October 26 Bank Holiday Monday: Irish Supermarkets Open as Usual but with Shorter Hours
October 26 is Ireland's October bank holiday Monday, and many national supermarket chains remained open that day but generally operated shortened holiday hours, so shoppers were advised to check the specific arrangements of their nearest store before setting out. Under the holiday arrangements, Aldi stores on Sundays and bank holidays are usually open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., but stores in Swords and Blanchardstown in Dublin and in Donabate, County Meath, open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; the Mulhuddart store opens from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and the Laytown store in County Meath from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Lidl supermarkets on bank holidays generally follow Sunday hours, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., opening an hour earlier and closing an hour earlier than on a normal day. Tesco stores are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on bank holiday Monday, and most Dunnes stores from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., though exact times should still be confirmed through each store's official website. The October bank holiday falls in the week before Halloween, when many families stock up on festive food and supplies; supermarkets reminded shoppers that popular items and seasonal goods such as pumpkins and sweets may sell out early. The bank holiday is also a peak period for short trips and family gatherings in Ireland, so road and public transport passenger flows are also worth noting. It should be noted that the above are the general arrangements of national chains; independent shops and rural stores may differ considerably, and checking with the store locator tool before heading out can save a wasted trip.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 超市货架（资料图）（资料图）。摄影：Wolfmann，CC BY-SA 4.0，取自 Wikimedia Commons。Photo: Supermarket aisle (file photo) (file photo). Credit: Wolfmann, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
