Grafton Street is the commercial spine of Dublin’s most popular and stylish shopping district. There’s no finer place for people watching than the pedestrian thoroughfare that is Grafton. The scene is characterized by street performers, flower vendors, and an array of upscale retail establishments, including Brown Thomas, Dublin’s leading department store. Though it is highly commercialized, perhaps no visit to Dublin would be complete without at least a quick jaunt across its half mile length, if only just passing through to numerous nearby destinations. For instance just a short stroll off the main artery will lead you to such treasures as Davy Byrne’s pub or the similarly upmarket shops in Powerscourt Townhouse, an imaginative conversion of an 18th century mansion.