It’s 10 PM, you have a splitting headache, and every pharmacy you pass is locked up tight. That’s the moment when knowing which chemists stay open late turns from a nice-to-know into a real need — and in Dublin, a handful of late-night branches from chains like Hickey’s Pharmacy bridge that gap, with tools like DocOnCall listing 1,991 Irish pharmacies with live opening hours to save you wasted trips.

Late-night pharmacy locations in Dublin (Hickey’s): 3 · Irish pharmacies listed on DocOnCall: 1,991 · McCabes Pharmacy free delivery threshold: €58

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Hickey’s Pharmacy operates three late-night locations in Dublin: Phibsboro, Harolds Cross, and O’Connell Street (Hickey’s Pharmacy)
  • DocOnCall lists 1,991 Irish pharmacies with live opening hours (DocOnCall)
  • NHS identifies 7 common conditions pharmacists can treat (NHS)
  • McCabes Pharmacy offers free delivery on orders over €58 (McCabes Pharmacy)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact number of 24-hour pharmacies in Dublin city centre
  • Whether all Hickey’s late-night locations are open 24 hours or just extended hours
  • Current Sunday opening hours for many independent pharmacies
3Timeline signal
  • Hickey’s operates three dedicated late-night branches — a sign of growing demand for after-hours pharmacy access in Dublin (Hickey’s Pharmacy)
  • Digital tools like DocOnCall are updating hours in real time, making it easier to find open chemists (DocOnCall)
4What’s next
  • Always check live hours via DocOnCall or Google Maps before visiting, especially on Sundays and public holidays (DocOnCall)
  • Expect more Dublin pharmacies to extend hours as demand for late-night and Sunday access grows (DocOnCall)

Four numbers that define the late-night pharmacy landscape in Dublin.

Fact Value
Number of late-night pharmacies in Dublin (Hickey’s) 3
Irish pharmacies with live hours on DocOnCall 1,991
McCabes free delivery threshold €58
Conditions pharmacists can treat (NHS list) 7

How can I find a pharmacy open now near me?

  1. Using online pharmacy finders like DocOnCall
    • Visit DocOnCall (Irish pharmacy directory) and enter your location to see pharmacies open now.
    • The site lists 1,991 Irish pharmacies with live opening hours, updated regularly.
    • Filter by “Open now” to see only currently open chemists.

    DocOnCall pulls data directly from pharmacy chains and independent stores, making it one of the most reliable tools for finding a nearby pharmacy open now. For example, a search in Dublin city centre will show Hickey’s late-night branches and their current status.

  2. Checking store hours on Google Maps
    • Search for “pharmacy near me” on Google Maps and look for the “Open” label.
    • Tap on a pharmacy to see its listed hours, including Sunday and public holiday schedules.
    • User reviews on Google Maps can also indicate whether a pharmacy actually sticks to its posted hours.

    Google Maps covers thousands of pharmacies globally, but the accuracy depends on business owners updating their information. Cross-check with the pharmacy’s own website for the most reliable hours.

  3. Identifying late-night pharmacy chains in Dublin
    • Hickey’s Pharmacy operates three late-night locations in Dublin: Phibsboro, Harolds Cross, and O’Connell Street (Hickey’s Pharmacy late-night page).
    • McCabes Pharmacy offers digital ordering and free delivery over €58, but its physical stores have standard hours (McCabes Pharmacy).
    • CarePlus is a network of local pharmacies across Ireland with varying hours (CarePlus Pharmacy).

    Knowing which chains prioritize late hours helps you narrow down the search. Hickey’s is the clear leader in Dublin for after-hours access, with three dedicated late-night branches.

  4. Calling pharmacies directly to confirm hours
    • Phone the pharmacy before heading out, especially on Sundays or late evenings.
    • Ask about lunch breaks — some pharmacies close for 30–60 minutes at midday.
    • For example, Walgreens in the US schedules a daily meal break from 1:30 PM to 2 PM (Walgreens (Greenwood, SC)). While this is a US example, Irish pharmacies may have similar breaks.

    A quick call can save you a wasted trip. Pharmacists can also tell you if they stock the specific medication you need.

The time-saver

DocOnCall’s live hours feature is updated frequently, but always verify with a phone call if you’re travelling more than 15 minutes. A 2-minute call can save you a 30-minute round trip to a closed pharmacy.

The implication: By cross-referencing digital directories, chain patterns, and direct calls, you reduce the risk of arriving at a closed pharmacy. In Dublin, the combination of DocOnCall and Hickey’s late-night branches offers the fastest route to an open chemist.

Bottom line: Use DocOnCall’s live filter or Google Maps to find an open pharmacy, but confirm by phone for late-night visits. Hickey’s three late-night branches are your best bet for after-hours access in Dublin.

What are the 7 conditions a pharmacist can treat?

Sore throat, cough, sinusitis, earache

  • According to the NHS (national health service in the UK), pharmacists can manage these four common respiratory conditions without a GP appointment.
  • They can recommend OTC remedies and, where appropriate, supply prescription-only medicines under the Pharmacy First scheme.

Skin conditions like rash, conjunctivitis

  • Pharmacists can assess rashes and recommend treatments such as corticosteroid creams or antihistamines (UCHealth health system guide).
  • Conjunctivitis (pink eye) can often be managed with OTC drops or hygiene advice.

Urinary tract infections, minor infections

  • In some regions, pharmacists supply antibiotics for uncomplicated UTIs after a short consultation.
  • In Ireland, the HSE (Ireland’s health authority) outlines pharmacy services for minor infections (HSE).

How pharmacists provide advice without appointment

  • Walk into any pharmacy and ask to speak with the pharmacist — no appointment needed.
  • They can assess symptoms, recommend OTC products, and advise whether you need a GP.

The implication: For these seven conditions, a pharmacy visit can be faster and cheaper than booking a GP appointment. In Dublin, late-night pharmacies extend this convenience into the evening.

Bottom line: For sore throat, cough, sinusitis, earache, rash, conjunctivitis, and UTIs, a pharmacist can provide treatment without an appointment — saving time and money.

Can a pharmacist help with a rash?

Common causes of rashes

  • Rashes can stem from allergies, infections, or contact irritants (UCHealth skin rash overview).
  • Pharmacists can identify typical patterns and ask about recent exposures to pinpoint the cause.

OTC treatments: creams, antihistamines

  • Over-the-counter options include hydrocortisone cream, antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine), and moisturisers.
  • Pharmacists can recommend the most appropriate product based on the rash type and severity.

When to see a doctor instead

  • If the rash is severe, accompanied by fever, spreads rapidly, or shows signs of infection (pus, heat), a GP or emergency care is needed.
  • Pharmacists will advise you to see a doctor in those cases.

The catch: A pharmacist can handle most mild to moderate rashes, but they aren’t diagnosticians. If symptoms persist or worsen, don’t delay a medical appointment.

Bottom line: Pharmacists can treat mild rashes with OTC creams and antihistamines, but see a doctor if symptoms are severe or accompanied by fever.

Can you buy codeine over the counter in Ireland?

Codeine regulations in the UK and Ireland

  • In the UK, codeine is available OTC only when combined with paracetamol or ibuprofen, limited to 12 tablets, and must be supplied by a pharmacist (NHS (codeine information)).
  • In Ireland, similar restrictions apply; codeine-containing analgesics are available without a prescription but only under pharmacist supervision.

Low-dose codeine products available with pharmacist supervision

  • Products like Solpadeine and Nurofen Plus contain low-dose codeine (typically 8–12.8 mg per tablet) and are sold behind the counter.
  • Pharmacists assess your need and may refuse supply if they suspect misuse or contraindications.

Risks of dependence and misuse

  • Long-term use of codeine can lead to dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms.
  • The NHS advises using codeine for no more than 3 days to minimise risk.
The catch

Codeine is effective for short-term pain relief, but using it for more than three days increases the risk of dependence. Pharmacists must ensure safe supply — don’t be surprised if you’re asked questions before purchase.

The trade-off: Codeine is effective for moderate pain but carries real addiction potential. Pharmacists act as gatekeepers to ensure safe use, which is why you can’t just grab it from a shelf.

Bottom line: Low-dose codeine is available from a pharmacist, but use for no more than three days to avoid dependence.

Which pharmacy is most reliable?

Three Dublin pharmacy chains, one clear pattern: late-night access is the standout differentiator.

Feature Hickey’s Pharmacy McCabes Pharmacy CarePlus Pharmacy
Late-night locations in Dublin 3 (Phibsboro, Harolds Cross, O’Connell Street) None (standard hours) None (hours vary by location)
Digital services Online ordering available Digital healthcare & free delivery over €58 Loyalty app, online services
Delivery threshold Not specified Free delivery over €58 Varies by location
Number of branches in Dublin Multiple (incl. 3 late-night) Several Multiple (network)

Factors in reliability: hours, services, reviews

  • Late-night availability is the top factor for urgent needs — Hickey’s wins on this metric.
  • Digital ordering and delivery matter for non-urgent prescriptions — McCabes leads there.
  • Customer reviews on Yelp and Google Maps can flag issues like stock shortages or rude staff (Yelp Dublin pharmacy reviews).

Hickey’s Pharmacy vs McCabes Pharmacy

Hickey’s focuses on physical access with extended hours, while McCabes invests in digital convenience. For a late-night emergency, Hickey’s is the clear choice. For repeat prescriptions with home delivery, McCabes may be more practical.

Customer satisfaction

While US survey data ranks CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid highly, Dublin’s market is different. Local reputation and word-of-mouth often outweigh national brand loyalty. The HSE provides guidance on pharmacy services but does not rank individual pharmacies.

The pattern: reliability is situational. You need different things from a pharmacy at 10 PM on a Sunday than at 3 PM on a Thursday. Hickey’s late-night branches fill that urgent gap better than any other Dublin chain.

Bottom line: For urgent late-night needs, Hickey’s Pharmacy is the most reliable chain, while McCabes is better for digital services and home delivery.

What we know for sure — and what’s still unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Hickey’s Pharmacy operates three late-night locations in Dublin.
  • DocOnCall lists 1,991 Irish pharmacies with live opening hours.
  • NHS lists 7 conditions pharmacists can treat.
  • McCabes Pharmacy offers free delivery over €58.

What remains unclear

  • Exact 24-hour pharmacy count in Dublin city centre.
  • Whether all Hickey’s late-night locations are open 24 hours or just extended hours.
  • Current opening hours of individual pharmacies on Sundays.
  • Whether late-night pharmacies offer the same range of services (e.g., emergency contraception) as daytime ones.

What the sources say

“Our three late-night branches in Dublin — at Phibsboro, Harolds Cross, and O’Connell Street — ensure that wherever you are in the city, there’s a Hickey’s open when you need it.”

Hickey’s Pharmacy (late-night locations page)

“Pharmacists can treat seven common conditions, providing a fast alternative to seeing a GP for minor ailments.”

NHS (how pharmacies can help)

“We list 1,991 Irish pharmacies with live opening hours, making it easy to find a pharmacy that’s open near you.”

DocOnCall (open pharmacy finder)

When urgency strikes after dark, Dublin’s late-night pharmacy landscape isn’t huge, but it’s reliable if you know where to look. Hickey’s three dedicated branches are the backbone of after-hours access, and tools like DocOnCall make the search effortless. For anyone in Dublin needing medication or advice outside standard hours, the smart move is to check live hours online and head to a confirmed open location — or risk a frustrating round of closed doors.

If you need medication after hours, exploring 24-hour chemist options in Dublin can help you find the nearest open pharmacy in the city.

Frequently asked questions

Are any pharmacies open 24 hours in Dublin city centre?

As of now, there are no confirmed 24-hour pharmacies in Dublin city centre. Hickey’s Pharmacy operates late-night branches (Phibsboro, Harolds Cross, O’Connell Street) but their exact closing times vary. Always check live hours before visiting.

Can I get a prescription filled at a late-night pharmacy?

Yes, late-night pharmacies in Dublin can dispense prescriptions. However, it’s best to call ahead to ensure they have the medication in stock and that the pharmacist is available.

Do pharmacies in Ireland close for lunch?

Some pharmacies, especially independent ones, may close for a lunch break (typically 1–2 PM). Large chains like Hickey’s and McCabes usually remain open. Check the specific pharmacy’s hours to be sure.

Are pharmacy opening hours shorter on Sundays?

Yes, many pharmacies in Dublin operate reduced hours on Sundays. Some are closed entirely. Late-night chains like Hickey’s may have Sunday hours posted online — verify via DocOnCall or Google Maps.

How do I know if a pharmacy is open now?

Use DocOnCall (lists 1,991 Irish pharmacies with live hours) or Google Maps (check for “Open” label). Calling the pharmacy directly is the most reliable way to confirm.

Can I buy emergency contraception at any pharmacy?

In Ireland, emergency contraception (the “morning-after pill”) is available without a prescription at most pharmacies. However, not all late-night pharmacies may have a pharmacist available to supply it. Check ahead.

Do I need an appointment to see a pharmacist for a minor ailment?

No, you can walk into any pharmacy and speak with the pharmacist without an appointment. For the seven conditions listed by the NHS, pharmacists can assess and recommend treatment on the spot.