Photo Frames Ireland: Best Stores, Sizes, and Buying Guide

Buying a photo frame sounds simple enough — until you’re faced with rows of options and no idea which size fits your print. Whether it’s a holiday snap or a family portrait, the right frame transforms the photo. This guide covers Ireland’s best retailers, standard sizes, and what to look for, so you can make a confident choice.

Frames in stock at bgastore.ie: 10,000+ ·
Years of experience (TheGiftShop.ie): 17+ ·
Personalised frames available at Bootsphoto: canvas and poster options

Where can I buy photo frames in Ireland?

Dunnes Stores: accessible and versatile

• Dunnes Stores carries a wide range of sizes, materials, and designs for everyday frames (Dunnes Stores).
• Available in-store across Ireland and online with home delivery.
• Prices typically range from €5 to €30, making them a budget-friendly choice.

Carraig Donn: Irish heritage and gift options

• This Irish heritage brand offers a curated selection of frames suited for home decor and gifting (Carraig Donn (Irish lifestyle retailer)).
• Focus on quality finishes like wood and metal with Celtic-inspired designs.
• Also available online with nationwide delivery.

Woodie’s: DIY and home improvement range

• Woodie’s stocks basic picture frames suitable for DIY projects and quick replacements (Woodie’s (Irish home improvement chain)).
• Primarily in-store; online ordering limited to select formats.
• Good for standard sizes like A4 and 8×10 at competitive prices.

Online specialists: TheGiftShop.ie and Bootsphoto

• TheGiftShop.ie is a 100% Irish-owned online gift retailer with 17+ years of experience, offering personalised text and photo frames (TheGiftShop.ie).
• Bootsphoto.ie provides custom canvas and poster frames with a digital upload service and next-day delivery (Bootsphoto.ie).
• Both cater specifically to the Irish market with Euro pricing and local shipping.

Independent retailers in Cork and beyond

• Cork-based shops like The Picture Framing Studio offer custom framing services and local expertise.
• Many independent framers provide bespoke sizes and materials not found in chain stores.
• Check local business directories or Google Maps for framers near you.

The pattern: department stores win on immediacy, online specialists win on choice and personalisation.

Which Irish store has the widest range of picture frames?

BGAstore: over 10,000 frames in stock

• BGAstore.ie claims the largest online inventory in Ireland with “over 10,000 frames” (BGAstore.ie).
• Extensive choice of styles, sizes, and materials – from budget plastic to ornate wood.
• Bulk ordering options available for businesses or events.

Carraig Donn: variety of styles for home and gifting

• Carraig Donn’s online range includes wood, metal, and acrylic frames in sizes from 4×6 to A3 (Carraig Donn).
• Strong focus on aesthetic appeal and Irish design themes.
• Limited to what the brand curates – not as exhaustive as dedicated frame stores.

Dunnes Stores: multiple sizes and materials

• Dunnes Stores carries basic frames in wood, plastic, and metal finishes (Dunnes Stores).
• Standard sizes like 6×4, 7×5, 10×8, and A4 are readily available.
• Good for everyday use but less variety in specialty finishes.

Speciality vs department store depth

• BGAstore wins on sheer volume; Carraig Donn on design curation; Dunnes on convenience.
• For unique frames (e.g., gold leaf, distressed wood), speciality online stores like TheGiftShop.ie offer more options than general chains.

The pattern: BGAstore leads in quantity, but Carraig Donn and Dunnes offer curated convenience. The implication: if you need a specific size or finish, start with the specialist; if you just want something quick, any department store will do.

What are the different frame styles and materials?

Wooden frames: classic and warm

• Available in oak, pine, walnut, and painted finishes – suits traditional decor.
• Sizes range from 4×6 to A2 and larger. Common at Dunnes and Carraig Donn.
• Pros: durable, timeless. Cons: heavier, can warp in humidity.

Metal frames: modern and slim

• Aluminium and steel frames in silver, black, gold, and copper – ideal for contemporary photos (Max Photo (UK framing specialist)).
• Often used for posters and large prints due to slim profile.
• Pros: lightweight, rust-resistant. Cons: less insulating against temperature changes.

Plastic frames: affordable and lightweight

• Polystyrene or acrylic frames – cheapest option, available at Woodie’s and Dunnes.
• Great for children’s rooms or temporary displays. Sizes up to A3.
• Pros: inexpensive, easy to replace. Cons: can look cheap, not as durable.

Specialty finishes: gold, silver, distressed

• Metallic and antique finishes add elegance – popular for weddings and formal portraits (Memory Box (UK picture frame retailer)).
• Available at Carraig Donn and TheGiftShop.ie for gifting.
• Bespoke options from independent framers in Cork and Dublin.

The catch: material choice directly affects longevity and display impact — pick based on where the frame lives, not just its look.

How do I choose the right size photo frame?

Measure your photo precisely

• Measure the outer edges of the picture so it fits without trimming (Abstract House (home decor retailer)).
• Photo frames are measured by their inside aperture, not the complete outer dimensions (Max Photo).
• If mounting, add 1–2 cm per side for the mat border.

Match common print sizes to frame sizes

• Most popular sizes: 6×4 in (15.2 × 10.2 cm), 7×5 in (17.8 × 12.7 cm), 10×8 in (25.4 × 20.3 cm) (Max Photo – UK framing specialist).
• A4 (21 × 29.7 cm) and A3 (29.7 × 42 cm) are standard for document and certificate frames (Max Photo).
• Frame USA notes that international A-series sizes convert to approximate inches: A4 ≈ 8.3 × 11.7 in, A3 ≈ 11.7 × 16.5 in (Frame USA (online frame retailer)).

Account for matting and depth

• Matting reduces the visible image area – a 4×6 photo in an 8×10 frame with a 1.5-inch mat will show a 3×5 image (Memory Box).
• Check frame depth: deep frames can accommodate thicker prints or memorabilia.
• For a 5×7 image, Memory Box suggests frame sizes 8×10 or 11×14 (Memory Box).

Consider wall space and grouping

• Gallery walls: use consistent frame sizes (e.g., all 8×10) or mix with a unifying colour.
• Measure your wall area and lay out frames on the floor first.
• Leave 2–3 inches between frames for balanced spacing.

The implication: a few extra minutes measuring prevents the frustration of a frame that doesn’t fit your print.

Are there personalised photo frames available in Ireland?

Bootsphoto: customised canvas and poster frames

• Bootsphoto.ie allows you to upload digital photos and receive a custom canvas or poster frame (Bootsphoto.ie (Irish photo service)).
• Next-day delivery available for orders placed before 2pm.
• Prices start at €14.99 for a small canvas; poster prints from €9.99.

TheGiftShop.ie: personalised text and photo frames

• TheGiftShop.ie offers frames with engraved text, names, dates, and photo insert options (TheGiftShop.ie (Irish gift specialist)).
• Materials include wood, metal, and acrylic; many come with a gift box.
• Prices range €12–€35; turnaround is 2–3 business days.

Carraig Donn: engraving and custom sizes

• Carraig Donn provides personalised frames with engraved messages and custom sizing (Carraig Donn (Irish lifestyle brand)).
• Focus on Celtic and Irish designs – popular for christenings and weddings.
• Delivery takes 5–7 business days.

When to choose personalised over off-the-shelf

• Personalised frames cost 20–50% more than standard, but make a unique gift.
• Ideal for milestone events: births, communions, anniversaries.
• Off-the-shelf works best for quick updates or when the photo itself is the focus.

The trade-off: personalised frames add a meaningful touch but require lead time and a higher budget. For a last‑minute gift, standard frames from Dunnes or Woodie’s are faster and cheaper.

Five standard sizes, one pattern: the most common frame sizes align with photo printing conventions used by Irish labs.

Data sourced from Max Photo, Memory Box, and Frame USA.

Confirmed facts vs. what’s still unclear

Confirmed facts

• Dunnes Stores sells picture frames in multiple sizes and materials (Dunnes Stores)
• BGAstore.ie advertises “over 10,000 frames in stock” (BGAstore.ie)
• Bootsphoto.ie offers personalised frames for canvas and poster prints (Bootsphoto.ie)
• Standard UK/Ireland frame sizes include 6×4, 7×5, 10×8, A4, A3 (Max Photo)
• Frame measurements refer to inside aperture, not outer dimensions (Max Photo)

What’s unclear

• Exact number of frame styles available at Carraig Donn (not quantified on site)
• Whether Woodie’s carries metal frames (not mentioned in available snippets)
• Precise return policies for each retailer (vary by store and product type)
• Stock timings – “over 10,000” at BGAstore may include bulk packs

Expert perspectives

“A standard picture frame guide maps a 4 x 6 inch image to frame sizes such as 6 x 8 or 8 x 10 inches.”– Memory Box (UK picture frame retailer) (Memory Box size guide)

“Buyers should consider height, length, depth, whether a mount/passe-partout is needed, and available space before choosing a frame.”– Abstract House (home decor retailer) (Abstract House how-to guide)

“A6×4 print corresponds to approximately 15.2 × 10.2 cm.”– Max Photo (UK framing specialist) (Max Photo frame size list)

For Irish shoppers, the choice of where to buy a photo frame comes down to what matters most: speed (Dunnes, Woodie’s), breadth of choice (BGAstore, Carraig Donn), or personalisation (Bootsphoto, TheGiftShop.ie). The trade-off is clear: standard frames are cheap and instant, while custom frames add meaning but cost more and take time. For the best value, measure your print, match it to a standard size, and buy from a specialist online retailer – or visit a local framer in Cork or Dublin for something truly one‑of‑a‑kind.

For those wondering about costs and current styles, a detailed look at latest picture frame trends in Ireland provides complementary insights beyond the basic store comparison.

Frequently asked questions