Shopping in Northern Ireland

mohenley

Just wondering if anyone has been up the north recently for shopping and if there are still good bargains? I was thinking of going to Newry in next few weeks (live in Kildare) but Sainsburys is more expensive than other supermarkets with exception of waitrose (from scotland so know that sainsburys always slightly dearer), is there any other supermarkets in Newry or Lisburn worth checking out? Looking for drink and household bargains really (and the 2 for 1 offers).

EDIT: Courtesy of Richard (much appreciated!), here's a preliminary listing of all stores, addresses and phone numbers so please don't bother asking "is there a XXXX store in XXXX" on thread.

ASDA Stores Ltd

1009, Upper Newtownards Rd, Belfast, County Antrim BT16 1RN
Tel: 028 9041 3510

Ballydugan Rd, Downpatrick, County Down BT30 6DR
Tel: 028 4461 9606

Unit 1, Westwood Shopping Centre, Kennedy Way, Belfast, County Antrim BT11 9BQ
Tel: 028 9060 3644

219, Shore Rd, Belfast, County Antrim BT15 3PR
Tel: 028 9037 0889

31, Dromore Rd, Omagh, County Tyrone BT78 1QZ
Tel: 028 8225 9646

1, Ring Rd, Coleraine, County Londonderry BT52 1QP
Tel: 028 7035 8446

51, Newcastle St, Kilkeel, Newry, County Down BT34 4AF
Tel: 028 4176 5309

Ards Shopping Centre, Circular Rd, Newtownards, County Down BT23 4EU
Tel: 028 9181 5577

Sweep Rd, Cookstown, County Tyrone BT80 8JR
Tel: 028 8676 4831

Railway St, Strabane, County Tyrone BT82 8EQ
Tel: 028 7138 1400

Tesco

(note: some are small stores)

36-42, High St, Holywood, County Down BT18 9AD
Tel: 0845 6779358

405-407, Antrim Rd, Belfast, County Antrim BT15 3BG
Tel: 0845 6779003

1-3, Belmont Rd, Belfast, County Antrim BT4 2AA
Tel: 028 9065 0220

42-70, Carnmoney Rd, Glengormley, Newtownabbey, County Antrim BT36 6HD
Tel: 028 9083 7229

11-15, Rushmere Shopping Centre, Craigavon, County Armagh BT64 1AA
Tel: 0845 6779181

16, Connswater Shopping Centre, Bloomfield Avenue, Belfast, County Antrim BT5 5LP
Tel: 0845 6779170

28, Castle Way, Antrim, County Antrim BT41 4BU
Tel: 0845 6779810

Ards Shopping Centre, Circular Rd, Newtownards, County Down BT23 4EX
Tel: 0845 6779006

Unit 2, Abbey Retail Park, Church Rd, Newtownabbey, County Antrim BT36 7GU
Tel: 028 9085 9004

Knockagoney Rd, Belfast, County Antrim BT4 2PW
Tel: 0845 6779402

Northcott Centre, Ballyclare Rd, Glengormley, Newtownabbey, County Antrim BT36 5HD
Tel: 028 9034 2844

21, Castlewellan Rd, Newcastle, County Down BT33 0GW
Tel: 0845 6779487

25a, Castlewellan Rd, Banbridge, County Down BT32 4AX
Tel: 028 4062 9301

2, Bannfield Rd, Coleraine, County Londonderry BT52 1HU
Tel: 028 7032 8850

Lisnagelvin Centre, Lisnagelvin Rd, Londonderry, County Londonderry BT47 6DA
Tel: 028 7134 3917

1, Bloomfield Centre, South Circular Rd, Bangor, County Down BT19 7HD
Tel: 0845 6779103

Bentrim Rd, Lisburn, County Antrim BT28 2GB
Tel: 028 9262 7569

369, Lisburn Rd, Belfast, County Antrim BT9 7EP
Tel: 028 9066 3531

Unit 45, Meadows Shopping Centre, Meadow Lane, Portadown, Craigavon, County Armagh BT62 3TN
Tel: 028 3835 0364

Dunnes Stores Ltd (Supermarkets)

Old Creamery Shopping Centre, Newry, County Down BT35 6AA
Tel: 028 3026 9055

Foyleside Shopping Centre, Orchard St, Londonderry, County Londonderry BT48 6XY
Tel: 028 7137 7550

Springtown Centre, Northland Rd, Londonderry, County Londonderry BT48 0PU
Tel: 028 7126 4765

Meadow Lane Shopping Centre, Moneymore Rd, Magherafelt, County Londonderry BT45 6PR
Tel: 028 7963 4200

Riverside Shopping Centre, Irishtown Rd, Omagh, County Tyrone BT78 1EF
Tel: 028 8225 2705

Park Centre, Donegall Rd, Belfast, County Antrim BT12 6HN
Tel: 028 9024 4422

Dunnes Stores Ltd (Department stores)

20-23, Castle Centre, Market Square, Antrim, County Antrim BT41 4DN
Tel: 028 9446 1924

1, Bannside Wharf, Coleraine, County Londonderry BT52 1BW
Tel: 028 7032 0800

Unit 38, Flagship Centre, Main St, Bangor, County Down BT20 5AU
Tel: 028 9146 2424

11-15, High St, Belfast, County Antrim BT1 2AA
Tel: 028 9041 7880

High St Mall, High St, Portadown, Craigavon, County Armagh BT62 1HX
Tel: 028 3836 2300

47, Main St, Larne, County Antrim BT40 1JE
Tel: 028 2827 0200

Abbeycentre, Longwood Rd, Newtownabbey, County Antrim BT37 9UH
Tel: 028 9086 8025

Hillview Retail Park, Crumlin Rd, Belfast, County Antrim BT14 6AA
Tel: 028 9075 1354

18, Church St, Ballymoney, County Antrim BT53 6DL
Tel: 028 2766 5025

Buttercrane Shopping Centre, Buttercrane Quay, Newry, County Down BT35 8HJ
Tel: 028 3026 0666

Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd

10, Riverside Park, Coleraine, County Londonderry BT51 3AW
Tel: 028 7032 8957

Hillsborough Rd, Lisburn, County Antrim BT27 5UJ
Tel: 028 9267 7444

Unit 14a, Forestside Shopping Centre, Upper Galwally, Belfast, County Antrim BT8 6FX
Tel: 028 9049 3028

Airport Rd West, Belfast Harbour Estate, Belfast, County Antrim BT3 9DY
Tel: 028 9042 8140

Rushmere Shopping Centre, Craigavon, County Armagh BT64 1AA
Tel: 028 3831 6519

The Mall West, Armagh, County Armagh BT61 9AJ
Tel: 028 3751 1050

The Quays, Albert Basin, Newry, County Down BT35 8QS
Tel: 028 3025 7560

Strand Rd, Londonderry, County Londonderry BT48 7PB
Tel: 028 7136 0770

Unit 1, Braidwater Retail Park, Larne Rd Link, Ballymena, County Antrim BT42 3AG
Tel: 028 2564 4940

Marks & Spencer plc (Department Stores)

Unit 1, Buttercrane Shopping Centre, Buttercrane Quay, Newry, County Down BT35 8HJ
Tel: 028 3025 7257

Forestside Shopping Centre, Upper Galwally, Belfast, County Antrim BT8 6FX
Tel: 028 9064 6630

Erneside Shopping Centre, The Point, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh BT74 6JQ
Tel: 028 6632 4649

Unit 29, Bloomfield Shopping Centre, South Circular Rd, Bangor, County Down BT19 7HB
Tel: 028 9127 0674

Foyleside Shopping Centre, Orchard St, Londonderry, County Londonderry BT48 6XY
Tel: 028 7137 7377

Fairhill Shopping Centre, Fairhill Lane, Ballymena, County Antrim BT43 6UG
Tel: 028 2565 1129

Sprucefield Centre, 157, Hillsborough Rd, Lisburn, County Antrim BT27 5UJ
Tel: 028 9266 1000

48-52, Donegall Place, Belfast, County Antrim BT1 5BY
Tel: 028 9023 5235

Marks & Spencer plc (Outlet Store)

Unit 22, Junction One International Outlet S, Ballymena Rd, Antrim, County Antrim BT41 4LL
Tel: 028 9446 8046

Marks & Spencer plc (Supermarkets)

13, The Diamond, Coleraine, County Londonderry BT52 1DE
Tel: 028 7035 7723

Unit 2, Spires Retail Park, Moy Rd, Armagh, County Armagh BT61 8DB
Tel: 028 3751 8182 (Simply Food)

Unit 7, Bow Street Mall, Bow St, Lisburn, County Antrim BT28 1AW
Tel: 028 9266 8163

Unit 2, Showgrounds Retail Park, Sedan Avenue, Omagh, County Tyrone BT79 7AQ
Tel: 028 8225 1649

Crescent Link Retail Park, Londonderry, County Londonderry BT47 6SA
Tel: 028 7131 8907

10-12 Ards Shopping Centre, Circular Rd, Newtownards, County Down BT23 4EU
Tel: 028 9181 8019

Marks & Spencer, Orritor Rd, Cookstown, County Tyrone BT80 8BH
Tel: 028 8676 2833

PC World

Units 3 & 4, Clandeboye Retail Park, Bangor, County Down BT19 1AR
Tel: 0844 5610000

Abbey Trading Estate, Longwood Rd, Newtownabbey, County Antrim BT37 9UL
Tel: 0844 5610000

Sprucefield Shopping Centre, Hillsborough Rd, Lisburn, County Antrim BT27 5UJ
Tel: 0844 5610000

Crescent Link, Londonderry, County Londonderry BT47 5FX
Tel: 0844 5610000

Currys

Unit 1 Donegall Arcade
Castle Place
BELFAST, Northern Ireland BT1 1GA
Tel: 08445 61 62 63

Unit 5, Drumkeen Retail Park
Upper Galwally
BELFAST, Northern Ireland BT8 6RB
Tel: 08445 61 62 63

Unit 2, Valley Retail Park
Church Road
Newtownabbey, County Aintrim BT36 7GU
Tel: 08445 61 62 63

Unit 1 Sprucefield Retail Park
Hillsborough (Old) Road, Lisburn
Antrim, Northern Ireland BT27 5UN
Tel: 08445 61 62 63

Unit 1 Clandeboye Retail Park
West Circular Road
Bangor, Northern Ireland BT19 1AR
Tel: 08445 61 62 63

Unit 3, Rushmere Retail Park
Lurgan
CRAIGAVON, Northern Ireland BT64 1AA
Tel: 08445 61 62 63

Unit 3, Braidwater Retail Park
BALLYMENA
Co Antrim, Northern Ireland BT42 3AG
Tel: 08445 61 62 63

Unit 2, Damolly Retail Park
Armagh Road
NEWRY, N Ireland BT35 6PR
Tel: 08445 61 62 63

Unit 2, Riverside Retail Park
Dunhill Road
COLERAINE, Northern Ireland BT51 3AW
Tel: 08445 61 62 63

Unit 2, Crescent Link Retail Park
Crescent Link Road
Londonderry, Northern Ireland BT47 5FX
Tel: 08445 61 62 63

Unit 3 Railway Junction Retail Park
Hollyhill Link Road
ENNISKILLEN, Northern Ireland BT74 6DA
Tel: 08445 61 62 63

Winemark

147, Ormeau Rd, Belfast, County Antrim BT7 1SL
Tel: 028 9023 3461

4,Drumahoe Village Shopping Centre, Glenshane Rd, Londonderry, County Londonderry BT47 3SF
Tel: 028 7130 2203

9-11, Lockview Rd, Belfast, County Antrim BT9 5FH
Tel: 028 9038 2534

Unit 4, Hillcrest Shopping Centre, Corian Rd, Portrush, County Antrim BT56 8DZ
Tel: 028 7082 5644

352, Antrim Rd, Glengormley, Newtownabbey, County Antrim BT36 5EQ
Tel: 028 9034 2598

61-63, Broughshane St, Ballymena, County Antrim BT43 6ED
Tel: 028 2564 4565

190, Saintfield Rd, Belfast, County Antrim BT8 6NN
Tel: 028 9079 4489

37, Melmount Rd, Strabane, County Tyrone BT82 9EF
Tel: 028 7138 3141

175, Cregagh Rd, Belfast, County Antrim BT6 0LB
Tel: 028 9045 0549

82, Newry St, Banbridge, County Down BT32 3HA
Tel: 028 4066 2980

Limavady Rd, Garvagh, Coleraine, County Londonderry BT51 5EB
Tel: 028 7034 3104

33-35, Bradbury Place, Belfast, County Antrim BT7 1RR
Tel: 028 9024 9212

Unit 2, Kingsway Shopping Centre, Dunmurry, Belfast, County Antrim BT17 9NP
Tel: 028 9062 5954

46, Donaghadee Rd, Newtownards, County Down BT23 7EU
Tel: 028 9182 2018

30a, Church St, Dungannon, County Tyrone BT71 6AB
Tel: 028 8775 3652

21, Bushmills Rd, Coleraine, County Londonderry BT52 2BN
Tel: 028 7035 8516

15b, Upper Cairncastle Rd, Larne, County Antrim BT40 2RB
Tel: 028 2827 6267

331, Ballysillan Rd, Belfast, County Antrim BT14 6RE
Tel: 028 9071 3090

26-32, High St, Antrim, County Antrim BT41 4AN
Tel: 028 9446 9088

65, Sloan St, Lisburn, County Antrim BT27 5AG
Tel: 028 9267 6965

5, Thornleigh Gardens, Bangor, County Down BT20 4NW
Tel: 028 9145 1988

98-100, Longstone St, Lisburn, County Antrim BT28 1TR
Tel: 028 9267 6869

Warren Gardens, Lisburn, County Antrim BT28 1HW
Tel: 028 9267 6628

123, Milburn Rd, Coleraine, County Londonderry BT52 1QY
Tel: 028 7032 8809

42, Belmont Rd, Belfast, County Antrim BT4 2AN
Tel: 028 9065 8563

123, Gilnahirk Rd, Belfast, County Antrim BT5 7QL
Tel: 028 9079 6316

84, High St, Holywood, County Down BT18 9HW
Tel: 028 9042 8094

64, Stranmillis Rd, Belfast, County Antrim BT9 5AD
Tel: 028 9068 2407

Unit 4, Twelve Milestone Shopping Centre, Templepatrick, Ballyclare, County Antrim BT39 0AH
Tel: 028 9443 3600

77, Rosetta Rd, Belfast, County Antrim BT6 0LR
Tel: 028 9064 2812

470, Oldpark Rd, Belfast, County Antrim BT14 6QH
Tel: 028 9074 5131

Unit 13, Carryduff Shopping Centre, Carryduff, Belfast, County Antrim BT8 8DN
Tel: 028 9081 4600

5a, Messines Terrace, Racecourse Rd, Londonderry, County Londonderry BT48 7QZ
Tel: 028 7126 8183

338-340, Upper Newtownards Rd, Belfast, County Antrim BT4 3EX
Tel: 028 9065 0546

11, Ardoyne Rd, Belfast, County Antrim BT14 7HX
Tel: 028 9071 9261

707, Lisburn Rd, Belfast, County Antrim BT9 7GU
Tel: 028 9066 5604

Abbey Shopping Centre, Longwood Rd, Newtownabbey, County Antrim BT37 9UH
Tel: 028 9086 0818

Northland Rd, Londonderry, County Londonderry BT48 0PU
Tel: 028 7126 9106

57, Market St, Lurgan, Craigavon, County Armagh BT66 6AA
Tel: 028 3834 7684

Northside Village Centre, Glengalliah Rd, Shantallow, Londonderry, County Londonderry BT48 8NN
Tel: 028 7135 9267

23a, Gilford Rd, Portadown, Craigavon, County Armagh BT63 5EF
Tel: 028 3839 1346

Park Centre, Donegall Rd, Belfast, County Antrim BT12 6HN
Tel: 028 9023 1127

40, Church St, Portadown, Craigavon, County Armagh BT62 3LN
Tel: 028 3839 4066

229, Crumlin Rd, Belfast, County Antrim BT14 7DY
Tel: 028 9074 2626

324, Lisburn Rd, Belfast, County Antrim BT9 6GH
Tel: 028 9066 3898

120b, Ballymacash Rd, Lisburn, County Antrim BT28 3EZ
Tel: 028 9266 6811

419-421, Ormeau Rd, Belfast, County Antrim BT7 3GQ
Tel: 028 9064 3634

93, Groomsport Rd, Bangor, County Down BT20 5NG
Tel: 028 9147 9807

32a, Upper Malone Rd, Belfast, County Antrim BT9 5NA
Tel: 028 9062 5701

47, Clooney Terrace, Waterside, Londonderry, County Londonderry BT47 6AP
Tel: 028 7131 1184

1a, Pondpark Rd, Lisburn, County Antrim BT28 3LE
Tel: 028 9267 3091

Unit 1, 197, Jordanstown Rd, Newtownabbey, County Antrim BT37 0LU
Tel: 028 9086 7651

8, Fairview Terrace,Woodburn Rd, Carrickfergus, County Antrim BT38 8PY
Tel: 028 9336 1413

19, Meadow Lane Shopping Centre, Moneymore Rd, Magherafelt, County Londonderry BT45 6PR
Tel: 028 7963 2856

82, Scarva St, Banbridge, County Down BT32 3AD
Tel: 028 4066 2981

88a, Main St, Limavady, County Londonderry BT49 0ET
Tel: 028 7776 6049

475, Upper Newtownards Rd, Belfast, County Antrim BT4 3LJ
Tel: 028 9065 0746

327, Woodstock Rd, Belfast, County Antrim BT6 8PT
Tel: 028 9045 1711

Broadway, Main St, Larne, County Antrim BT40 1JQ
Tel: 028 2827 0368

16-20, Ballynahinch Rd, Town & Country Shopping Centre, Carryduff, Belfast, County Antrim BT8 8DN
Tel: 028 9081 5064

Carnmoney Shopping Centre, 70, Carnmoney Rd, Newtownabbey, County Antrim BT36 6HD
Tel: 028 9084 8948

84, Bryansburn Rd, Bangor, County Down BT20 3RG
Tel: 028 9127 0536

Unit 1 Fourwinds Shopping Centre, Newton Park, Belfast, County Antrim BT8 6LX
Tel: 028 9079 9038

Knockgowan House, 224-226, Knock Rd, Belfast, County Antrim BT5 6QD
Tel: 028 9070 5372

All the following was taken from yell.com apart from Currys which was taken from its website.

dfcelt

Moheenly, From Kildare originally but now live in Dundalk, theres a Dunnes Stores not far from the Sainsburys in Newry. My advice would be to leave early, real early. Wife goes on a Friday morning before 11am & its just about bearable, on her return (about 12) the traffic is backed up on hill down to Newry & on dual carriageway its back to almost the Carrickdale turn off (about 5 miles or so). Saturdays are a nightmare & Sundays a complete disaster as opening is at 12.
Banbridge/Lisburn or Armagh might be worth considering. The extra driving time is offset by easier parking, less hassle in the aisles & fully stocked shelves.

thenightrider

If you go as far as Banbridge there is a tesco there its cheaper then down here but you will have the same stuff as down here i like going to the other shops as they have things i dont see in the shops down here

ThOnda

Don't go on Friday afternoon or Saturday morning - there could be queues up to two hours just to get to car park.
There is Saisnburys and Dunnes in Newry, however Banbridge has the Tesco and the Outlet - lots of shops with (not only) clothes, shoes and big-brand shops. Marks and Spencer (grocery) as well. And there is always Sale in some of those shops - just walk up and down first.

Bargains are always there, like reduced product. However the price difference is HUGE. Not to mention better assortment. Fortunately, I have to travel to the north on regular basis and I do all the shopping there. Well, I don't buy frozen or chilled product from obvious reasons.

thenightrider

If you are on the north side of dublin you can get frozen food from Newry takes me 40 min from leaveing iceland to get home and have the frozen stuff put away bring cooler bags if you have them as well

machiavellianme

Slightly OT but for those who buy up north, do you just use credit cards or do you have to convert euro to sterling? Not sure which works out cheaper.

thenightrider

In Newry i just use euro most shops take it and you can get it changed up there if not

LeahBaby

How long does it take to drive up?Might make the spin myself. Is it worth it?

stevoman

it takes about 3 and half hours or so. it mostly motorway i think.

Hurley6969

Does anyone have a specific place they go to buy beers up there? If so what is the best place?

ThOnda

From the crossing of M50 and M1 is Newry about an hour drive.
You can use Credit card and in some shops even Laser card. However no Laser in Tescos and Sainsburrys. I just get the cash in ATM before entering the shop - keeps me spending little :-)

devil-80

Good thread. Any good shops near Sligo?.In Enniskillen is only ASDA,ARGOS (still cheaper like in NI)

maninaskirt

mohenley wrote: »

Just wondering if anyone has been up the north recently for shopping and if there are still good bargains? I was thinking of going to Newry in next few weeks (live in Kildare) but Sainsburys is more expensive than other supermarkets with exception of waitrose (from scotland so know that sainsburys always slightly dearer), is there any other supermarkets in Newry or Lisburn worth checking out? Looking for drink and household bargains really (and the 2 for 1 offers).

Hi, I'm also a Jock living in Kildare! I have travelled up North every month for the last years, there's an ASDA in Kilkeel, its another 30 mins drive along the coast if you want to go there, its quite small though. Use EURO's in the bigger stores as they give at least 80p per EURO where the credit card gives 76p-78p, some places give one for one, I.E. A clothes store where selling timberland boots at £80 so I got them for €80, bargain, I also use a cash and carry up there for drink, e.g. Corona is €24 per case of 24, they also sell the good old tonic if you want it! Although Sainsbury's is a more expensive supermarket if you've shopped in Ireland for any length of time you will find them cheap, Sainsbury's and cheap together!! They usually have good specials on drink too.

Also as a previous poster states, leave really early, I leave at 8am, no later than 9am as it will take you 2 hours to get there and then after say 11-11:30 am it becomes mad up there! Like Christmas!!!

eth0_

You save a ridiculous amount shopping in Sainsbury's!

I would recommend driving for an extra half hour and going to Sprucefield, it's a bigger Sainsbury's and has a huuuuuuuge car park and there's a M&S close by as well.

DublinWriter

Sainsburys in Newry is a total meleè on the weekend.

A lot of the shelves are just cleaned out by Southern shoppers by Saturday afternoon.

The two big shopping centres have decimated Newry High Street. Supervalu gives 85p on the Euro on the main street.

If you are going to Newry, try and aim to get up there for 9am, or else parking is just pure hell.

There's also a big retail park just a mile up from the Newry roundabout called the Damolly retail park, with the likes of B&Q, Land of Leather, etc.

mohenley

thanks all.

I have been to Sainsbury in Lisburn so probably revisit it. Is there a place around Lisburn or Newry that does cheap beer (cases of)- I find that Sainsburys deals are not that great and similar in price to here. i normally only get wine here, very good deals.

gazzer

devil-80 wrote: »

Good thread. Any good shops near Sligo?.In Enniskillen is only ASDA,ARGOS (still cheaper like in NI)

There are tons more shops than that in Enniskillen. You also have a huge Tesco as well as Dunnes and Iceland. Also you have Currys, Woolworths, Heatons, Boots, Easons and a fair few clothes shops. I go up to Enniskillen once a month and buy tons of stuff. You get great bargains.

mohenley

Sorry is there an Iceland in Lisburn Newry direction?

maninaskirt

There's one in Newry, close to Subway and the bigger Dunnes stores, you'll have to be early if you wanna park near it though, it's not too far from the Quays and Buttercrane, but it's long if your carrying bags!

Moonbeam

That is mad.
Itis probably a year since I drove up and parking and crowds was never an issue except near christmas.
I really should go up again soon.

Ronan Raver77

I think i will head up soon myself during the week as i have the time and don't fancy being stuck in queues at the weekend.
On my list would be Bulmers:) and i will do some clothes shopping for myself and my son.Any good places for cheap blank cds and cd cases accessories etc as i need to tidy up my cds for work:)

upthewalls

Strabane in Co Tyrone has an - Asda's - Woolworths - Boots - Iceland - Semi Chem. Strabane is 2 minutes away from Lifford in Co Donegal. Was up there recently had got some great bargains especially in Asda's they were selling Johnsons Baby wipes - Box of six, for 5 pound sterling. also 2.85kg Bold - Persil, Aerial washing powder for 4 pound sterling. Asda's clothing section known as George sells clothes which are generally good quality and not expensive. They also had three bottles of wine for the price of 2 when we were there. Will be heading up there soon.

Moonbeam

http://sainsburys.co.uk/food/foodandfeatures/sainsburys_food_ranges/switch_and_save/switch_and_save.htm

Sainsburys special offers

bobo79

stevoman wrote: »

it takes about 3 and half hours or so. it mostly motorway i think.

3 and a half hours maybe if you're travelling from Cork City to Newry!!! its less than an hour from Dublin straight up the M1/A1

Rashers72

I was up in Sainsburys in Newry on Sunday. Was there for opening at 1pm (thing it's a local rule)
There was about 100 shoppers queing at both entrances. Drink was a huge hit. Some of the aisles seem narrower then before, making shopping more difficult.
A lot of the shelves would appear to have been cleaned out the previous day, especially their frozen offers. Must not have got them restocked overnight.
I would agree ASDA is better value (linked to Walmart from US). If they had a store in Newry, they'd make a killing!

muffler

Now would be a very good time to go shopping with a very favourable exchange rate. It wont always be as good.

Regarding beers, spirits and wines it should be pointed out that alcohol is generally cheaper in the North. The large stores will have different offers each week so its a bit of pot luck but some items will remain the same for ages. For example Asda have 1 litre bottles of Smirnoff (:)) at £14.49 which is around €18 or a little over.

Go early and avoid the Xmas rush which will start shortly.

muincav

24 X 440 ml cans of STELLA ARTOIS in Sainsburys today for £11.99,,,,,try and get that in the south.. I had to buy 5 cases just to try it......:D

Ronan Raver77

Good stuff muincav.Hopefully i will get some bulmers up north.Looked up the tesco website Hopefully save 17euro a crate..

TheHairyFairy

devil-80 wrote: »

Good thread. Any good shops near Sligo?.In Enniskillen is only ASDA,ARGOS (still cheaper like in NI)

Enniskillen has :

Asda
Tesco
Currys
Lidl
Argos
Heatons
M&S (Opening Soon)

From Dublin come up M50 and leave it for Monaghan etc. Road is excellent most of the way to Enniskillen. For my own interest, how much savings in % are the Euro shoppers actually getting on an average shop, if there is such a thing?

muffler

TheHairyFairy wrote: »

For my own interest, how much savings in % are the Euro shoppers actually getting on an average shop, if there is such a thing?

Its very difficult to quantify it. It depends on what exactly you buy.

beers and spirits would show an average saving of about 25% - 30% and up to 40% or more if you get items on special offer. Groceries would probably show a 10 - 15 % saving.

All I can say is that she who must be obeyed does her shopping in Strabane every week and would estimate that she saves around 20% - 25% compared to Dunnes or Tescos

Esel

Ronan Devitt wrote: »

Hopefully I will get some Bulmers..

Pretty sure it goes by the name Magners there.

Ste.phen

esel wrote: »

Pretty sure it goes by the name Magners there.

I thought i saw it advertised on UK TV recently as Bulmers?
(Yes, i know it's always been Magners, but for some reason i thought that was changing)

smashey

A local paper in Donegal did a bit of research recently and bought the same items in Tesco Letterkenny and Tesco Derry. Even with paying for the items with euro in Derry, they still saved about 25%.

Moonbeam

Bulmers does exist in the UK but is not the same as Bulmers here.
Magners in the UK is what we know as Bulmers here.
The brand name was already taken over there.

muffler

Yes Bulmers is available in N.I.

Just bought 8 x 1 pint bottles last week in Asda for £9 which would work out about €11.40. Dont know if it was much of a bargain or not but was just starting the Xmas shopping a bit early.

muffler

smashey wrote: »

A local paper in Donegal did a bit of research recently and bought the same items in Tesco Letterkenny and Tesco Derry. Even with paying for the items with euro in Derry, they still saved about 25%.

There was an RTE show about this recently apparently. It was one of those early afternoon programs. Anyhow they bought so many items in Tescos and Dunnes in Dublin (Tescos were cheaper) and then went to Asda in Strabane where they bought the same items and with paying in Euro it was over €6 cheaper again. The only problem is that I cant recall what the cost of the shopping was in Dublin so cant express the savings as a percentage.

Rosielee

Does anyone know what rate Sainsburys are giving to the euro at the moment ?...might take a trip up to Sprucefields soon if its worth it

Thanks

dunser

Hi I was up the north with my Husband last week and we bought loads of Stuff in Dunnes . We got Napppies for about half the price they were in Dunnes here in Navan and the same with Baby Milk it came in about €8 campared to €14 here. Mad savings we are going to go every 2nd or 3rd weekend from now on.

devil-80

But Bulmers in NI is cider (original and peach taste).

Turbulent Bill

Is it worth shopping in the North on a regular basis if you don't live near the border? I can understand if you're travelling there anyway, or have a huge amount to buy, but for a weekly shop even a 25% discount mightn't be enough where you factor in travel costs, time spent getting there and sitting in queues etc.

anotherlostie

I have been to ASDA in Enniskillen a couple of time lately, and while there is no hassle getting parked, getting round the store is a different story. The aisles are packed very tightly, and the queues at checkouts are horrendous - a 30 minute wait can be expected. Furthermore because there is a jam at the checkouts, it is almost impossible to push a trolley round past the people in the queue. Now I've never shopped in Sainsburys on a Saturday, so I can't say if it is as bad there!

As regards the produce, ASDA is definitely cheaper than down South, but I find there is a much more limited range of stock than in Sainsburys, and personally I would prefer to pay the extra bit for the wider range (but still save) in Sainsbury.

josh59

anotherlostie wrote: »

I have been to ASDA in Enniskillen a couple of time lately, and while there is no hassle getting parked, getting round the store is a different story. The aisles are packed very tightly, and the queues at checkouts are horrendous - a 30 minute wait can be expected. Furthermore because there is a jam at the checkouts, it is almost impossible to push a trolley round past the people in the queue. Now I've never shopped in Sainsburys on a Saturday, so I can't say if it is as bad there!

As regards the produce, ASDA is definitely cheaper than down South, but I find there is a much more limited range of stock than in Sainsburys, and personally I would prefer to pay the extra bit for the wider range (but still save) in Sainsbury.

Having shopped in Asda in the UK a few times (last time on our way back from our hols in Wales) I must say that their grub is very nice - fruit juices especially and their meat and bakery products were'nt at all bad for a supermarket. Problem I always find any time shopping in the North or whatever is that you tend to buy different things to normal so it's often hard to compare. I think in Asda the last time we spent £100 but that included chocolates and other stuff for pressies for people who had been looking after the house while we were away.:)

muffler

Turbulent Bill wrote: »

Is it worth shopping in the North on a regular basis if you don't live near the border? I can understand if you're travelling there anyway, or have a huge amount to buy, but for a weekly shop even a 25% discount mightn't be enough where you factor in travel costs, time spent getting there and sitting in queues etc.

Thats a fair point. The savings could be nearly wiped out with the added cost of travel not to mention the time. But a trip maybe once a month and get lots of items would still be worthwhile IMO

CombatCow

Going on Monday morning to Newry, Sainsburys. anyone know how it generally is that day of the week ?

Thanks
CC

Esel

Newry has Lidl, too. Some stuff is dearer (bread for one), but a lot of things are cheaper.

Redpunto

eth0_ wrote: »

You save a ridiculous amount shopping in Sainsbury's!

I would recommend driving for an extra half hour and going to Sprucefield, it's a bigger Sainsbury's and has a huuuuuuuge car park and there's a M&S close by as well.

Hi there head up to Newry a fair bit but the shelves always look empty, whats the best way to get to sprucefield, is it past banbridge?? Cheers.

Does anyone know where the iceland is in Newry?? Thanks a mil

joanas

Iceland is in newry town across the river in a shopping centre.

dlambirl

Hi all,

I'm from Monaghan, so not too far to go across the border to Newry or Enniskillen. The prices are defintely cheaper but as said it was get a little crowed at times when everyone has the same idea to save money!!!

Anyway, the Asda in Enniskillen (excellent value by the way) is open 24 hours Monday - Friday so escape the mental saturday queues and go up some evening during the week, Now saying that I've been there at peak times on a saturday (around 3-4pm) and we got parked no problem and while there was a great crowd in Asda it wasnt that bad and we only waited 4-5mins at the checkout (there was one shopper in front of us with a trolly as full as ours!!)

So, if you really cant stand the crowds i'd go up some evening or some morning if thats possible.

Definitely savings to be had.

Tipsy Mac

Can alcohol be sold 24 hours a day up there or is it like down here where it can be sold after 10pm?

smashey

Tipsy Mac wrote: »

Can alcohol be sold 24 hours a day up there or is it like down here where it can be sold after 10pm?

The sale of alcohol follows the relevant licensing laws so no.

DéiseGirl

CombatCow wrote: »

Going on Monday morning to Newry, Sainsburys. anyone know how it generally is that day of the week ?

Thanks
CC

I went up on a Thursday a few weeks ago and it was grand, plenty of parking (we got up there around 2.30, meant to go earlier but slept in! ). Queued for a few minutes at checkouts but kind of expect that. I would say Thursday would be a busier day than Monday anyway - going from my experience of working in a supermarket Thursday and Fridays were always the busiest weekdays. Spent an absolute fortune there but I'd only go up every 6 months or so and stockpile booze and dried/tinned goods. We're a good 2 hour drive away so it's not worth doing it on a regular basis and I try to get as much as possible in one trip.