Craft Stores Near Me: Buy Supplies at Tesco, B&Q, Aldi

Standing in a supermarket aisle wondering if there’s a decent pack of acrylics hiding beside the groceries is a familiar feeling: convenience is great, but choice matters. The trick is knowing which stores near you actually stock what you need—and where you’re better off walking an extra block to a dedicated craft shop. This guide compares the craft sections of Ireland’s major supermarkets (Tesco, B&Q, Aldi) against specialty retailers like Art & Hobby, and gives you the practical steps to find the best supply stop close to home.

Art & Hobby stores in Ireland: 22 ·
DIY craft shops listed by Onefabday: 21 ·
Craft Outlet Ireland hours: Mon–Sat 9am–5pm

Eight key facts drawn from verified sources show where to look and what to expect from Irish craft retailers.

How do I find craft stores near me?

Using Google Maps to find nearby craft stores

• Open Google Maps and search “craft stores” or “art supplies” – results show shops near your current location with hours, reviews, and photos (Google Maps Help (Google’s official documentation)).
• Filter by “Open now” if you need a store that hasn’t closed for the day.
• Tap the “Reviews” tab to see real customer feedback and avoid stores with low ratings.

Checking store opening hours online

• Most Irish craft retailers list hours on their website – for example Craft Outlet Ireland publishes Mon–Sat 9am–5pm (Craft Outlet Ireland).
• Google Business profiles often include holiday hours and temporary closures.
• Baker Ross Ireland states it offers fast delivery to Ireland if you prefer shopping from home (Baker Ross Ireland (children’s craft kits)).

Reading customer reviews on Yelp or Google

• Yelp is active in Dublin – Evans Art Supplies, for instance, holds a 5.0 rating (Yelp (user reviews for Dublin art shops)).
• Google Reviews are also widely used; look for patterns about stock levels and staff helpfulness.
• One Fab Day’s guide to 21 independent craft shops includes reader-tested recommendations (One Fab Day (Irish lifestyle publication)).

The pattern: maps and review platforms give you speed and real-time data; curated lists give you depth and context. Use both.

Does Tesco have a craft section?

What craft supplies does Tesco offer?

• Tesco’s online grocery site lists a limited range of art and crafts materials – paint, paper, glue, colouring sets (Tesco Groceries (arts & crafts category)).
• Selection is narrower than specialty stores; expect basic school-project items rather than professional-grade supplies.
• Pricing is lower than art shops – a pack of poster paints may cost half the price of the same quantity at a dedicated store.

Tesco craft section locations in Ireland

• Larger Tesco Extra stores are more likely to have a dedicated craft aisle.
• Not all smaller Tesco Metro or Express branches carry craft items – check stock online before visiting.
• One Fab Day’s list of 21 independent shops does not include Tesco as a craft destination (One Fab Day (independent craft shop guide)).

Pricing comparison: Tesco vs dedicated craft stores

• Tesco craft supplies are generally cheaper, but the range is limited to about 30–40 SKUs.
• Specialty stores like Art & Hobby offer brands such as Copic, Daler-Rowney, and Reeves (Art & Hobby (Ireland’s foremost art retailer)).
• For one-off school projects, Tesco is cost-effective; for serious crafters, specialty stores provide better material quality.

The trade-off: Tesco saves you money and a trip to a second store, but you trade away breadth and quality. Know what your project demands before you choose.

Does B&Q have a craft section?

What craft items does B&Q sell?

• B&Q Ireland stocks paint (including sample pots), brushes, rollers, and basic DIY tools that crossover into craft use (B&Q Ireland (Crafts, Stationery & Books category)).
• They also carry glue, tape, and protective gear – useful for crafters who work with wood or stencils.
• The craft section is part of the home improvement range, not a standalone aisle.

B&Q craft section availability in Ireland

• B&Q has stores in Dublin, Cork, Galway, and other cities – check their store locator for stock.
• Online, B&Q lists “Crafts, Stationery & Books” as a dedicated category with dozens of products (B&Q Ireland (official website)).
• Larger B&Q warehouses have a more extensive paint and tool section than smaller outlets.

B&Q vs other stores for craft supplies

• B&Q focuses on practical craft tools (brushes, cutting mats, spray paints) rather than decorative supplies.
• For fabric, yarn, or specialty papers, Vibes and Scribes in Cork is a better choice (One Fab Day (describes Vibes and Scribes fabrics)).
• B&Q’s main advantage is one-stop shopping if you also need DIY materials.

The implication: B&Q works well for crafters who need tools and paint, but not for sewing, knitting, or fine arts supplies.

Does Aldi have craft supplies?

Aldi’s Specialbuys and craft supplies

• Aldi Ireland occasionally offers craft items as part of its Specialbuys programme – these are limited-time promotions available every Thursday (Aldi Ireland Specialbuys (official site)).
• Past Specialbuys have included craft kits, paints, canvases, and sewing sets.
• Social media posts under #budgetcrafting often highlight Aldi finds for crafters on a budget.

When does Aldi stock craft items?

• Specialbuys change weekly; craft items reappear roughly every 2–3 months, often tied to school holidays.
• Check the Aldi Ireland app or website on Wednesday evenings to see the upcoming Thursday offers.
• Stock is first-come, first-served and sells out quickly.

Aldi craft supplies quality and pricing

• Aldi craft supplies are very budget-friendly – a full canvas set may cost €10–15.
• Quality is adequate for beginners and children’s projects but not for professional work.
• One Fab Day’s guide doesn’t list Aldi as a craft source, highlighting that independent shops offer more consistency (One Fab Day (independent craft shop focus)).

The catch: Aldi is great for impulse craft buys, but you can’t rely on it for a project that requires specific supplies.

What are the best craft stores near me?

Top specialty craft stores in Dublin

• Art & Hobby – 22 stores nationwide, including one in Dublin, with a massive range of art, craft, Lego, and hobby products (Art & Hobby (Ireland’s foremost art retailer)).
• K.M. Evans – basic yet high-quality art and craft supplies at Meetinghouse Lane, Dublin 7 (One Fab Day (describes K.M. Evans)).
• Inspiring Ideas – large craft store in Blanchardstown Centre, stocking sewing kits, paper, paint, and fabrics (One Fab Day (describes Inspiring Ideas)).
• Irish Design Shop – award-winning retailer at 41 Drury Street selling design-led crafts from all over Ireland (Irish Design Shop (design-led Irish crafts)).

Nationwide craft store chains in Ireland

• Art & Hobby is the largest chain with 22 outlets across Ireland (Art & Hobby).
• Baker Ross Ireland operates online with fast delivery nationwide (Baker Ross Ireland (children’s craft kits)).
• Craft Outlet Ireland is a physical store in Castledermot, Kildare with a large selection (Craft Outlet Ireland (Kildare-based supplier)).

How to evaluate craft store quality

• Check Yelp or Google ratings – Evans Art Supplies scores 5.0 on Yelp (Yelp (Dublin art shops)).
• Look for customer photos of stock – they reveal shelf diversity and organisation.
• Read reviews that mention staff expertise – knowledgeable assistants are a hallmark of good specialty stores.

What this means: the “best” store depends on your project. Art & Hobby wins on range, K.M. Evans on intimacy, Irish Design Shop on uniqueness.

How do I find local craft fairs to sell?

Online directories for craft fairs in Ireland

• Eventbrite Ireland lists craft fairs and markets by county (Eventbrite Ireland (craft fair listings)).
• Irish Craft Fairs website has a searchable database of upcoming events.
• Local county council websites often publish notices of community fairs.

Social media groups for craft vendors

• Facebook groups like “Craft Fairs Ireland” and “Irish Artisans & Crafters” post regular opportunities.
• Instagram hashtags – #craftfairireland, #sellcraftsireland – connect sellers with organisers.
• LinkedIn can be useful for professional craft vendors looking for corporate event fairs.

Applying to craft fairs and required documentation

• Most fairs require a completed application form, often with photos of your products.
• You may need public liability insurance and, for food crafts, a HACCP certificate (FSAI (HACCP guidance for food vendors)).
• EU labelling laws require that non-Irish-made products state their origin on the tag (Ireland on a Budget (authentic Irish crafts guide)).

The upshot: social media is the fastest route into the craft fair circuit, but proper documentation keeps you from being turned away at the door.

Comparison table: supermarket craft sections vs specialty stores

Three supermarkets and three specialty retailers, one pattern: convenience vs. depth. The table below lays out what each type offers.

Why this matters: if you need a single pack of paint today, Tesco works. If you need the right brush for a specific technique, Art & Hobby is your stop.

Pros/Cons: supermarket vs specialty craft shopping

Steps to find the best craft store near you

1. Define your project. Know what you need – a single pack of glitter? A high-quality watercolour set? This decides whether you head to a supermarket or a specialty store.
2. Use Google Maps with “craft stores near me” and filter “Open now” if timing is tight. Look at ratings and read a couple of recent reviews.
3. Check opening hours online – many Irish craft stores close by 5pm or 6pm; some are closed Sunday (Craft Outlet Ireland (example hours)).
4. Compare prices for your specific items. Use the comparison table above to see which store type fits your budget and quality needs.
5. Visit or order. For immediate needs, head to a nearby supermarket or specialty shop. For planned projects, consider online stores like Baker Ross or Craft Outlet for delivery.

Clarity: confirmed facts and open questions

What crafters and retailers say

“Art & Hobby is one of Ireland’s foremost art, craft, Lego, hobby, and educational toys retailers.”

Art & Hobby (Ireland’s leading art retailer)

“Vibes and Scribes stocks craft and creative hobby supplies, stationery, fashion and craft fabrics, wool and yarn, and haberdashery.”

One Fab Day (Irish wedding and lifestyle site)

“Baker Ross Ireland advertises a huge range of craft supplies and themed seasonal craft kits for children, with fast delivery to Ireland.”

Baker Ross Ireland (children’s craft specialist)

“The Crafty Fox is a multi-award-winning craft shop supplying fabrics, wool, felts, books, buttons, kits, and craft classes.”

One Fab Day (describes The Crafty Fox)

For the Irish crafter shopping local, the decision boils down to one thing: what your project demands. If you need a quick, cheap fix for a school art class, any Tesco or Aldi will do. But if you’re building a portfolio, customising a garment, or preparing for a craft fair, the depth and expertise of a specialty store like Art & Hobby or Vibes and Scribes is worth the extra drive. The pattern is clear: convenience for basics, specialty for quality. Know your project, and the right store will find you.

For a deeper dive into the Irish craft store scene, this guide to craft stores in Ireland highlights top shops and trends.

Frequently asked questions