gemologist, or diamond expert - are there to give you all the expert help you need. Apart from rings, Rianoir have a large selection of items that would make the perfect Christmas gift. "We now stock a range of exclusive watches and the amazing TRQ Italian designed silverware.," says Sandra. Rianoir are sharing the Christmas spirit with a special offer to readers of this article. "We are offering 15% off all our diamond and engagement rings till the 16th of December for anyone who brings in this article - and that's quite a saving!" Rianoir will be open on Sundays from 12.30-5.30pm till Christmas - so you will be able to see their newly revamped premises. * Chesneau present exclusive designer leather wear. People visiting Wicklow Street and looking for something out of the ordinary this Christmas need look no further than Chesneau. Edmund Chesneau is the founder of Chesneau's, having set up the company when he arrived in Ireland in 1974. Edmund designs top class leather handbags, briefcases and small leather goods such as wallets, belts and travel items. But perhaps his most famous creation is the leather Budget Box. "Charlie McCreevy favoured a black leather case but Minster Cowan has changed to navy!" Edmund personally crafts this item: "It's fun seeing your work on the TV and in papers every Budget Day." So why should you spend your hard-earned cash on first class leather goods like the exquisite bags made by Chesneau? "There are several reasons," says Edmund. "Each item is hand crafted using only the very best materials, making it a unique gift that will still be fashionable in years to come. I have products designed 25 years ago which are still selling. A good design always stays in fashion!" Gifts for men at Chesneau include leather wallets and briefcases. "We have an A4 folder in leather that is very popular, while for ladies we have a Mini-me; a small bag that retails at around ?150 and can act as both a day and evening bag. It can hold your mobile, your wallet, and your basic make-up - all you need for a good evening out!" Another popular item is Chesneau's ostrich skin bags, starting at ?1,300. Hermes have used ostrich in their exclusive bags for years and they are regarded as exotic and exclusive gifts. "Ostrich leather is long lasting, wears beautifully and has a timeless elegance," says Edmund. Such is the demand for ostrich bags by Chesneau that there is a waiting list! "Thankfully all our leather goods are in demand, especially at Christmas!" * Perfect Pitch is owned by Gerry Crowe - one of the most knowledgeable people in Dublin when it comes to buying a guitar. The shop stocks a comprehensive range of both acoustic and electric guitars as well as every conceivable accessory, from straps and bags to plectrums and effect pedals - even the Intellitouch tuner, which allows you to tune your instrument in the nosiest environment. Andy Watson works in sales and is a an accomplished guitarist (as is everyone who works in the shop), and he talks about the kind of guitars that young musicians are buying in Perfect Pitch: "We find at this time of the year that we are getting a lot of beginners or parents wanting to buy guitars for their children. So we make up packs especially that would include a guitar, carry bag, tutor book, guitar tuner and a selection of plectrums." Such packs start as low as ?99. "It is perfectly acceptable buying a lower priced guitar for a beginner. No one knows whether they will take to guitar playing or not and if they do we will certainly be able to supply them with a more advanced model in the future." Perfect Pitch is the main stockists for Martin guitars, musician's choice when it comes to buying an acoustic guitar," says Andy. Martin guitars start at ?699 and can go up to just about any price! Then there is the wide range of electric guitars available at Perfect Pitch. "We have an electric guitar Christmas starter pack starting at ?199." Perfect Pitch also stock mid-range guitars like Epiphone and Yamaha as well as such legendary guitar brands as Gibson and Dean. "We get a lot of guitarists, from beginners to absolute professionals, and as a guitarist myself it is great fun helping them find what they are looking for." A recent gift just added to the market by Yamaha is their EZ-AG - the world's first self-teaching electric guitar, which made its debut on this year's Late Late Toy Show. "It's an amazing learning instrument. The 12 lighted frets show up the finger positions as you play along to any of the 30 songs already installed on the EZ, and you can download more! We have had a lot of interest since the Late Late, it's going to be a big seller this Christmas," says Andy. Stocks are limited so place your order before they run out. * Magee's is one of Ireland's longest established tailoring businesses, having been manufacturing their world famous Donegal tweed since 1866. This hand woven tweed is now used in the making of their scarves, hats, ladies skirts and most famously their exclusive men's suits. You can now avail of the complete range of their men's wear items in their Wicklow Street shop, which has been serving discerning customers for the last four years. Downstairs is the latest in Magee casual wear. Here you will find casual jackets, sports jackets, knitwear and a range of trousers from cotton to moleskin to wool - one of hardest wearing fabrics. As one browses this floor you cannot help but be impressed by the the colour, the vibrancy and the sheer variety of Magee's casual collection. You'll not only look well, but you'll be wearing clothes made to the highest standard from the best possible materials. Upstairs is the suits department where the discerning dresser is really spoilt for choice. There is a selection of suits, all made with the famous Magee fabric, that you can select off the peg. Those who want the Saville Row fit without Saville Row prices can choose from the Magee Personal Tailoring service. Here you can pick your cloth from a selection of over 250 fabrics. Your personal tailor will make the necessary adjustments and alterations as you select from a choice of linings, pocket shapes, and even buttons! And your tailored jacket will be ready for you to try on just four weeks later! Magee also offer a range of formal and dinner wear which, when purchased through their Personal Tailor, ends up being just 25% over the price of an off the peg suit (that's just ?87.50 on a ?350 suit). You will leave certainly leave Magee's looking and feeling a million dollars! * The Bodyclinic , located at 24 Wicklow Street, specialises in advanced and effective aesthetic and beauty treatments alongside doctor/nurse administered exclusive procedures for both men and women. The latest technology is used in laser hair removal, laser acne treatments, laser skin rejuvenation, anti-ageing treatments and procedures, including facial injectables, thread vein removal and body shaping and detoxing procedures. At this moment, selected treatments like laser hair removal have up to 66% off. On top of this, The Bodyclinic also specialises in facial and body treatments like medical microdermabrasion, Dermalogica, Elemis, MD Formulations and glycolic facial peels and the new Crystal Clear Oxygen therapy range of facial products favoured by Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Moss, Jude Law, and Cameron Diaz - to name just a few. Crystal Clear delivers pure oxygen to the skin plumping out lines and wrinkles, leaving your skin younger looking and more radiant by brightening, smoothing, firming and protecting. The Bodyclinic will shortly be launching a revolutionary new 'Icewhite' teeth whitening treatment administered by their in-house dentist. There is also a Christmas special on Dermalogica beauty products, if you buy one item, you get 25% off the second item of the same value or less. More traditional beauty and grooming treatments like waxing and tinting are also available. Right now the Bodyclinic are carrying a beautiful range of his and hers gift sets from Elemis and Dermalogica. If you're spoiled for chice, don't worry: a gift voucher could sort out all your gift problems as the recipient can choose from the extensive menu.