DrinkStore is sited in the up-and-coming Stoneybatter area of the north-west city centre. It's a tiny little shop, usually densely packed with cases of the macrobrews that all Irish beer sellers need to survive. It's just about the only off licence in Ireland that I know of which gives more of its shelf space to beer rather than wine -- the Abbot's Ale House in Cork is the only other one springing to mind.

The range is extensive, with UK and American beers in the ascendant, as well as many Belgian and German varieties. The proprietors are enthusiasts and happy to discuss whatever you bring to the counter.

One word of warning is to check dates before purchase. Turnover of decent beer is not very high here, so it's well worth checking how long the bottle you're buying has been sitting around, if the dust doesn't give it away.

reviewed on: 2008-01-21 06:09:24