Spar

Well, for sure it won’t be a long review as it is the standard Spar branch well known in Ireland. Some peculiarities I found here: friendly staff yes, but sometimes male staff at the counter are little bit too much friendly with female customers, engaging in conversation while people like me have to wait in queue the end of their chat.
Another reason why I go sometimes here is because Lidl opens at 8:00 so cannot wait 20 – 25 minutes in front of their store if I get here early. So Spar is already open. BUT at this time they have only donuts: No croissants, no Danish, etc. Donuts and some packaged muffins /​cakes but I refuse to eat due I care for my health :)
In the store they have 4 – 5 tables, so eventually you can pretend you are having a proper breakfast. I saw the deli counter is functional early in the morning but I am not eating sausages in the morning so cannot confirm what they offer.
Now and then they have deals on biscuits or other food stuff like dried coffee, etc. It is also useful if you want to top up your Leap card. Keep it up, you might get another star in the future!

Queues build up fast at the deli counter at lunchtime, as Thomas Street residents and workers, unmindful of government health warnings, get in their fried chicken baguettes, potato wedges and sausage sandwiches. This Spar knows what side its bread is buttered on (both please) and has accordingly created a huge range of lunchtime options, but it also does the staples, such as groceries, confectionery and a really good range of magazines. With serious competition in the form of Lidl next door, it holds it own well.