Just about given up on shopping at Nolan's. A bit like flying Ryanair, Nolan's seem to go out of their way to make a visit as unpleasant as possible.
Even as a long time shopper, walking in never ever gets a response from the manager. Not so much as a slight nod. Even the staff at Aldi & Lidl smile when they take your money. While Nolan's would have been pretty expensive over the years they do seem to have responded by cutting prices and bringing in more economical products to the extent that I have ignored being ignored by the "manager" and have started buying a bit more. The range of products is generally good and it would make sense to buy local and support the local community. But today was the last straw. I walked in and was ignored, as usual, no problem as at this stage if I got a response I'd be worried. However, after about 10 minutes trying to buy what I wanted I gave up and left. The reason being that the usual traffic jams were worse than ever. Why do they insist on merchandising during shop hours? To make sure that I wasn't being paranoid I did a quick count. There were 14 trolleys and 5 of the bigger bogie things scattered around the place. 6 of the trolleys and 1 big yoke were full of empty packaging. 5 trolleys and 3 bogies were full but abandoned. Three trolleys and 1 bogey were being worked on. All this a 3.30pm on a Friday? Madness.
As I say, the Ryanair of the grocery business. I walked past the "manager" on the way out but, as usual, no response. If I had told him I'd given up on his shop and was on my way to Tesco I doubt he'd would have given a damn anyway.

Who is this Nicky J person??? Nolan's supermarket / hardware store is one of the best independent supermarkets I have ever been in. It might be a little bit more expensive but well worth it for the freshness and variety of beautiful food available at all times. It is always well stocked and the staff could not be any friendlier. Clontarf would not be the same without Nolan’s; it is synonymous with the area! The car park is full almost all the time so they must be doing something right Nicky J!

In the heady days of the Celtic tiger I shopped here quite a bit - it was handy - NOT ANYMORE.

They are making efforts to reduce prices and this should be applauded however there are some basic things they need to get right or if not just sell to Aldi.

The staff are not friendly. I do not blame the front line staff, I get the distinct impression the place is run on fear. Everyone seems paranoid about security and shop lifting so much so that sometimes you feel the management are checking you out.

Why on why do you have to give your Fruit and Veg to someone to weigh for you! It is crazy, again it smacks of a place that does not trust its customer. Redeploy the operator of the weighing scale and save money and pass this onto the customers.

Apart from the manager of the hardware store the rest of the Nolan family appear to be out of touch. The perma tanned guy with the perm who gives out sherry every Christmas is just a sour puss. The manager (tall, looks like a guard) is just not friendly, in fact I have seen him being agressive towards customers. His side kick in fairness (a little fella in a bomber jacket) is a decent skin.

My wife has been there with all the kids and no one has come to her assistance to pack her bags - sorry guys this is not good enough.

They say that they want our business - they need to prove this by being more friendly. How about a competition to the Nolan Villa in Spain (I assume they have one) - give out 26 prizes of 1 week to 26 customers!

However not going to hold my breath and will continue with Tesco, Aldi and Supervalu. I suspect the days are numbered for this independent supermarket and to be honest I am not sad.

Possibly the best independent supermarket in the world - how they keep this place so great is beyond me! Superb selection of fresh fruit and veg, salads and bakery all at very reasonable prices along with the regular collection of household goods.

Nolan's is independently owned and managed. Despite this, the selection is varied, prices reasonable and they are rarely out of stock of anything. Added to this the staff are invariably polite and helpful. Furthermore, there is always something on special offer and you will walk out with a bargain.

This little secret is well-known in Clontarf judging by the fact that the place is always busy. I think it should be better-known further afield as well!