Liquor Store Near Me Open Now: Ireland Off Licences Guide

Ireland has no 24-hour off-licences—and that gap shapes every late-night decision from Cork whiskey runs to Dublin dinner parties. This guide walks you through what you can actually buy, when, and which delivery services fill the gap.

Ireland’s Largest Independent Off Licence: CarryOut.ie · Off Licence Delivery Availability: 7 days a week · Major Chains Selling Alcohol: Dunnes Stores, Tesco, Spar · Online Off Licence Options: O’Briens Wine, Molloys.ie · Alcohol Licensing Authority: Courts.ie

What time can you buy alcohol today in Ireland?

Ireland’s alcohol licensing system operates under tighter restrictions than its nearest neighbours. The Intoxicating Liquor Act governs when off-licences can sell, and the rules are notably stricter than in England and Wales, where over 4,000 shops hold 24-hour alcohol licences (24 Hour Alcohol). Here, you’re looking at a hard stop in the late evening, and Sunday trading comes with its own set of conditions.

General off-licence hours

The standard off-licence trading window typically runs from around 10am to 10pm, Monday through Saturday. Sunday hours are more variable and often shorter, with many outlets closing entirely or opening only in the early afternoon. The exact permitted hours are determined by each outlet’s licence, which is issued and monitored through the courts system. Off-licences in Ireland provide 7-day delivery but must still adhere to these standard closing hours for in-store sales (Carry Out).

Supermarket restrictions like Tesco and Dunnes

Supermarkets like Tesco and Dunnes Stores can sell alcohol as part of their grocery licence, but they face the same time restrictions as standalone off-licences. There is no 24-hour alcohol sales window at any Irish supermarket. The key distinction is that their alcohol sales are tied to their grocery trading hours, which themselves close by 9pm or 10pm at the latest. If you’re hoping to pick up a bottle after that window closes, your only option is to use a delivery service with existing stock.

What are alcohol stores called in Ireland?

If you’re searching for a “liquor store” online, you’re likely looking for what Irish retailers call an off-licence. The term “off-sales” refers to alcohol purchased for consumption off the premises—essentially takeaway alcohol. Unlike the United States, where “liquor store” is the standard term, Ireland uses “off-licence” (often written as one word: “offlicence” or “off-licence”).

Off licence definition

An off-licence is a licensed premises authorised to sell alcohol for consumption elsewhere. This includes specialised bottle shops as well as alcohol sections within supermarkets. The licence type determines what can be sold and when, with separate categories for on-trade (pubs, bars) and off-trade (takeaway) sales.

Carry out vs off licence

Carry Out is actually a brand name—specifically CarryOut.ie, which claims to be Ireland’s largest independent off-licence with home delivery available 7 days a week (Carry Out). The confusion arises because “carry out” has become something of a colloquial term in Ireland for takeaway alcohol, similar to how “offie” is used in the UK. When searching for options near you, using “off licence near me now” will yield more targeted results than the American term “liquor store.”

What time can you buy alcohol in Dunnes?

Dunnes Stores follows the same alcohol licensing rules as other Irish retailers. The store’s alcohol section is only open during the permitted hours determined by its grocery licence, which means no late-night purchases regardless of how long the supermarket itself stays open for food items. Dunnes Stores Grocery policies align with national regulations.

Dunnes Stores grocery alcohol sales

Dunnes operates alcohol sales under its grocery licence, meaning you can typically find beer, wine, and spirits in the alcohol aisle during regular trading hours. The key limitation is that these sales must cease by 10pm at the latest, and Sunday trading may have further restrictions or shortened hours. The exact closing time for alcohol sales at your local Dunnes may vary slightly depending on their specific licence conditions.

Comparison to other supermarkets

Tesco and Spar follow similar patterns—alcohol sales end by the permitted closing time for the alcohol licence. None of these retailers offer 24-hour alcohol sales in Ireland. The main variation is in store opening hours themselves: some Tesco Extra locations stay open until midnight for groceries, but their alcohol section closes hours earlier. If you’re comparing options, O’Briens Wine offers free Click & Collect and free delivery on wine, beer, and spirits in Dublin and nationwide (O’Briens Wine), making it a strong alternative when supermarket shelves are closed.

Can you buy alcohol after 10pm in Ireland at Tesco?

No. Despite Tesco operating extended hours at some locations, alcohol sales are governed by licensing law, not store opening hours. You cannot purchase alcohol after 10pm at any Tesco location in Ireland. This rule applies regardless of whether the store is technically still open for other grocery items.

Tesco-specific rules

Tesco Ireland’s alcohol sales operate within the same legal framework as every other retailer. The store cannot override licensing restrictions by simply keeping the alcohol aisle open longer. This means that even at Tesco Extra stores with extended trading hours, the alcohol section will be locked or blocked after the permitted time.

Supermarket alcohol sales restrictions

The underlying principle is straightforward: Ireland does not permit 24-hour alcohol sales from any retailer, including supermarkets. The Licensing Act 2003 (which enables 24-hour drinking in England & Wales) does not apply in Ireland. If you need alcohol after 10pm, you’re looking at delivery services rather than walk-in retail. Dublin-based services like O’Briens and Molloy’s offer faster delivery times than nationwide options (O’Briens Wine), but even these operate within standard daytime hours.

Which alcohol delivery app is best?

The Irish market doesn’t have the same app ecosystem as the US for alcohol delivery, but several established off-licences now offer robust online ordering and delivery services. The “best” option depends on your location, urgency, and whether you need specialist products like craft beer or artisan whiskeys.

Five services stand out for different reasons, and each serves a different need. Dublin customers benefit from faster turnaround times, while nationwide users can access a broader range but must plan further ahead.

Top delivery services review

Carry Out positions itself as Ireland’s largest independent off-licence, with home delivery available 7 days a week (Carry Out). Their range spans beers, wines, and spirits from around the world, and their 7-day availability makes them useful for last-minute needs—within standard licensing hours.

O’Briens Wine has expanded its Click & Collect offering to stores nationwide, offering free delivery on wine, beer, and spirits in Dublin with broader national coverage (O’Briens Wine). Their wine focus makes them the go-to for dinner party supplies or gift purchases.

Molloy’s Liquor Stores provides delivery in Dublin within 1-3 days and nationwide within 2-5 business days (Molloy’s). They also offer free delivery on craft beer gift packs and wine hampers, making them suitable for gifting occasions.

24-hour and late options

If you’re specifically looking for late-night or after-hours delivery, Northern Ireland has one notable option. The Old Factory Liquor Store in Derry is known as Derry’s Late Night Drinks Delivery Service for off-sales (Old Factory), offering delivery of beer, wines, spirits, cider, champagne, mixers, and alcopops. However, even this service doesn’t operate on a true 24-hour basis—it focuses on late-night windows rather than round-the-clock availability.

The reality is that Ireland’s regulatory framework means there are no truly 24-hour off-licence delivery services. All legitimate operators must comply with standard closing hours. The Old Factory in Derry represents the outer edge of what’s available, but it’s still not 24-hour.

Steps to find an off licence near you open now

Finding an off-licence open now in Ireland requires a different approach than in England and Wales, where 24-hour licences make late-night shopping possible. Here’s how to locate what you need within Irish regulations:

1. Check online directories first. Retailer websites like CarryOut.ie, O’Briens Wine, and Molloy’s list their current opening hours and delivery options. Many update their status based on real-time availability.
2. Use delivery services for after-hours needs. If you’ve missed the retail window, delivery services like CarryOut.ie operate 7 days a week, though orders are processed during permitted hours. Molloy’s offers 1-3 day delivery in Dublin and 2-5 business days nationally.
3. Verify your location’s licence type. Northern Ireland follows different rules than the Republic. Old Factory in Derry focuses on late-night delivery but is not a 24-hour service.
4. Check supermarket alcohol hours separately. Dunnes, Tesco, and Spar close their alcohol sections before the store itself closes. Don’t assume a store being open means alcohol is available.
5. Plan ahead for Sundays. Sunday trading hours are shorter across Ireland. O’Briens is rolling out Click & Collect nationwide (O’Briens Wine), which can help bridge the gap when physical stores have limited hours.

The pattern holds across all Irish retailers: planning ahead beats hoping for late-night access.

Regional variations and specialist options

The Irish off-licence landscape isn’t uniform. Different regions have developed distinct specialisations, with some areas offering more targeted options than others.

Cork: specialist craft focus

Cork has developed a reputation for craft-focused off-licences. Bradleys Off-Licence in Cork specialises in craft beer, wine, whiskey, cocktails, and artisan foods, available both online and in-store (Bradleys Off-Licence). If you’re in Cork and looking for something beyond mainstream brands, Bradleys represents a different tier of service compared to supermarket alcohol aisles.

Dublin: speed and range

Dublin-based services like O’Briens and Molloy’s offer faster delivery times than nationwide alternatives (O’Briens Wine). Molloy’s delivers in Dublin within 1-3 days compared to 2-5 business days nationally (Molloy’s). Dublin customers also have access to O’Briens’ expanding Click & Collect network.

Northern Ireland: late-night focus

Northern Ireland off-licences like Old Factory focus on late-night delivery rather than 24-hour sales (Old Factory). Derry services target home delivery for all alcohol types under one roof. The distinction is important: even Northern Ireland’s most accommodating services operate within late-night windows, not around the clock.

The implication for Northern Ireland consumers is that late-night delivery services fill a genuine gap, but they still operate within restricted hours.

What you need to know before you buy

The Ireland off-licence system has one defining characteristic: it closes early. Unlike England and Wales, where over 4,000 shops hold 24-hour alcohol licences (24 Hour Alcohol), Ireland offers no equivalent. This isn’t likely to change soon—the regulatory framework simply doesn’t permit it.

For consumers, this means planning ahead matters more in Ireland than in many other markets. The practical workaround is delivery services: CarryOut.ie offers 7-day delivery, and O’Briens has expanded Click & Collect nationwide. But even these services must process orders within legal hours.

If you’re in Cork, Bradleys Off-Licence gives you access to craft and specialist products. In Dublin, Molloy’s and O’Briens provide faster local delivery. In Derry, Old Factory handles late-night needs within their operating window. Each option serves a specific use case—but none of them bypass the fundamental reality that Irish alcohol retail closes by 10pm.

Ireland’s Largest Independent Off Licence with an extensive range of beers, wines and spirits from around the world. Home delivery available 7 days a week.

— Carry Out (business)

The law which permits 24 hour drinking (Licensing Act 2003) doesn’t apply in Scotland, so there are no 24 hour off licences in Scotland.

— 24 Hour Alcohol (service provider)

Summary

Ireland’s off-licence market operates under strict licensing laws that effectively end alcohol retail by 10pm. The country has no 24-hour off-licences, unlike England and Wales where over 4,000 shops hold round-the-clock licences. Delivery services like CarryOut.ie (7-day availability) and O’Briens Wine (nationwide Click & Collect) offer the most flexibility, but even these can’t deliver outside legal hours. For Dublin customers, Molloy’s provides 1-3 day delivery; for Cork, Bradleys Off-Licence focuses on craft products; for Derry and Northern Ireland, Old Factory handles late-night windows. The implication for anyone searching “liquor store near me open now” in Ireland is straightforward: plan your purchase before 10pm, or use a delivery service with next-day capability.

Related reading: Dave’s Hot Chicken Near Me – Find Locations, Hours and Menu

While Dunnes Stores and Tesco offer staples, the detailed Ireland off-licences guide uncovers late-night spots and delivery like CarryOut.ie.

Frequently asked questions