Sex toys. Despite our generation’s ardent proclamations of sexual liberation, when it comes to sex toys, an air tinged with taboo lingers. Vibrators are buried at the bottom of cloth piles, butt plugs secured and lube tucked behind cosmetics. Perhaps it is the residue of trauma from generations for whom the world of masturbation and sexual pleasure was engulfed with stigma.
“If we need some carrots we head to a grocery shop… but where do we get a cock ring?”
Regardless, the world of sex shops continues to be regarded as forming an underbelly in the consumer world. This means that when a sex toy is desired and required a supplier might evade the mind. If we need some carrots we head to a grocery shop… but where do we get a cock ring? In fact, Dublin offers a comprehensive range depending on your sexual preference. Here’s a brief rundown of some of Dublin’s best spots to do your sex shopping…
Ann Summers
31 O’Connell Street
Situated in the heart of town, Ann Summers is one of the most well-known names in the sex shop industry. On entering the glamorously decorated storefront, the array of scanty lingerie is somewhat overwhelming. From roleplay outfits to string arrangements they appear to cater to most desires. Yet, when you traverse to the back of the store, the excitement truly begins. The store offers a large selection of toys of all shapes and sizes. The vibrator range is extensive yet somewhat pricey, so if you are hoping to keep expenditures at a minimum, perhaps avoid this store. However, the impressive range of vibrating goods makes the ten-minute journey from campus a worthwhile trip.
Good Vibrations
141 Capel Street Dublin 1
Good Vibrations is another well-known name in Dublin sex store vocabulary. With three stores, located on Wexford Street, Dame Street and Capel Street, the brand offers the greatest supply of products. In contrast to the somewhat mundane range in Anne Summers, Good Vibrations hosts a vast variety of interesting gadgets. Advertised in-store is a vibrating butt plug with a wagging tail, Autoblow blowjob machine, and an Oh Holy Mary pleasure cannabis oil (to name but a few).
“The store sources handmade masks from craftsmen all over Europe, with suppliers dating back over 300 years.”
Basic Instincts
No.8 Eustace Street, Temple Bar
Basic Instincts, established in 1990, is situated in a stunning Georgian building in Temple Bar. Classifying itself as a Mask, Fetish & Adult Shop, it specialises in everything from genuine Venetian masks to all kinds of fetishes for the modern human adult. The store sources handmade masks from craftsmen all over Europe, with suppliers dating back over 300 years. The store is open seven days a week (yes, if you are craving a certain something on a Sunday you can still be satisfied)!
Miss Fantasia
25 South William Street, Dublin 2
Miss Fantasia, located on the charming South William Street, has been the purveyor of the finest lingerie, latex, high heels, leather, kink and pleasure objects for 20 years. They carry a vast range of toys including beautifully sourced corsets and kink costumes. They even offer a delicately crafted male chastity belt! The store also manufactures their own leather and rubber products and provides a free repair service. If you are feeling like treating yourself then this is definitely a store to pop into.
“A particularly interesting site is Unbound, a revolutionary sexual wellness company that is based around empowering women to take control of their sexual health.”
Online
If traversing to a shop is an overwhelming prospect do not fear — there are plenty of options online. All of the retailers listed above have their own discreet websites which offer home delivery. A particularly interesting site is Unbound, a revolutionary sexual wellness company that is based around empowering women to take control of their sexual health. For eco-friendly sex toys, your best bet is Organic Loven, which only sells the safest and most nourishing intimacy products from trusted brands like Fun Factory, Lelo, Liberator, and more. And the site also offers consultations if you need some sexual advice!
