We will be visiting Dublin and Belfast in mid-September. We will be staying in Dublin and I'm trying to decide if we should go to Belfast on Sunday or Monday.
Any thoughts?
Posted by
Land of La
9875 posts
Why do you think shops would closed on Sundays in Belfast?
Posted by
London and Chester
113 posts
This link provides an explanation of Sunday opening and restrictions.
They appear similar to those in England with some restrictions on opening for larger stores.
https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/when-can-shops-open-sundays-northern-ireland
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Because that is not unusual in Europe.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you, Emma
Posted by
Northern Ireland , United Kingdom
15 posts
When can shops open on Sundays in Northern Ireland?
In Northern Ireland, large shops can only open on a Sunday between 1pm and 6pm. They are defined as retail businesses with a floor area of more than 280 square metres (3,014 square feet).
Smaller shops with a floor area of up to 280 square metres (3,014 square feet) can open whenever they choose.
remember Belfast is in a different country (the United Kingdom) from Dublin so once you cross the border
the law changes, also remember to visit the UK you now need a ETA, this is a legal requirement if you are caught without one you are liable for a court appearance and deportation and being barred from the UK, this is a requirement under British Immigration laws as of april 2025, just because there are no border checks on the land border does not negate the need for a ETA!!!!
so you need one BEFORE you cross the border www.gov.uk/eta
Posted by
5 posts
I was just there last week and while I wasn't there on a Sunday, I did hear something that they have shortened retail hours on sundays. I will note that if you're in the City Center after 6:30pm on weeknights, all the retail shops close up and only pubs and restaurants are open. It was a ghost town.