Sweeneys

We’re a little starved for fancy deli and wine options at this side of the city so I’m glad that Sweeney’s is in the vicinity. There’s no doubting the care they take in choosing wines from micro-​vineyards and they have a healthy organic wine section as well (yes, organic wines do decrease the hangover!) But really, the guys working here were just the wrong side of brusque upon my last visit. Wine shopping for me is a religious experience and I want to take my time, especially when there are lots of wines that I’ve never encountered before. I think the staff misinterpreted this, and thought that I was either (a) using their shop as a pitstop from the incessant rain outside (b) looking for free tastings © just being a pain in the arse. I will be back and hope in the mean time that the staff re-​evaluate their relationship with clients that will potentially become long term and supportive customers.

This place is fantastic and has a great range of wines and beers. All the fellas that work there are so helpful and friendly.
However, one incident with a female employee really turned me off going back. I was treated quite rudely and with a condescending attitude. Would be slow to return after this experience.

This place is great. All kinds of wines from all over the world separated out by country/​region (in the bigger countries). They also have an extensive list of craft beers — Irish, German & Belgian that I could see along with the standard stuff. Super friendly staff too, defo worth a look in!

Best off licence in Dublin. Excellent selection of beers and wines. Knowledgeable and friendly staff who obviously put their heart and soul into the place! Staff really take the time to help their customers. Great range of cheeses and cold meats too. They have a really good range of products, there’s something great to suit every budget. They never miss a detail, whether its lemons for your gin and tonic or crackers to go with your cheese, Sweeneys has everything you want. They have also have a great deal on Lech!

Great off licence. Excellent wine selection and a very good and ever changing craft beer selection.
Added bonus is they have a mini Sheridans cheesmongers section.
Staff are cool too, interested in what you think of new stock.

To those with real wine knowledge — let me level with you. You may want to pass on this review.
My knowledge of complex flavours is zilch, the only nose I have for the stuff is the ‘I knows that I like’ variety (boom boom), and even though one of my favourite films ever is ‘Sideways’, and I love the whole wine-​poetry bit when the blond actress does that impressive booze soliloquy, it’s just words to me. The true meaning floats away on a breeze scented neither with notes of raspberry nor chocolate.
So you might say I’m in no place to even review this place, which knows all about notes and noses and varietals. But even some of the nose-​less among us do quaff back a fair amount of the stuff, so I think we qualify to talk about it too, if only among ourselves. Like-​minded readers, read on.
So, the reasons I rate this place highly:
*It’s lovely and big and you know just from the sheer variety of the stuff there that they are really passionate about wine.
*You know it too by the way they are so willing, nay delighted, to help you choose your vino, whatever your budget.
*They’re well trained in disguising their horror at your lack of knowledge. Instead, they’ll invite you to a tasting evening, as they are secretly intent on helping you develop your palate, just not pushy.
*The woman once complimented me on my choice, remarking on its ‘surprisingly complex flavours for the price’. She talked to me as if I knew, and not as if I’d randomly picked it because I liked the label and it was pre-​chilled. I got to nod sagely in agreement, feeling all important.
*The have yummy posh food too, and yes, it’s ridiculously expensive but, hey, it’s artisan. And you can’t arrive at someone’s house brandishing Lidl prosciutto or cheese, it’s just wrong.
*They have crisps.
*And tons of other alcohol including fancy beers.
*It’s an independent business.
*You can park your car just outside it.
So who’s to say that it doesn’t deserve five stars? Not me, but I’ll leave that to those who not only love but actually understand ‘Sideways’ to decide.
In the meantime, I’ll raise my glass to them.

This place is fabulous and what a find. One of my colleagues suggested we take a trip to this place and the selection of wines and beers is amazing including a good section of premium wines. Prices are also reasonable and the staff are very helpful.
Can’t wait for my next trip back :-)

The selection of beers has already been mentioned but this is really a wine merchants and they’ve a great selection of wines. Friendly and helpful guidance is available and they also run tasting and appreciation courses regularly. If you’re buying a few bottles together they’re even open to a bit of a haggle. What’s not to like?

Sweeneys Wine Merchants is a really great local off-​licence. It’s a family run business and the owner’s passion for wine is evident among the approximate 1,000 lines on display. The service is very personal and helpful and whoever is on duty is happy to guide you towards making a choice of what bottle you might like for the evening. I’ve taken advice many a time! Regular wine tastings also take place through Sweeneys wine club and they run courses as well to those who might want to brush up on their skills. Along with wine, there is a fine selection of beers and spirits on offer, making Sweeneys an above average off-​licence that is tucked away in Glasnevin.