The cost of silverware in Ireland (more commonly called "cutlery" for everyday items and "silverware" for the precious metal version) varies **enormously** depending on the material, brand, and where you shop.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can expect to pay in Ireland today.
### Quick Price Summary Table
| **Type** | **Material** | **Price Range (4-Person Set)** | **Notes** |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Basic/Everyday** | Stainless Steel | €15 - €50 | Supermarkets, Dunnes, Ikea, HomeStore+More |
| **Mid-Range** | Quality 18/10 Stainless Steel | €50 - €150 | Robert Welch, Judge, ProCook, Arnotts |
| **Silver-Plated** | EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver) | €80 - €300+ | Often vintage or gift sets. New from high-end stores. |
| **Sterling Silver** | 92.5% Pure Silver | €1,500 - €4,000+ | Heirloom quality, sold by weight. Antique or jewellers. |
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### 1. Everyday Stainless Steel Cutlery
This is what most Irish households use daily.
* **Where to Buy:** Dunnes Stores, Tesco, Argos, Ikea (Dublin), HomeStore+More, Harvey Norman, Amazon UK.
* **Price:** A basic 16-piece set (4 settings) can cost as little as **€15-€25** from supermarkets or Ikea.
* **Mid-Range:** For better quality, anti-tarnish 18/10 stainless steel (like brands **Judge** or **ProCook**), expect to pay **€40 - €100** for a 4-person set.
### 2. Silver-Plated Cutlery (EPNS)
These items have a thin layer of silver over a base metal. Common for formal dining and often found second-hand.
* **Where to Buy:** Antique shops, charity shops (often great finds!), auctions (like www.adverts.ie or www.donedeal.ie), or department stores like Arnotts for new sets.
* **Price (Second-hand):** A 24-piece canteen set can range from **€80 to €300**, heavily dependent on condition, pattern, and age.
* **Price (New):** New sets from retailers like **Viners** or **Oneida** start around **€200+** for a basic starter set.
### 3. Sterling Silver Cutlery (Hallmarked 925)
This is genuine solid silver, an heirloom investment.
* **Where to Buy:** Specialist antique silver dealers (e.g., in Dublin's George's Street Arcade or Francis Street), auction houses (Whyte's, Adam's), and high-end jewellers.
* **Price:** Sold by **weight** and **desirability**. A complete 6- or 8-person canteen in a popular pattern (like King's or Hanoverian) by a good maker (e.g., **Westminster, Mappin & Webb**) can easily cost **€2,000 to €5,000+**. Single place settings or smaller sets start around **€300-€500**.
### Key Factors Affecting Price:
* **Brand/Designer:** Irish and international designer brands (Robert Welch, Noel Hannan) command higher prices.
* **Weight & Pattern:** Heavier, more ornate pieces cost more.
* **Condition (Vintage):** For silverware, a lack of dents, a clear hallmark, and minimal plating wear increase value.
* **Set Completeness:** A full canteen with all serving pieces is worth significantly more than a partial set.
### Tips for Buying in Ireland:
1. **Check Hallmarks:** For real silver, look for the **925 stamp** and Irish/UK hallmarks (a leopard's head, a harp, etc.) to guarantee authenticity.
2. **Shop Second-Hand:** **Charity shops** in affluent areas and **online marketplaces** (Adverts.ie) can yield incredible bargains on both stainless steel and silver-plated sets.
3. **Consider Open Stock:** When buying new, check if the pattern is sold as "open stock." This allows you to buy individual pieces or replace lost items years later.
### Where to Shop:
* **Budget/Everyday:** **Dunnes Stores**, **Ikea**, **HomeStore+More**, **Argos**.
* **Mid to High-End:** **Arnotts** (Dublin), **House of Fraser** (Dublin), **Kilkenny Shop** (Irish design), **Robert Welch** stockists.
* **Vintage/Antique Silver:** **George's Street Arcade** (Dublin), **Francis Street** antiques (Dublin), **Adverts.ie**, **Whyte's Auctioneers**.
**In summary,** for a good-quality, new stainless steel set for everyday use, budget **€40-€80**. For a special gift or formal set, silver-plated starts around **€150**. For a genuine solid silver investment, be prepared to spend **€1,500+**.