US toyshop FAO Schwarz is to open a flagship store in Dublin.

This will mark one of only two locations in Europe for the world famous toy shop.

It is set to take up space on an entire floor of Arnotts Department Store, across 6,000 sq ft.

FAO Schwarz will house everything from plush stuffed animals to a walk-on piano keyboard - famously featured in the 1988 film 'Big' with Tom Hanks.

It will also feature a huge selection of toys, robots, remote control cars and countless other games and dolls - including in-store experiences like a build-your-own race car station.

It will also have a signature element of the brand: the famous clock tower.

Donald McDonald, managing director at Brown Thomas and Arnotts, said: "Arnotts is home to the world's most prestigious, exciting and innovative brands.

"We are a family focused destination always looking to deliver unique experiences to delight our customers.

"The opening of FAO Schwarz will deliver theatre, wonderment and magic to our customers and we are excited to become part of the many memories that will surely be made inside our walls."

Sophie Garvey and Romeo Wasu are pictured with the iconic toy soldier | Image: Anthony Woods

Jan-Eric Kloth is COO of the parent company of FAO Schwarz: "Arnotts is an iconic retail brand that delivers amazing experiences and theatre to its customers therefore this was the perfect place for us to be.

"We are pleased to have such a creative and innovative team as our partners for the Arnott's store.

"FAO Schwarz at Arnotts promises to be an adventure larger-than-life that sparks the imagination in all of us."

A spokesperson said jobs announcements will follow, with plans to open the store in October.