Relocating to a new country can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when it comes to daily necessities like grocery shopping. In Ireland, grocery shopping can be a bit different than what you’re used to but you will get used to it in time.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at everything you need to know about grocery shopping in Ireland, from where to shop, to what to buy, and our advice.
Grocery stores in Ireland
When it comes to grocery shopping in Ireland, there are several different types of stores to choose from. The three main options are supermarkets, convenience stores, and farmers’ markets.
Supermarkets in Ireland are similar to those in other countries, offering a wide variety of products and food is not that expensive compared to going out for a meal.
The most popular supermarkets in Ireland include Tesco, Dunnes Stores, SuperValu, and Aldi. These stores can be found throughout the country, and they’re typically open from early morning to late at night, seven days a week.
SuperValu
SuperValu is one of the most popular supermarket chains throughout Ireland with over 200 locations nationwide. There is often a great selection of products and prices are a little higher than in other supermarkets. In my opinion, it is often worth it because the products(and service) that SuperValu offers are often better than the other supermarkets.
Tesco
Tesco is another major supermarket chain with stores in Ireland and the U.K. You can find all your staple groceries and I would say it is middle-of-the-road quality and price. A great option for your weekly shop.
Aldi
Aldi has become increasingly popular over the years due to its low-cost yet high-quality products – especially when it comes to everyday staples such as milk, bread, and eggs which are often cheaper than other supermarkets! Cleaning and Household products also seem to be cheaper at Aldi.
Lidl
Another budget-friendly German option is Lidl which offers even lower prices than Aldi but still manages to maintain good quality standards in its food range (including organic options). They also carry household essentials like toiletries so it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re trying to save money on your weekly shop! I honestly can’t tell the difference between Aldi and Lidl but that’s just me!
Dunnes Stores
Dunnes Stores has more than 100 branches located throughout the Republic of Ireland – making them one of the largest retailers in the country. While they primarily focus on clothing and homeware goods they do sell food items too including frozen meals, snacks & drinks plus some basic pantry staples like rice & pasta, etc. So if you ever need something quickly without having time to visit a full-size supermarket then this might be the place to go!
Convenience stores
Convenience stores in Ireland, often referred to as “corner shops” or “newsagents,” are smaller than supermarkets, but they can be a great option for quick, small grocery runs.
These stores usually have a limited selection of products, but they’re open longer hours than supermarkets and can be found in almost every town and city. Spar and Centra seem to be the most common I see in Ireland today but SuperValu also has quite a few.
Farmers’ Markets
Farmers’ markets are a unique and wonderful aspect of Irish grocery shopping, allowing you to purchase locally-sourced, fresh produce, meats, and other foodstuffs. Some popular farmers’ markets in Ireland include the English Market in Cork, the St. George’s Market in Belfast and the Kilkenny Farmers Market. These markets are often held on a weekly basis and are a great way to experience the local food culture and meet the producers themselves.
Opening hours of grocery stores in Ireland
Supermarkets are usually open from 7 am to 10 pm every day except for Christmas Day(25th of December). The only places open on Christmas Day might be small convenience stores.
There are no supermarkets currently open 24 hours in Dublin but there are convenience stores like Spar that are open 24 hours.
What to Buy in Ireland
When it comes to what to buy while grocery shopping in Ireland, there are a few key items to keep in mind. Some popular Irish food products include:
- Dairy: Irish dairy products, including milk, cheese, and butter, are known for their high quality. Look for brands like Kerrygold and Glanbia for delicious, creamy butter and tasty cheddar cheese.
- Meat: Irish beef and lamb are very popular for their rich flavor and tender texture. Chicken and bacon are also popular.
- Bread: Irish soda bread is a staple in Irish cuisine. Made with buttermilk and baking soda instead of yeast, this hearty bread has a dense texture and a slightly tangy flavor. My favourite is Sean’s Brown from Supervalu
- Seafood: Ireland is an island nation, but fish is not as common to eat as meat. Fresh fish like salmon, cod, and haddock and hake can be found at grocery stores but they are a bit expensive.
Additionally, Irish grocery stores also sell many other international and ethnic foods to cater to different groups like Polish, Brazilian and Indian people.
Some tips to help make your grocery shopping experience as smooth as possible:
- Bring your own bags: In Ireland, it’s common practice to bring your own reusable bags to the grocery store. Many supermarkets charge for plastic bags, so it’s a good idea to keep a few reusable bags in your car or purse to avoid the extra cost.
- Measurements: In Ireland, measurements are in the metric system and packaging is also in the metric system, so it’s important to familiarise yourself with measurements like kilograms and litres.
- Look for deals: Many supermarkets in Ireland have weekly specials and discounts on certain products. Tesco often have cut priced meat if you look for their discount refrigerator
- Sale of Alcohol: You can only buy alcohol in a supermarket from 10:30 am to 10 pm on weekdays and from 12:30 pm to 10 pm on Sundays and St Patrick’s Day.
So if you are looking for a Grocery store in Ireland, remember, Aldi and Lidl are usually the cheapest, Tesco and Dunnes are in the middle and SuperValu is the most expensive but the best quality.
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