Is it worth it from Cork?
Traders in Newry say shoppers are now coming from the deep South of Ireland to avail of cheaper prices. It may be a welcome diversion, but shoppers should do their research before going North if their purpose is really to save money.
A shopper from Cork in a typical family car, which takes 10 litres of petrol per 100km, can expect to spend €80 on petrol to get to and from Newry. Lunch and other costs would probably bring the cost of the trip to over €100, assuming that the return trip was made on the same day.
If you are buying a big-ticket item such as a television as well as groceries, you could easily save that amount.
Filling up your car with drink, particularly wine or whiskey, would also justify the trip on a cost basis. Baby products are also much cheaper in the North.
The potential savings on items such clothes and shoes are more limited.
Visitors from Dublin can rack up much bigger savings, because their total outlay on petrol is much less.
An average family car travelling from Dun Laoghaire, for example, could expect to pay around €27 in petrol for a return trip.
