Airports around the world are moving beyond generic duty-free to create more distinctive, locally-rooted retail experiences. Today’s passengers are looking for more than a last-minute purchase before take-off; they want an authentic taste of the destination they’ve just experienced – a final, memorable connection to its culture, character and sense of place.

We partnered with Aer Rianta International (ARI) to design The Irish Market at Dublin Airport Terminal 2, a destination concept created to showcase the very best of Irish provenance, craftsmanship, and culture, to an international audience. 

Our store design concept blends traditional Irish heritage with contemporary retail touches, creating an experience that feels distinctly rooted in place while still feeling fresh and relevant. Irish wood features prominently throughout the space, while product and pricing displays were created specifically for the outlet. A striking LED screen spans the shopfront, showcasing atmospheric landscape scenes from across Ireland and creating a dynamic visual connection between the store and the destination beyond.

Alongside the physical environment, we crafted a distinctive retail identity that brings the concept to life across the customer experience. The identity has since extended beyond the store itself, rolling out across a range of branded merchandise available to purchase in-store, from aprons to tea towels - giving visitors the opportunity to take a little piece of the experience home with them.

The identity moves beyond the familiar clichés of Irish design, drawing instead on a more authentic, rustic visual language inspired by the natural character, craft and heritage of Ireland.

Every product selected for the store has a clear sense of provenance, with everything proudly produced in Ireland. The range strikes a balance between convenience and discovery, from the ‘grab & go’ food selection featuring gourmet sandwiches to nostalgic Irish ranges across crisps and biscuits, with fish and meats among the best sellers.

Nostalgia heritage staples such as Kerrygold butter, Clonakilty sausages and Tayto crisps sit alongside artisanal sweet and savoury treats, extensive tea and coffee ranges, and a curated spirits selection. 

Beyond food, passengers can explore Tipperary crystal, delights from specialty baker Una Leonard, and a line of branded accessories, including bags and aprons created exclusively for this location. 

By giving small-scale makers and cherished national brands a prominent platform in a busy international hub, The Irish Market does more than sell travel essentials. It celebrates regional identity, supports local producers, and delivers a deeply localised retail experience that leaves a lasting impression on global travellers.

We are proud to share that The Irish Market concept store in Dublin Airport Terminal 2 has recently been shortlisted in the Frontier Awards 2026 in the ‘Best Speciality Concept - Retail’ category. 

We look forward to continuing our partnership with ARI, with several exciting projects currently in development that we look forward to sharing over the coming year.