Irish Fashion History Talks, Tours & Events
Irish Fashion History talks, tours & events created by fashion historian, Ruth Griffin.
The Lost Fashion History of Dublin are a unique series of tours which explores Dublin's stylish past. Fashion historian Ruth Griffin will bring you on a saunter through the centuries to discover the style of the different quarters of Dublin. Find out more about the places where our most important fashion designers lived and worked, iconic businesses, about our trendsetting residents and the histories behind the city's premier shopping streets, Georgian squares, rag-trade and textile districts.
Discover the 2026 schedule of Talks & Tours below.
For any enquiries or questions please contact hello@ruthgriffin.com
Fashion History Tour of Grafton Street
Follow in the footsteps of Dublin's makers, milliners, dressmakers and merchants on a fashion journey through Grafton Street and its surrounding streets. Discover the retailers, ateliers and fashion businesses that shaped Dublin's style scene from the 19th century to the present day, and explore how this iconic shopping district became the heart of Irish fashion. Along the way, you'll also visit a selection of independent Irish fashion businesses and designers who continue to shape the city's creative landscape today.
Photo Credit: Tra My Ngugen Hoang
Irish Fashion History Online Talk Series
Join fashion historian Ruth Griffin for a four-part online series this October 2026 exploring the evolution of Irish fashion from the early twentieth century to today. Across four Sunday sessions, discover the changing silhouettes, materials, and cultural influences that have shaped Irish style. Each one-hour live talk will be richly illustrated with archival imagery, photographs, and visual references, bringing Ireland’s fashion history vividly to life.
Previous Events
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The Lost Fashion History of South William Street Tour
Follow in the footsteps of Dublin's makers, manufacturers, milliners, furriers and dressmakers. South William Street was the original garment district of Dublin where fashion sold on the beautiful boulevard of Grafton Street was designed and made.
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The Lost Fashion History of Merrion Square Tour
This tour brings you on a fashion journey through the makers and merchants who peopled the street from the 19th right up until now. Rediscover Merrion Square’s sartorial past with a tour of the Square’s notable designers, as well as a look at its present-day couturiers and milliners, with added surprises along the way.
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The Lost Fashion History of The Liberties Tour
This tour will take a stroll through this fascinating area with a look at where and how textiles were produced in the area from Tailors' Hall, Francis Street, Weaver's Street and Newmarket Square to The National College of Art and Design on Thomas Street where fashion and textiles continues to develop in the city today.
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The Lost Fashion History of O'Connell Street Tour
This tour looks back at the street's days of splendour from the fashion worn in its 18th century houses to the style to be found in the great Victorian department stores of the time.
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The Lost Fashion History of Grafton Street Tour
This tour is a trip down memory lane along Dublin's most beautiful shopping street and takes in the famous Irish businesses that have been part of the fashion imaginations of Dubliners over the years.
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The Lost Fashion History of Grafton Street & South William Street
Discover how fashion has contributed to the economic and cultural life of the city and the people who have played a part in making Irish fashion what it is today.
