Finding a good alcohol store in Dublin is a scavenger hunt — especially when you’re looking for something open now or a store that delivers. The good news is that Dublin has a healthy mix of old-school off-licences and modern online services, and with a bit of local know-how, you can save both time and money. This guide pulls together real store hours, delivery options, and price comparisons so you can decide what works best for your next purchase.
Number of liquor stores on Yelp in Dublin: 50+ ·
Top-rated store (Yelp): Celtic Whiskey Shop (4.4 stars) ·
Minimum delivery order (drinkstore.ie): €200 ·
Typical opening hours: 10:00 – 22:00
Quick snapshot
- Molloy’s Liquor Stores is a well-known Dublin chain (Molloys official shipping policy)
- Yelp provides user ratings for many Dublin liquor stores (Yelp (user review platform))
- Drinkstore.ie offers free delivery over €200 (LocallyIrish.ie (local business directory))
- Which store has the absolute cheapest prices
- Exact delivery times for all services
- Whether all stores accept credit cards
- The Covid-19 pandemic shifted many off-licences to offer delivery and collection (2020) (The Irish Times (national newspaper))
- Online delivery services like Drinkstore.ie and Molloys continue to expand their offerings (Molloys shipping policy)
- More stores may extend late-night hours in city-centre areas (Molloys shipping policy)
Four key facts stand out from the research, one pattern: the most reliable stores combine consistent hours with online ordering options.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Top-rated store (Yelp) | Celtic Whiskey Shop (4.4 stars) (Yelp (user review platform)) |
| Minimum delivery order | €200 (drinkstore.ie) (LocallyIrish.ie (local business directory)) |
| Number of liquor stores on Yelp in Dublin | 50+ (Yelp (user review platform)) |
| Most common opening hours | 10:00 – 22:00 |
| McHugh’s Kilbarrack hours (Fri–Sat) | 12:00–22:00 Friday, 10:30–22:00 Saturday (McHugh Group (retail chain)) |
| Talbot Off Licence Saturday hours | 10:30–00:00 (midnight) (LocallyIrish.ie (local business directory)) |
| The Cru delivery coverage | All-Ireland delivery, Dublin collection (The Cru (specialty retailer)) |
Which alcohol stores are open now near me?
Typical opening hours of liquor stores in Dublin
- Most Dublin off-licences operate 10:00-22:00, but hours vary by location and day.
- McHugh’s Off Licence KBR in Kilbarrack opens 12:00–21:00 Monday–Thursday, 12:00–22:00 Friday, 10:30–22:00 Saturday, and 12:30–21:00 Sunday (McHugh Group (retail chain)).
- Parnell Street Off Licence stays open until 22:00 every day, including Sundays (LocallyIrish.ie (local business directory)).
Late-night and 24-hour options
- Talbot Off Licence extends hours to midnight on Saturdays (LocallyIrish.ie (local business directory)).
- Fagan’s Off Licence in Dublin 7 runs 10:30–22:00 Monday–Saturday and 12:30–22:00 Sunday (Golden Pages (business directory)).
- No true 24-hour off-licence exists in Dublin city centre, but some stores near nightlife areas stay open until midnight Friday–Saturday.
How to check real-time availability
- Google Maps shows live opening hours for most Dublin off-licences.
- Yelp lists user-reported hours, which can be more accurate than official listings (Yelp (user review platform)).
- Store websites, like McHugh’s and The Cru, publish their own schedules (McHugh’s (contact page)).
A shopper who shows up at 21:45 expecting a 22:00 closing may find the door locked if the store’s actual hours are 21:00. The gap between listed and real hours is where the confusion lies — and where checking a live source like Yelp or Google Maps becomes essential.
What are the best alcohol stores near me?
Top-rated liquor stores on Yelp
- Celtic Whiskey Shop leads with 4.4 stars on Yelp, praised for its whiskey selection and knowledgeable staff.
- Molloy’s Liquor Stores, a Dublin chain with multiple locations, earns consistent positive reviews for service and range (Yelp (user review platform)).
- The Corkscrew in Dublin 2 was featured in a 2024 roundup of top alcohol delivery services, operating 10:30–20:00 weekdays (Best in Ireland (review site)).
Customer favorites in Dublin
- McHugh’s Artane store is a local favourite for its friendly staff and consistent hours (McHugh’s (contact page)).
- The Cru in Tyrrelstown is known for its craft beer selection and nationwide delivery (The Cru (specialty retailer)).
- DrinkStore in Stoneybatter is a neighbourhood staple, open 10:30–20:00 Monday–Thursday (LocallyIrish.ie (local business directory)).
Specialty stores for whiskey and craft beer
- Celtic Whiskey Shop is the go-to for Irish whiskey enthusiasts, with a tasting bar and gift packs.
- The Cru specialises in craft beer and offers curated subscription boxes (The Cru (specialty retailer)).
- Molloy’s stocks a wide range of wines, spirits, and beers across its Dublin locations (Molloys (shipping policy)).
Specialty stores like Celtic Whiskey Shop offer unmatched expertise but higher prices. For budget-friendly everyday purchases, a chain like Molloy’s or a neighbourhood off-licence may be the better bet.
How to find cheap alcohol stores near me?
Price comparison strategies
- Prices for a standard bottle of wine in Dublin range from €10 to €30, depending on the store and brand.
- Online stores sometimes offer lower prices due to reduced overhead — Drinkstore.ie, for instance, has competitive pricing on bulk orders (LocallyIrish.ie (local business directory)).
- Bulk purchases can yield discounts of 10-15%, especially at stores like Molloy’s that offer case discounts (Molloys (shipping policy)).
Budget-friendly off-licences
- Parnell Street Off Licence and Talbot Off Licence are known for lower prices on spirits and beer.
- McHugh’s Kilbarrack store offers competitive mid-range pricing on a wide selection (McHugh Group (retail chain)).
- Fagan’s Off Licence is a budget-friendly option in the Dublin 7 area (Golden Pages (business directory)).
Online deals and bulk discounts
- Drinkstore.ie offers free delivery on orders over €200, making it cost-effective for large purchases (LocallyIrish.ie (local business directory)).
- The Cru provides free delivery on all-Ireland orders of a certain size, though exact thresholds vary (The Cru (specialty retailer)).
- Molloy’s occasionally runs online promotions, especially during holiday seasons (Molloys (shipping policy)).
Where is the nearest liquor store in Dublin?
Liquor stores by Dublin neighbourhood
- Dublin city centre has a high concentration of off-licences, especially around Parnell Street, Talbot Street, and Stoneybatter.
- Suburban areas like Kilbarrack, Artane, and Tyrrelstown have fewer but larger stores, often with parking.
- Molloy’s has multiple locations across Dublin, making it one of the most accessible chains (Molloys (shipping policy)).
Using maps and store locators
- Google Maps is the quickest way to find the nearest alcohol store with real-time hours.
- Yelp’s store locator shows user ratings and distance from your current location (Yelp (user review platform)).
- McHugh’s website has a contact page with addresses for its two Dublin stores (McHugh’s (contact page)).
Comparison of store density in city centre vs suburbs
- Dublin 1 (city centre) has at least 10 off-licences within a 1km radius, according to Yelp.
- Dublin 5 (Kilbarrack) has only 2-3 dedicated liquor stores, but they are larger and stock a wider range.
- Tyrrelstown (Dublin 15) has The Cru as the main specialty store, serving a broad suburban area (The Cru (specialty retailer)).
Suburban shoppers may assume they have fewer options, but larger stores like McHugh’s Kilbarrack and The Cru often have better prices and selection than cramped city-centre off-licences. The trade-off is travel time.
How to get off licence delivery near me?
Online off licence services in Dublin
- Drinkstore.ie is a dedicated online off-licence operating from Stoneybatter, Dublin 7, with a broad catalogue (LocallyIrish.ie (local business directory)).
- Molloys offers online ordering with shipping and in-store collection options (Molloys (shipping policy)).
- The Cru provides all-Ireland delivery and a Dublin collection point in Tyrrelstown (The Cru (specialty retailer)).
Delivery minimums and fees
- Drinkstore.ie offers free delivery on orders over €200; orders below that incur a fee (amount varies) (LocallyIrish.ie (local business directory)).
- Molloys standard shipping costs are based on weight and destination, with no stated minimum order (Molloys (shipping policy)).
- The Cru offers free delivery on orders over a certain threshold, though the exact amount is not publicly listed (The Cru (specialty retailer)).
Expected delivery times and areas
- Most services deliver within 1-3 business days to Dublin city and selected suburbs.
- Drinkstore.ie delivers to Dublin city and suburbs, with a minimum €200 order for free delivery (LocallyIrish.ie (local business directory)).
- The Cru covers all of Ireland, with a Dublin collection option for those who want to avoid shipping fees (The Cru (specialty retailer)).
Upsides
- Wide selection across online and physical stores
- Free delivery on bulk orders over €200 (Drinkstore.ie)
- Late-night options available at select city-centre stores
- Specialty stores for whiskey and craft beer enthusiasts
Downsides
- Minimum delivery order of €200 at Drinkstore.ie is high for small households
- No 24-hour off-licence in Dublin
- Exact delivery times are not always clear
- Some stores may not accept credit cards
The pattern: online delivery suits bulk orders, while physical stores offer immediacy and lower minimums.
What customers say about Dublin alcohol stores
“Great selection and friendly staff. Molloys is my go-to for weekly shops.”
— Yelp reviewer, Yelp (user review platform)
“We deliver all over Ireland and offer a Dublin collection point for convenience. Our goal is to make craft beer accessible to everyone.”
— The Cru delivery policy, The Cru (specialty retailer)
“During the pandemic, many off-licences pivoted to delivery and collection, and that service has become permanent for many.”
— The Irish Times, The Irish Times (national newspaper)
For Dublin shoppers, the choice between online and physical stores is clear: if you need a single bottle after 10pm, head to Talbot Off Licence which stays open until midnight on Saturdays. If you’re stocking up for a party, order from Drinkstore.ie and get free delivery over €200. The pattern is simple — convenience costs, but bulk buying online saves real money.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an off licence and a liquor store?
In Ireland, “off licence” refers to a shop licensed to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises. “Liquor store” is the American term, but in Dublin it’s used interchangeably for the same type of establishment.
Do alcohol stores near me sell wine?
Yes, most Dublin off-licences carry a wide selection of wine, from €10 bottles to premium vintages. Stores like Celtic Whiskey Shop and Molloy’s have dedicated wine sections.
How to pay for alcohol delivery?
Online stores like Drinkstore.ie and Molloys accept standard credit/debit cards and sometimes PayPal. Payment is taken at checkout, and delivery is made within 1-3 business days.
Can I return alcohol purchased from a store?
Returns policies vary. Most physical off-licences do not accept returns on opened alcohol. Online stores may accept unopened items within a certain timeframe; check the store’s policy.
Are there age restrictions for alcohol delivery?
Yes, Irish law requires the recipient to be over 18. Delivery drivers are legally required to check ID upon delivery.
What is the best time to visit a liquor store?
Weekday afternoons (2pm–5pm) are typically quietest. Saturday evenings are busiest, especially near closing time. For late-night shopping, Talbot Off Licence until midnight on Saturdays is a good option.
Is it cheaper to buy alcohol online or in store?
Online can be cheaper for bulk orders due to reduced overhead, but physical stores often have lower prices on single items. For example, a standard bottle of wine costs €10–€30 in both channels, but online offers free delivery over €200.