Dunnes Stores

The family business was founded by hardworking Bernard ‘Ben’ Dunne Sr in 1944. The first Dunnes Stores Ireland branch opened with a clear message: ‘Better Value’. The launch drew large crowds eager for bargains. Its mix of supermarket convenience and department-store quality made it a trusted retailer for generations.

Today, the retail chain’s motto remains the same, even as the vision expands. This guide explores how Dunnes Stores grew from a local drapery into a national brand known for affordability and modern design.

From Family Drapery to National Brand

Through the post-war years, Dunnes Stores stayed strong. The shift toward ready-to-wear fashion changed how people shopped. Tailors had once been essential, but Dunnes offered practical, affordable styles that appealed to all. The ‘Better Value’ slogan quickly became part of Irish retail culture.

Later, collaborations with Irish designers such as Paul Costelloe and Helen Steele helped refresh the brand. Dunnes evolved from a budget shop into a respected source for modern, stylish living, defining retail innovation while staying true to its value-first roots.

Dunnes Stores Today: Value Meets Modern Living

Ben Dunne’s story began far from luxury. He worked as a farmhand, bicycle repairer, and boot boy before training as a draper in Drogheda and Longford. In Cork, he joined Roches Stores, where he learned the menswear business. Little did he know he would make a mark on Irish retail history.

In 1944, he and partner Dan Darrer opened their first shop on Patrick Street, Cork. Dunne introduced self-service browsing and prewar pricing during wartime: ideas far ahead of their time. The success spurred growth throughout Cork, then to Dublin’s Henry Street in 1957 and South Great George’s Street in 1960, where the first food section was added.

From Local Shops to International Growth 

With increased retail expansion, a restructure was needed for the fast-growing brand. This culminated in a 1963 corporate reorganization (Dunnes Holding Company) and the creation of a family trust. The company continued its rapid expansion, and in 1965, Dunnes Stores opened its first supermarket outside of Dublin city centre in Cornelscourt. The idea was initially controversial, with many opposing expansion into the suburbs; however, it quickly proved everyone wrong. Out-of-town shopping was not only possible, but could be more practical.

1971 marked a key milestone in the company: its first cross-border expansion. Dunnes Stores opened a branch outside the Republic of Ireland, in Bangor, County Down. It was an overnight success. But that was only the beginning. In the mid-1980s, the brand ventured into operations in Spain, where branches targeted British and Irish expats who related to the ‘Better Value’ ethos. While the stores were smaller than their Irish counterparts, the brand remained the same — combining food and clothing at affordable, quality standards.

Branch Locations and Accessibility

Geographic Coverage

In the 21st century, Dunnes Stores' reach continues to expand, creating an extensive branch network. The brand currently has over 130 stores across the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Spain. With 15 locations in Northern Ireland and four in Spain, the retailer continues to deliver the quality products envisioned by Ben Dunne Sr., although on a much larger scale.

Shoppers may ask, "Where is there a Dunnes Stores near me?” It’s simple. An easy-to-use store locator can be found on the official website. An interactive map displays every operating store, with an alphabetical listing, store details, and postcode search. A click on details provides phone numbers and operating hours. Additionally, a simple “Dunnes Stores near me” search in your browser can give you a list of the closest locations. 

In cities like Dublin, Cork, and Mijas Costa, the brand has successfully curated its stores, offering large supermarkets as well as smaller outlets that serve metropolitan, suburban, and coastal areas alike. 

Plan Your Visit

With such a large presence, Dunnes Stores' opening hours vary depending on location, sales, weekends, and holiday schedules. Around major events and holidays, trading times are often extended, especially in city-centre branches. In addition, the type of branch, whether it’s a full department store, textile-only shop, or a smaller convenience outlet, can influence opening times.

The majority of Dunnes Stores' opening hours across Ireland are from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., with shops staying open an extra hour on Thursdays and Fridays. Sunday shopping hours vary depending on location, with some branches operating at normal hours while others, such as the Lisburn branch in Northern Ireland, operate from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Opening times vary by location. The easiest way to check the hours for your local store is through the Find a Store section on the official website, where each branch’s details are listed.

Online Shopping in Dunnes Stores

Brand’s Digital Evolution

During the mid-2010s e-commerce boom, Dunnes Stores began the retailer’s move into digital retail. In 2013, the brand launched its first online homeware and fashion range. Here, shoppers could take advantage of exclusive online deals and find products their local stores might not have offered. With a sleek and easy-to-use interface, Dunnes Stores Online quickly gained traction. By 2021, the platform expanded further with the launch of Dunnes Stores Grocery. The grocery delivery site offered locally sourced food through a convenient click-and-collect service across Ireland, further broadening Dunnes Stores Online’s reach and influence. 

On the homeware and fashion website, shoppers can find everything from seasonal pieces and the latest collections to clothing for the whole family. The platform also offers free two-day home delivery on orders over €50 placed before 8 p.m., from Sunday through Friday.

The online grocery service comes with similar perks, including region-specific coupons and fresh weekly deals. There’s everything from locally sourced meat and poultry to everyday essentials like cleaning products. After completing the digital shopping list, a date and time for delivery or collection can be selected.

To make things even easier, Dunnes Stores has brought both sites together in its mobile app. Here, customers can collect points by joining VALUEclub. Points can later be exchanged for VALUEclub vouchers.

Online and In-Store Shopping Compared

Online shoppers at Dunnes Stores benefit from hard-to-beat sales, with discounts of up to 50%. Some fashion items are offered exclusively online as part of regular clearance events. In this way, the brand continues to keep its “Better Value” motto alive.

While Dunnes Stores Online delivers exclusive offers and digital-only collections, many shoppers still prefer the in-store experience for attentive customer service. For them, being able to try things on, feel the quality, and get immediate help with returns or exchanges matters more than shopping from home.

The company’s digital integration connects both shopping channels. Online orders can be picked up in-store on the same day, and all purchases link to the same VALUEclub account. It’s a clear example of how Dunnes Stores brings together convenience and hands-on experience through omnichannel retail.

Current Deals and Promotions

Seasonal and Year-Round Sales

Both online and in-store, customers can find plenty of great deals across fashion, home goods, and groceries. For regular shoppers, the €10 off €50 ‘Shop & Save’ offer is a favourite. It’s available as physical coupons or via the dedicated app.

Shoppers also look forward to the Dunnes Stores sale periods held throughout the year, including mid-season and summer clearance events. These seasonal sales often feature limited-time discount periods across multiple departments.

For instance, Dunnes Stores’ back-to-school specials offer discounts on uniforms, shoes, and backpacks. Black Friday is a great time to find storewide discounts and special offers. During the Christmas season, Dunnes Stores runs its ‘12 Deals of Christmas’, featuring new weekly offers. January sees some of the company’s biggest clearance events. This month, stores run homeware and bedding discounts as part of their ‘New Year New Home’ campaign. 

Members of the loyalty program have earlier access to Dunnes Stores sales and receive exclusive vouchers. With mobile app notifications, newsletters, and social media updates, customers can stay up to date on the latest deals.

Better Value Every Day

Low prices, bulk-buying discounts, and own-brand value ranges define Dunnes Stores’ Better Value commitment. Everyday pricing is kept competitive year-round, with extra savings during discount periods and clearance events, reaching up to 50% off fashion and homeware. Its grocery line, My Family Favourites, focuses on staples such as pasta, sauces and dairy at accessible price points. Designer collaborations, such as Paul Costelloe, Carolyn Donnelly and Leigh Tucker bring exclusive fashion collections at affordable prices. These ranges are sometimes included in mid-season markdowns.

In-store shopping on weekday mornings offers fresher produce. At the same time, online shopping provides access to the same promotional offers. Customers can combine Dunnes Stores sales with value pricing by pairing multi-buy offers or the €10 off €50 voucher to maximise savings.

From Everyday Essentials to Retail Innovation

Under the Dunnes Stores brand, customers can choose from a broad selection of home goods, own-brand essentials, and exclusive fashion created through designer partnerships, as well as in-store cafés. Found in select supermarkets across Ireland, Café Sol offers freshly made sandwiches, wholesome salads, and aromatic coffee that capture the brand's ‘Love Great Food, Love Fresh’ philosophy.

The balance of quality, affordable prices and convenience defines Dunnes Stores as a modern Irish supermarket with a distinct Irish identity. The company also continues to invest in retail innovation, using more digital shopping tools, adopting sustainable packaging and expanding in-store services such as Café Sol. By combining everyday practicality with forward-thinking design and the trusted retail heritage of Ireland, Dunnes Stores remains at the heart of national shopping culture.