ON my last visit to Co Kildare I was a young, enthusiastic, energetic late 20-something at the Oxegen music festival. Fashion wasn't high on my priorities as I donned Wellington boots and camped in a muddy field at Punchestown race course and survived with very little sleep, no mirrors and no hair straighteners. There certainly wasn't a Gucci bag in sight.
Fast-forward 10 years and I'm a tired mum-of-two fast approaching my 40s. This time my destination was Kildare Village luxury shopping outlet. The contrast couldn't have been greater. Instead of rock music, sweat, alcohol, mosh pits and over-flowing pungent toilets, Kildare Village transports you to a surprisingly tranquil shopping oasis of elegant boutiques, VIP lounges, polite customer service and lavatories boasting Molton Brown orange and bergamot hand wash.
Having first opened in 2006, Kildare Village has steadily grown in popularity as 'the' destination for discerning shoppers in the Republic. There are more than 60 outlet boutiques including Gucci, Lulu Guinness, LK Bennett, Hugo Boss, Polo Ralph Lauren, Barbour, Joules, DKNY, Juicy Couture, Jack Willis, Le Creuset, Crabtree & Evelyn.
Next month a further 20 boutiques will open as part of a €50 million expansion, followed by a further 16 brands opening early 2016. And before that Under Armour and Kipling will open within the next few weeks.
Visitors from Northern Ireland currently account for about 10 per cent of footfall at Kildare Village and as sterling continues to out-perform the euro and Christmas fast-approaching, this number is sure to swell.
I received the invitation to indulge in some retail therapy, as well as a spot of window shopping at the more expensive shops, from Newtownabbey-based McCombs Coach Travel, who will be increasing their present once-a-month tours to Kildare Village in the run-up to Christmas, with weekly Saturday departures, starting October 10.
Not only does going by coach take the stress out of travel, everyone travelling with McCombs receive a VIP 10 per cent discount card which offers even further reductions on the already discounted goods.
I normally avoid high-street sales – wading through rails of mixed sizes and craning your neck to see pass the throng of fellow shoppers hunting for a bargain. But at Kildare Village, you can go to the sales, without the laborious sales racks of disorganised merchandise. Far removed from TK Maxx, all the outlets are tastefully organised and must have a minimum 33 per cent discount on the recommended retail price – even on new autumn/winter stock. Many boast reductions of up to 70 per cent on previous season's full-price items.
The perfect place to stock up on wardrobe staples, such as a winter coat and boots, you could easily splurge on a designer handbag or little black cocktail dress. I was tempted by a Gucci handbag, reduced from €810 to €183 and did stare far too long at the Frosties cereal designed Anya Hindmarch accessories. But while this is a mecca for label lovers, there is also a selection of beauty, homeware and sports shops. I even managed to pick up both a scarf at Clarks and a cute Cath Kidston purse for under €5.
Despite the car park being quite full, what stuck me about Kildare Village was how spacious it was, with the pretty open-air pedestrianised village enabling you to get lost in your own wee world. With each shop boasting individual architectural style and eye-catching window displays, it certainly has a sophisticated European feel to it. Not surprising, perhaps, as Kildare Village is part of a group called Village Collection, which has villages throughout Europe, as well as one in China.
There is no annoying music accompanying your shopping journey and unlike some more exclusive shops or shopping areas within cities, you were not intimidated to enter the more expensive shops and weren't pounced upon by a hovering assistant. Unlike the normal “What do you want?” attitude I'm more accustomed to from shop assistants, I was pleasantly surprised by how friendly and helpful the staff were at Kildare Village. One assistant in DKNY even advised me on which colours suited me best and helped persuade me to treat myself.
Quality, attention to detail and five-star service are hallmarks of this place, which even offers complementary on-site dog kennels. Its VIP lounge is pre-bookable and free of charge, dependent on availability, offering you a quiet haven to rest your weary feet and try on your new buys. You even receive a welcome glass of prosecco.
Kildare town is a 10-minute walk away or there is a shuttle bus service to the town and the Irish National Stud and Horse Museum – perfect for sending your other half off to occupy himself, leaving you free to shop.
And for the serious shopper there is hands-free shopping, allowing you to collect your purchases later from the Kildare Village Tourist Information Centre.
What I feel Kildare Village does need is more restaurants and shoe shops – but this is sure to be addressed in the new phase-two village area, opening on October 29. While the list of new clients is being kept under wraps, I'll add to the rumour mill by suggesting Timberland, Agent Provocateur, Jimmy Choo, Prada, Paul Smith and Diesel might be in the mix.
:: For further information see kildarevillage.com. To book McCombs Coach Tours to Kildare Village, costing £25 return visit mccombscoaches.com or call 028 9086 6162.
