Drogheda

1. Supermarkets in Drogheda

Supermarkets are the most common and convenient option for grocery shopping in Drogheda. They offer a wide range of products, including fresh produce, packaged goods, household items, and more.

Tesco Extra Drogheda

• Location: Donore Road Retail Park, Drogheda, Co. Louth
• Operating Hours:
  • Monday to Saturday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Products:
  • Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood
  • Bakery items, dairy products, and frozen foods
  • Household essentials, toiletries, and baby products
  • International food section for Asian, African, and European cuisines
• Pricing: Moderate, with frequent discounts and loyalty card offers (Clubcard).
• Payment Methods: Cash, credit/debit cards, and Tesco Clubcard for discounts.
• Tips: Tesco often has self-checkout kiosks, so be prepared to scan and bag your own items if you choose this option.

Aldi Drogheda

• Location: North Road, Drogheda, Co. Louth
• Operating Hours:
  • Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Products:
  • Affordable fresh produce, meats, and dairy
  • Weekly "Special Buys" for non-grocery items
  • Organic and gluten-free options
• Pricing: Budget-friendly, known for competitive pricing.
• Payment Methods: Cash, credit/debit cards.
• Tips: Bring your own shopping bags or purchase them at the store, as Aldi does not provide free bags.

Lidl Drogheda

• Location: Rathmullen Road, Drogheda, Co. Louth
• Operating Hours:
  • Monday to Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Products:
  • Fresh produce, meats, and bakery items
  • European specialty foods and weekly promotional items
  • Affordable wines and spirits
• Pricing: Budget-friendly, similar to Aldi.
• Payment Methods: Cash, credit/debit cards.
• Tips: Lidl also requires you to bring or purchase your own shopping bags.

Dunnes Stores

• Location: Scotch Hall Shopping Centre, Drogheda, Co. Louth
• Operating Hours:
  • Monday to Saturday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Products:
  • High-quality fresh produce, meats, and seafood
  • Clothing, home goods, and kitchenware
  • Irish brands and artisan products
• Pricing: Moderate, with occasional sales and discounts.
• Payment Methods: Cash, credit/debit cards, and Dunnes Stores vouchers.
• Tips: Dunnes often has "Spend €50, get €10 off" promotions, so keep an eye out for these deals.

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2. Specialty Stores and Local Markets

For unique or specific items, Drogheda has several specialty stores and markets that cater to diverse tastes and preferences.

The Cottage Market Drogheda

• Location: Various pop-up locations (check their Facebook page for updates).
• Operating Hours: Typically held on the first Saturday of each month.
• Products:
  • Locally grown organic produce
  • Artisan bread, cheeses, and baked goods
  • Handmade crafts and gifts
• Pricing: Slightly higher than supermarkets, but the quality and uniqueness justify the cost.
• Payment Methods: Cash is preferred, though some vendors may accept card payments.
• Tips: Engage with the vendors—they are often happy to share stories about their products and offer samples.

Eastern European and Asian Stores

• Examples:
  • Polonez Drogheda (Eastern European products)
  • Asia Market Drogheda (Asian groceries)
• Locations: Various small shops around the town center.
• Operating Hours: Typically 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM, but hours may vary.
• Products:
  • Specialty ingredients like spices, sauces, and snacks
  • Frozen dumplings, noodles, and other ethnic foods
• Pricing: Moderate, with some imported items being slightly more expensive.
• Payment Methods: Cash and card payments are usually accepted.
• Tips: These stores are great for finding hard-to-get ingredients for international cuisines.

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3. Local Butchers, Bakeries, and Greengrocers

For fresh, high-quality, and locally sourced products, consider visiting Drogheda’s independent butchers, bakeries, and greengrocers.

Boyne Valley Meats

• Location: West Street, Drogheda, Co. Louth
• Operating Hours:
  • Monday to Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Products: Fresh cuts of beef, lamb, pork, and poultry.
• Pricing: Competitive, with excellent quality.
• Payment Methods: Cash and card payments.
• Tips: Ask the butcher for recommendations or custom cuts—they are very accommodating.

McCloskey’s Bakery

• Location: West Street, Drogheda, Co. Louth
• Operating Hours:
  • Monday to Saturday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Products: Freshly baked bread, pastries, and cakes.
• Pricing: Moderate, with excellent quality.
• Payment Methods: Cash and card payments.
• Tips: Try their traditional Irish soda bread or scones for an authentic taste of Ireland.

The Green Grocer

• Location: Shop Street, Drogheda, Co. Louth
• Operating Hours:
  • Monday to Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Products: Fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
• Pricing: Slightly higher than supermarkets, but the produce is often fresher.
• Payment Methods: Cash and card payments.
• Tips: Visit early in the morning for the best selection.

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4. Practical Tips for Grocery Shopping in Drogheda

• Bring Your Own Bags: Ireland has a plastic bag levy, so it’s common to bring reusable shopping bags to avoid extra charges.
• Check for Local Brands: Many stores stock Irish brands like Kerrygold butter, Ballymaloe relish, and Clonakilty sausages, which are worth trying.
• Shop Early for Fresh Produce: Markets and specialty stores often have the freshest items early in the day.
• Loyalty Cards: Supermarkets like Tesco and Dunnes Stores offer loyalty cards that provide discounts and rewards.
• Public Holidays: Grocery stores may have reduced hours on public holidays, so plan accordingly.

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By exploring these options, you’ll find everything you need for your grocery shopping in Drogheda, whether you’re looking for everyday essentials, specialty items, or locally sourced goods. Enjoy your time in Drogheda!