Phibsboro Hardware

Known locally simply as Matt’s, this is actually a cross between a treasure trove and a hardware store. About as far away from Woodies or B&Q as it’s possible to get, avoid it at all costs if you like ordered aisles, signs, clearly displayed prices, or a lot of choice.
To be sought out if you have a general sense of curiosity and might like to witness a wily, wiry man, not in the first flush of youth but nimble as a goat, disappear into the midst of what looks like pure chaos in the form of a shelving system, and arrive back within 60 seconds with precisely what you asked for — however odd or out of sight — and present it to you without fuss, usually at a cost of around two euros. If that’s ok. Because he may well ask you.
Bulbs. Paint. A colander. Electrical stuff. Wire. Rope. Pots. Plants. Trees. Keys. A laser spirit level, anyone? Lamps. Bike locks. Vacuum bags. It wouldn’t surprise me to find there’s a sofa in there somewhere, or a self-​assembly garden shed (maybe even modest dwelling?), in fact next time I might ask.
It might better be know as the hardware Tardis of D7, as it carries much more than its exterior suggests is possible. In fact, the question may be, what’s not available in Matt’s shop? I’ve yet to find out.

Every locality needs a good hardware store and Phibsboro’s is Phibsboro Hardware. If you’re doing even the smallest spot of DIY at home, then here’s the place to get your supplies. Whether it’s paint, tools or nails that you’re after, it’s here. The photo of the shop’s exterior says it all really. They even have plants and they sell Christmas trees during the Yuletide season. Only problem is you could go in there and lose track of time purchasing stuff that you never knew you wanted or needed!