EuroSpar

When all else fails, it's a Sunday in Dublin when everything but the pub closes at 2pm (ok, 5pm), you're broke and possibly buzzed. Hell, even if you're just fat like me and fucking starving around 7pm, this is a piece of information you will need.

Spar. Who knows what the hell that name means? I certainly don't. However, the EuroSpar in Ballsbridge saved me many times over and I will never forget it.



There are Spars all over Dublin, kind of their version of the Seven-Eleven. There are some that only contain snacks, there are some that contain indoor Insomnia coffee shops. Some are only opened regular business hours, but the one on Bath Ave. in Ballsbridge is opened 24 hours, my friend. That's right, 24 hours. And it's off-license, Dublin's version of a liquor store. They have a hot/cold deli, you can choose from pre-made sandwiches like italian cold cuts on sub rolls with semsame seeds for 5 euros. Or, you can build your own sandwich, like I regularly did. My chicken sandwich. A breaded chicken breast cutlet on white bread - their white bread is nothing like the ones I've had in America - mayo, lettuce...and that's it. Nothing complex, just a simple and delicious sandwich. If you want to carbo load, you can order a side of chips - the kind we call "wedges" here - and sit down at one of the nearby tables knowing you only spent €5,50.



Did I mention I also took a ham fistful of HP sauce packets? I gave them away as souvenirs...and you can too!

They had free samples of cakes, which I gladly obliged and my terrified traveling companion did not. They had scones, croissants, brown bread (Ireland's mainstay), cookies and an infinte supply of other pastries, all for under 2 euros.
You could also get personal hygiene products, but I much prefered the Tesco.



EuroSpar
3-5 Bath Ave.
Sandymount, Dublin