Ikea

[centre mid]

Had my first trip to Ikea today for a new computer desk, very enjoyable experience I must say. Staff couldnt have been nicer, even offered to help my carry it to my car. Its some set up but the drive in is a bit weird, I nearly got lost on the way out too.

[dahamsta]

Very close to buying a new house (fingers crossed), straining at the bit for the trip to Ikea to furnish some of it. An extended visit taking in DFS in Belfast is highly likely. :)

[centre mid]

I fear this may become an addiction, I'm already planning at least two more trips before christmas.

[dahamsta]

I foresee at least two trips for me. The first trip will be but a recce. :)

[noby]

Definitely recommend a recce. It's good to see the furniture 'in the flesh' as opposed to on-line.
Pace yourself, and take a break in the restaurant half way round - remember it's a marathon not a sprint.

Oh, and I wouldn't recommend putting about 250Kgs of shelving on a roof rack rated for 50Kgs. Or, if you do drive faster so you get home quicker - it worked for me! (Just about)

[galwayjames]

Excuse my lack of knowledge on the subject, but is the only ikea on the island in Belfast?

[Boo_Boy]

Excuse my lack of knowledge on the subject, but is the only ikea on the island in Belfast?

One opened in Dublin (Ballymun) recently, got a mag through the door about it. Going there Monday I think for a look round :D.

[galwayjames]

One opened in Dublin (Ballymun) recently, got a mag through the door about it. Going there Monday I think for a look round :D.

It'll be along time before they open one in Galway :(

[tetsujin1979]

one of the women I work with is obsessed with the place (ok, they all are, but this one in particular)
In the first 6 weeks it was opened in Ballymun, she was there 7 times!
It's open about 4 months now, and she's closing in on her 20th visit!!

[Hairy Bowsie]

It's just bloody furniture!!!

[Dodge]

In fairness it does have some great stuff. Currently kitting out my sparebedroom/office from there.

Unlike some shops, it has literally everything it sells online

There still differences in prices between Dublin and Belfast, but then there are pries differences everywhere. The price of a bookcase in Dublin (http://www.ikea.com/ie/en/catalog/products/80071319) and Germany (http://www.ikea.com/de/de/catalog/products/80071319) is €99 but €89 in France (http://www.ikea.com/fr/fr/catalog/products/80071319) and £79 in Britain (http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/80071319)

Its probably best for little things though. Bought a baby bath for €6. Similar in mothercare for about €20

[Scrufil]

I took a look at the IKEA Ireland website and I was totally unimpressed. None of the items that I checked out in any way suit my needs not to mention that some of the items are way over-priced. You could buy better any day in Dunnes Stores. Thanks but no thanks!

[dahamsta]

No website could possibly do justice to Ikea. You have to go to a store to understand it.

Another important aspect of Ikea that people should be aware of is it's ownership (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikea#Corporate_structure).

adam

[the 12 th man]

Took me over 2 hours to put a bed together that the missus got there the other day,not complicated just time consuming.

[paul_oshea]

To be honest ive gone to it a few times over here and its a mare getting around you are shagged at the end of it. Takes some doing to kit it out in fairness and fair play to the staff, however unless you know what you want before you go I wouldn't be overly gone on it. Things aren't that much cheaper, some not at all and for the hassle it might be handier going to DFS or something like that.

I have a walll to wall mirror wardrobe thingie in the spare room in the flat that was put up by their outsourced crowd and its not hanging too well considering its less than 2 years up.

[Pauro 76]

There was a riot and a stabbing when an Ikea store opened up in North London a few years ago.

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-16512614-stabbing-in-ikea-chaos.do

It's just a furniture store...

[Mr A]

That's not a good area though, riots and stabbing are not exactly out of the ordinary!

[Pauro 76]

That's not a good area though, riots and stabbing are not exactly out of the ordinary!

That area is a hellhole to be fair. Although that said..

http://www.metro.co.uk/news/article.html?in_article_id=44366&in_page_id=34