Last updated on August 5th, 2022 at 08:20 pm
The lighting of a good cigar can be seen as a commitment to time – time to unwind, relax, and enjoy good company or contemplate one’s own thoughts. Indeed, the esteemed French writer Victor Hugo once said, ‘Tobacco is the plant that converts thoughts into dreams.’ In this busy age, there truly is no better way to carve out time for oneself than by savouring a fine cigar.
The cigar dates back as early as the 10th century, when it was first created and enjoyed by the Mayans of South America. The Mayans would wrap the toasted leaves of the tobacco plant in a palm leaf or plantain leaf and inhale the fragrant smoke to relax. The discovery of the Americas by European explorers in the 15th century brought the tobacco plant to every corner of the globe. In time, tobacco was wrapped in leaf tobacco, and the modern cigar was born.
Cuba has been the premier producer of fine cigars since the 16th century. The country’s warm climate and rich soil make it one of the best locations in the world to grow tobacco. The cigar makers of Cuba have unparalleled experience in rolling the perfect cigar, making Cubans the most sought after cigars. While there is a ban on the commercial import of Cuban cigars in the United States, Cuban cigars can be bought freely outside of the U.S.
There are several excellent cigar shops in Dublin, each with their own particular strengths and stock. Thankfully, each of these cigar shops sell Cuban cigars among their wares.
In this post, we share our complete guide to cigar shops in Dublin.
Map of Cigar Shops
The following map shows the location of every cigar shop highlighted in this post:
The Decent Cigar Emporium
Perched on the 2nd floor of Grafton Street in the heart of Dublin is The Decent Cigar Emporium, a veritable haven for those who appreciate a good cigar. The emporium was established in 1992 by Guy Hancock, perhaps Ireland’s premier cigar expert. A cigar aficionado since his early years, Hancock now travels annually to Cuba to research new products to stock and keep abreast of the industry news.
Stepping into the plush interior of the shop, it becomes apparent that The Decent Cigar Emporium is truly an experience and not just a store. With its tall ceilings, elegant cornice detailing, and full height windows overlooking Grafton Street, the shop exudes an elegant, warm charm. The shop has ample seating to relax and talk both during and after your cigar purchase.
The shop’s cigar range is extensive, and is grouped into Cuban, non-Cuban, and custom-blend cigars.
In terms of Cubans, the shop stocks over a dozen brands of authentic Cuban cigars, including such favourites as Bolivar, Montecristo, and Romeo y Julieta. The price range includes quality single cigars for less than €20, encompassing Montecristo, H. Upmann, and Ramon Allones cigars, up to €150 plus for Romeo y Julieta cigars. Boxes of cigars are also available within the Cuban range.
For those looking to sample cigars beyond Cuba, there is also an array of Dominican, Honduran, and Nicaraguan brands from which to choose. Among these non-Cuban brands are Davidoff, Plasencia, and Grafton Reserva, a cigar line rolled exclusively for The Decent Cigar Emporium.
Finally, the shop stocks a range of custom blend cigars, including single cigars and boxes. In addition, the shop can help source rare and antique cigars and humidors, and sell a good selection of cigar accessories. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are more than happy to chat all things cigars and help in any way they can.
As Ireland’s only dedicated cigar shop, The Decent Cigar Emporium should be the first port of call for any cigar aficionado visiting or living in Dublin.
Location: 46 Grafton Street, Dublin
Website: https://www.decent-cigar.com/
James J. Fox, Dublin
At the very bottom of Grafton Street, nestled beside the main entrance to Trinity College and overlooking Dame Street, is James J. Fox, Dublin. From its distinguished front entrance alone, you can tell that this cigar and whiskey seller is serious about quality products and an excellent customer experience.
Specialising in the finer things in life, James J. Fox, Dublin offer a range of quality cigars, pipes, Irish and Scotch whiskey, and other spirits. In addition, the shop stocks a range of smoking accessories and hip flasks.
Their cigar range includes authentic, hand-rolled Cuban cigars, and machine-made cigars and cigarillos. The Cuban range includes reasonably priced Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta, and Cohiba cigars, among others. Most of the Cuban range can be bought either singly, or in a pack of 10 or 25.
The machine-made range is split between the James Fox Cigars range, which includes cigars and cigarillos, available in packs of 5 or 10, and a range of commercial cigars. The James Fox Cigars range is a great choice for a quality cigar without breaking the bank.
If you’re looking to unwind with a glass of something special and a fine cigar, look no further than James J. Fox, Dublin.
Location: 119 Grafton Street, Dublin
Website: https://jamesfox.ie
Peterson of Dublin
As the oldest continuously operating briar pipe factory in the world, Peterson of Dublin know a thing or two about tobacco. While their shop on Nassau Street caters primarily to pipe smokers, they also offer a range of cigars in their walk in humidor, the only one of its kind in the country.
Inside their humidor you can choose from a range of Cuban cigars, as well as Honduran and Dominican cigars.
If you are looking to buy a pipe or tobacco and also want to pick up a quality cigar, Peterson of Dublin would be more than happy to guide you. A visit to the shop is highly recommended if you are looking to talk all things tobacco in friendly and knowledgeable surroundings.
Location: 48-49 Nassau Street, Dublin
Website: https://www.peterson.ie
