Buy And Sell Freebies In Dublin How To Find List And Collect Free Items Online

Introduction

The term “buy and sell freebies” refers to acquiring goods at no cost or participating in offers that include free items with a purchase. In Dublin and across Ireland, community-driven platforms enable people to give away unwanted items for free or to collect them from others. Two well-known channels in the region are Dublin Free on TrashNothing and DoneDeal’s Free Section. These services connect residents who want to declutter with those who seek reusable furniture, household goods, books, children’s items, electronics, garden supplies, and DIY materials. While the core idea is free exchange rather than paid transactions, the process mimics “buy and sell” workflows: posting listings, contacting posters, arranging pickups, and completing handovers.

The available sources outline how each platform works, what kinds of items are commonly listed, and where geographic coverage extends. They also illustrate example postings with minimal details—such as item types, conditions, and locations—without prescribing eligibility rules, signup requirements, expiration dates, or fees. This article summarizes the factual information from the sources, avoids speculation, and provides an objective guide to how these platforms operate.

How These Platforms Work

  • Post an item.
  • Choose a recipient.
  • Arrange pickup.
  • Repeat.

This straightforward sequence is described in the source material for Dublin Free, highlighting the step-by-step flow from initial listing through final collection. DoneDeal similarly outlines a practical workflow: browse its Free Section, filter by location to find items nearby, contact the seller via DoneDeal messaging, arrange a mutually convenient collection time, and collect the free item using appropriate transport.

In both cases, the emphasis is on coordinating directly between community members, eliminating payment while still following a structured transaction pattern akin to “buy and sell” marketplaces.

Community-Based Freebie Exchange: Dublin Free on TrashNothing

Dublin Free operates through TrashNothing and invites users to join to give and get free items, including furniture, household items, books, food, baby items, clothing, and more. The listing format features a concise description of each item, its condition, the location, and often an indicator of status (such as “Promised,” which signals that a request is already in progress). Some listings include a “Request” function for people seeking specific items.

Available listings demonstrate the diversity of goods offered without payment:

  • Two couches (Clonee), reported as good condition.
  • Mahogany corner unit (Crumlin Dublin 12), reported as good condition, with size given as approximately 1200 x 2100 mm.
  • Wheelchair request (Dun Laoghaire A95), describing a need for a simple push-along chair with fold/collapse capability for an elderly person with Parkinson’s, with an intention to return the item when no longer needed.
  • Kitchen table and chairs (Rathfarnham), listed as promised, indicating active interest from others.
  • Cardboard boxes and bubble wrap (Dublin 4), described as strong and suitable for moving or storage.
  • Cabin suitcase (Dublin 4), small size with a handle not working perfectly and signs of wear.
  • Three shelves (Churchtown D14), white, in original plastic wrapping with size details and an incomplete sentence.
  • Fish tank (Blackrock, Dublin), complete with filter and heater, with dimensions listed.
  • Gym items request, asking for donations of gym equipment.
  • Fridge (Dublin), reported as good condition, missing only several plastic shelves, with availability until Saturday.
  • Face masks (Sandycove), a box of 50 disposable masks noted as expired in November 2023.
  • “Wicket items” (Glasnevin), offered with a note to take all three or none.
  • DVD/CD/audio tapes/Blu-rays request (Dublin south), from a collector who can drive within 10 km of Dun Laoghaire.
  • Dinner table with four chairs (Dublin 8), with size and additional items included, such as a Pilates ball and gym accessories.
  • Table with four chairs (Dublin 6W), solid pine wood, with notes that the chairs need some tightening.
  • Garden chairs (Goatstown), black.
  • Two tables (Crumlin Dublin 12), one grey and one mahogany, size four feet.
  • White bath (Crumlin Dublin 12), with all fittings.
  • Small mahogany table (Rathmines), reported as promised, with size when opened and folded, along with notes about surface marking and repair needs for stability.
  • Wine two-seater sofa (Kimmage).
  • Leather sofas and armchair (Southside Rathfarnham), white leather with small, easily repairable marks.

Because listings are community-generated, the amount of detail can vary, and items may be claimed quickly or marked “Promised” once someone arranges pickup.

DoneDeal’s Free Section

DoneDeal’s Free Section is presented as a large, genuine giveaway space with coverage across Ireland’s 32 counties. The source describes how it works: browse DoneDeal’s Free Section using a provided link, filter by location to find nearby items, contact the seller through DoneDeal messaging, arrange a collection time, and collect the item, bringing appropriate transport if needed. The source also lists best times to check—weekend evenings when people declutter, end of month during moves, and spring cleaning season—though no explicit schedules, promotions, or guaranteed availability windows are provided.

The kinds of items commonly found include:

  • Furniture: sofas, tables, wardrobes, chairs.
  • Household: kitchen appliances, decorations, books.
  • Garden: plants, pots, outdoor furniture, tools.
  • Electronics: TVs, computers, gaming consoles (with condition varying by listing).
  • Children’s items: toys, clothes, prams, high chairs.
  • Sports: exercise equipment, bikes, sports gear.
  • DIY materials: tiles, wood, building supplies.

Geographic coverage extends across the island:

  • Dublin and surrounding counties.
  • Cork and Munster Region.
  • Galway and Connacht.
  • Belfast and Northern Ireland.
  • Rural areas and small towns.

No purchase requirement is stated; items are offered free, with any necessary transportation arranged between participants.

What Kinds of Free Items Are Available

Based on example listings from both platforms, typical categories include:

  • Furniture: couches, corner units, tables, chairs, small mahogany tables, wardrobes, sofas, baths.
  • Household essentials: kitchen appliances, decorations, cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, small suitcases, bookshelves.
  • Children’s and baby gear: prams, high chairs, toys, and clothes are described as commonly available, though specific example listings for these categories do not appear in the sample material.
  • Electronics and media: fish tanks with accessories, CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, audio cassettes, gaming-related items such as gym accessories.
  • DIY and building materials: tiles, wood, building supplies are listed as common categories.
  • Health and safety-related items: face masks noted as expired (the example indicates expiration in November 2023).
  • Garden and outdoor: plants, pots, outdoor furniture, tools are presented as common categories.

Availability changes daily and depends on local posters and requesters. Listings can move quickly, and items may be claimed or marked “Promised” without prior notice.

Example Listings Illustrating What People Post

The following examples demonstrate how items are typically presented, including location, condition cues, and sometimes a request or “promised” status:

  • Two couches in Clonee, good condition.
  • Mahogany corner unit in Crumlin Dublin 12, good condition, with size information provided.
  • Wheelchair request in Dun Laoghaire (A95), specifying a simple push-along chair that folds or collapses for an elderly person with Parkinson’s, with an intent to return the item after use.
  • Kitchen table and chairs in Rathfarnham, marked as promised, indicating active interest.
  • Cardboard boxes and bubble wrap in Dublin 4, identified as strong and suitable for moving or storage.
  • Cabin suitcase in Dublin 4, small size, handle not working perfectly, signs of wear, otherwise fine.
  • Three shelves in Churchtown D14, white, in original plastic wrapping with partial size details and an incomplete sentence.
  • Fish tank in Blackrock (Dublin), complete with filter and heater, with dimensions provided.
  • Gym items requested, asking for donations of gym equipment.
  • Fridge in Dublin, good condition, missing several plastic shelves, available until Saturday.
  • Face masks in Sandycove, box of 50 disposable masks, noted as expired in November 2023.
  • “Wicket items” in Glasnevin, offered with a note to take all or none.
  • Collector request in Dublin south for original CDs, music DVDs, Blu-rays, and audio cassettes, with a willingness to drive within 10 km of Dun Laoghaire.
  • Dinner table with four chairs in Dublin 8, size noted, with gym accessories included.
  • Table with four chairs in Dublin 6W, solid pine wood, with some chair tightening needed.
  • Two tables in Crumlin Dublin 12, one grey and one mahogany, each four feet in size.
  • White bath in Crumlin Dublin 12, with all fittings included.
  • Small mahogany table in Rathmines, marked as promised, with detailed size information and notes about surface marking and repair needs.
  • Wine two-seater sofa in Kimmage.
  • White leather sofas and armchair in Southside Rathfarnham, with small easily repairable marks.

These examples underscore that listings are concise and vary in completeness. Posters may include condition notes, sizes, pickup timelines, or requests for entire sets rather than individual pieces.

Pro Tips for Finding Freebies (Based on the Source)

The source suggests timing and practical steps for better outcomes:

  • Check frequently during peak decluttering windows: weekend evenings, end of month (moving season), and spring cleaning (March through May).
  • Browse items on DoneDeal’s Free Section using the provided link.
  • Filter by location to find items near you.
  • Contact the seller through DoneDeal messaging to arrange pickup.
  • Bring transport if needed (for large items).

While these are helpful heuristics, no guarantees are provided about item availability or seller responsiveness.

Geographic Reach Across Ireland

Both sources describe broad coverage:

  • TrashNothing’s Dublin Free listing area includes Dublin and surrounding counties.
  • DoneDeal’s Free Section covers all 32 counties across the Republic and Northern Ireland, with examples including Dublin and surrounding counties, Cork and Munster Region, Galway and Connacht, Belfast and Northern Ireland, and rural areas and small towns.

The breadth of coverage suggests that participants can explore opportunities across urban centers and rural communities, depending on local activity and postings.

Safety, Quality, and Practical Considerations

The sources do not provide formal terms of service, eligibility requirements, or structured policies for inspections, refunds, or returns. As community exchanges, participants coordinate directly with one another. Examples indicate that:

  • Items are offered “as-is,” with condition notes varying from detailed to minimal.
  • Time-sensitive listings may indicate pickup deadlines (e.g., “Need to go away until Saturday”).
  • Some offers restrict how items can be taken (e.g., “Please take all three or none”).
  • Items marked “Promised” are already claimed and may no longer be available.

Given the variability, practical preparation—such as confirming pickup logistics, bringing appropriate transport, and reviewing item condition on collection—is advisable.

Costs, Requirements, and Policies

The sources do not indicate:

  • Explicit signup or eligibility requirements.
  • Fees for browsing or messaging.
  • Shipping policies or product return procedures.
  • Expiration dates for offers (though one listing mentions face masks expired in November 2023 as a caution).

The absence of such details suggests that these platforms are intended for free local exchanges arranged directly between participants, without third-party shipping or standardized return policies. For clarity, the article does not assume any fees, eligibility rules, or shipping procedures beyond what is stated.

Limitations of the Available Information

The source material is limited to general descriptions and sample listings. It does not include official terms and conditions, brand-specific offers, or structured eligibility criteria. Details such as:

  • Specific signup processes.
  • Formal eligibility rules or geographic restrictions beyond listing locations.
  • Expiration dates for offers (other than one item-specific mention).
  • Shipping policies or guaranteed availability.

are not provided and therefore are not discussed here. Readers should consult the platform directly for official policies.

Conclusion

Community-driven freebie exchange platforms in Dublin and across Ireland offer a practical way for residents to give away and collect usable items without payment. Through straightforward workflows—posting, choosing a recipient, and arranging pickup—participants can reduce waste and save money on everyday essentials. DoneDeal’s Free Section provides broad geographic coverage with diverse categories, while Dublin Free on TrashNothing offers an accessible interface to post and request items. Timing and proximity play a role in success, with peak windows often occurring during decluttering periods and moves. Because listings are dynamic and generated by community members, the level of detail and item availability varies day by day, and no standardized eligibility, fees, or shipping policies are stated in the source material.

For U.S. readers seeking insights into how “buy and sell freebies” marketplaces work elsewhere, the Dublin examples highlight a local, neighborly approach to free exchange. They emphasize coordination, flexibility, and practicality over formal offers or promotional programs.

Sources

  1. TrashNothing: Dublin Free community page (item listing overview)
  2. TrashNothing: Dublin Free item browse page (example listings)
  3. DoneDeal: Random Free Stuff Across Ireland (section overview, workflow, categories, locations)