Second Hand Wedding Dresses Ireland: Where to Buy & Sell

There’s something special about finding a wedding dress that doesn’t come with a five-figure price tag. For Irish brides, the growing market of second hand wedding dresses in Ireland means you can walk down the aisle in a gown that’s both beautiful and budget-friendly, with over a hundred listings on DoneDeal alone and dedicated charity bridal boutiques from Dublin to Dundalk.

Active listings on DoneDeal: 119 ads (as of June 2025) ·
Price range at St Vincent de Paul (Dundalk): €80 – €300 ·
Discount off RRP at NCBI Bridal Room (Naas): up to 70% ·
Average price per dress (online): €300 – €900

One pattern: prices and savings vary widely across channels. Here’s a quick snapshot of what you can expect.

Where can I buy second hand wedding dresses in Ireland?

Online marketplaces: DoneDeal, ReBride, SellMyWeddingDress

• DoneDeal lists 119 active wedding dress ads (as of June 2025) – the largest single marketplace in Ireland (DoneDeal).
• Sell My Wedding Dress (an Irish online store) specialises in pre-loved and ex-sample gowns at a fraction of the price of new ones (Sell My Wedding Dress).
• Rebride, another dedicated platform, connects buyers and sellers across Ireland.

Charity shops in Dublin and nationwide

• St Vincent de Paul – a dedicated bridal room at 21 Jocelyn Street, Dundalk, with prices starting at €80 and going up to €300 (One Fab Day).
• Oxfam Ireland (the leading charity retailer) operates a specialist bridal boutique in Bangor, alongside other shops across the island that stock wedding dresses (Oxfam Ireland).
• Barnardos (children’s charity) runs bridal shops in Dún Laoghaire and Wexford, offering gently used gowns at a fraction of the cost of new ones (Barnardos).

Physical consignment stores like Cirq Bridal

• Vision Ireland’s NCBI Bridal Room at 27 North Main Street, Naas, sells brand-new donated gowns with discounts up to 70% off the original retail price (One Fab Day).
• These shops often offer a boutique try-on experience without the boutique price tag.

The implication: whether you prefer browsing online or trying on in person, Ireland has multiple channels to find a pre-loved dress that fits your budget and style.

How much do second hand wedding dresses cost in Ireland?

Average price ranges

Most second hand wedding dresses in Ireland sell for between €100 and €1500. At the low end, charity shops like St Vincent de Paul Dundalk start at €80 (One Fab Day). Online marketplaces average €300 to €900, with DoneDeal listings spanning this range.

Savings compared to new dresses

Brides who buy pre-loved can save 50–70% off the original retail price. The NCBI Bridal Room in Naas, for example, advertises up to 70% off RRP on brand-new donated gowns (One Fab Day).

Factors affecting price: brand, condition, age

• Designer labels – even second hand, a Vera Wang or Pronovias gown will command €800–€1500.
• Condition – dresses with minor stains or alterations needed are cheaper; pristine samples cost more.
• Age – a dress from two seasons ago may sell for 60% off, while a current-season style might only offer 20–30% savings.

The catch: a low price tag often means you’ll need to add €50–€150 for professional cleaning and alterations, so factor that into your budget.

What are the best charity shops for wedding dresses in Ireland?

St Vincent de Paul (Dundalk)

The SVP bridal boutique at 21 Jocelyn Street, Dundalk offers pre-loved dresses from €80 to €300, with a focus on Irish donations (One Fab Day). While not in Dublin, it’s a standout for value.

Oxfam and other major charities

• Oxfam Ireland (the leading charity retailer) has an Oxfam Bridal shop at 32-36 Main Street, Bangor, and many other branches carry wedding wear (Oxfam Ireland).
• Barnardos (children’s charity) – Bridal Room at Main Street, Dún Laoghaire, and another at 11a Selskar Street, Wexford (One Fab Day).

Local charity shops in Cork and other cities

Oxfam Ireland’s network extends to Cork, Galway, and Limerick – though dedicated bridal stock isn’t guaranteed. MoneySavingExpert (the UK consumer advice site) notes that following charity shops on social media can tip you off to new arrivals (MoneySavingExpert). Apply the same tactic to Irish charity shops: follow them on Facebook or Instagram to catch wedding dress drops.

The pattern: the best charity shops for wedding dresses are concentrated in the east and south, but national charities like Oxfam and Barnardos have the widest reach.

How do I sell my wedding dress in Ireland?

1. Choose your platform – DoneDeal, ReBride, SellMyWeddingDress, or a consignment store like NCBI Bridal Room.
2. Prepare your dress – clean it, take clear photos on a hanger and mannequin, and note any alterations.
3. Set a competitive price – research similar listings on DoneDeal; underpricing by 10–20% can speed up the sale.
4. Write a detailed description – include brand, size, original price, condition, and alterations.
5. List and manage inquiries – respond promptly, arrange viewings, and negotiate politely.
6. Finalise the sale – use safe payment methods (cash or bank transfer) and deliver or meet in person.

Listing on DoneDeal

DoneDeal is Ireland’s biggest classifieds site. List your dress here with clear photos and a detailed description – it’s free for private sellers.

Using dedicated platforms like ReBride and SellMyWeddingDress

• Sell My Wedding Dress (an Irish online store) handles the sale for a commission, typically 30–50% of the selling price (Sell My Wedding Dress).
• ReBride lets you keep more of the sale price but requires you to manage inquiries and shipping.

Consignment through stores

Physical consignment shops like NCBI Bridal Room (run by Vision Ireland) accept donated dresses and sell them on your behalf. You’ll receive a percentage of the sale, usually 50–70% after their fee.

Tips for pricing and photos

• Research similar listings on DoneDeal to price competitively – underselling by 10–20% often speeds up the sale.
• Photograph the dress on a hanger and on a mannequin, ideally in natural light. Include close-ups of any lace or beading.
• Mention brand, size, original price, and any alterations.

What should I consider before buying a second hand wedding dress?

Checking condition and alterations

Ask the seller about any alterations that have been done – a dress hemmed for a 5’2″ bride won’t suit someone 5’8″. Barnardos (children’s charity) recommends checking for stains, tears, and missing buttons before buying (Barnardos). If you need professional cleaning, budget €50–€150.

Authentication for designer labels

Designer dresses (e.g., Maggie Sottero, Pronovias) should come with a label and, ideally, original tags or receipts. Cross-check the style number online. Sell My Wedding Dress (an Irish online store) says they verify authenticity before listing – ask private sellers for proof.

Return policies and try-on options

Most private sales on DoneDeal or Facebook Marketplace are final – no returns. Charity shops may offer store credit, but don’t count on it. Physical stores like NCBI Bridal Room allow you to try on, so prioritise those if you’re unsure about fit.

Budgeting for cleaning and adjustments

A second hand dress almost always needs a proper clean (€50–€150) and possibly alterations (€100–€300). Factor these into your total cost. For a €300 dress with €200 in fixes, you’re still well under the €1000+ for new.

• Consider Mother of the Bride Outfits Ireland if you’re shopping for the whole family.
• If you’re also ring shopping, see our guide on the Princess Cut Engagement Ring for sizing and style tips.

Why this matters: a thorough check before purchase saves you from hidden costs that could eat up your savings.

Confirmed facts vs. what’s unclear

Confirmed facts

• St Vincent de Paul in Dundalk sells wedding dresses from €80 to €300 (One Fab Day).
• DoneDeal has 119 active wedding dress ads (as of June 2025).
• Rebride and SellMyWeddingDress are dedicated Irish platforms.
• NCBI Bridal Room (Naas) offers up to 70% off RRP (One Fab Day).

What’s unclear

• Exact number of charity shops nationwide that stock wedding dresses on a regular basis.
• Average time to sell a dress on each platform – no public data.
• Frequency of stock refresh at charity shops – it varies by location.
• Whether online returns are ever accepted by private sellers – no consistent policy.

“The St Vincent de Paul bridal boutique in Dundalk is a treasure trove for bargain hunters, with dresses priced between €80 and €300.”

One Fab Day (Irish wedding blog)

“Our shops across the island of Ireland have offered people a way to buy stylish outfits that ‘don’t cost the earth’ for over six decades.”

Oxfam Ireland

For an Irish bride on a budget, the choice is clear: start your search in charity shops and online platforms, but be prepared to invest time in alterations and cleaning, or risk paying full price for a dress worn once.