Irish dads are in a league of their own. From their one-liners and life hacks to their strange-but-endearing routines, there’s something wonderfully familiar about a typical Irish dad.
This Father’s Day, we’re celebrating the quirks, the classics, and the comfort food that go hand-in-hand with the man of the house. So whether your dad’s the strong and silent type or the BBQ king who refuses to come inside (even in sideways rain), we’ve matched five iconic Irish dad habits with the grocery items that suit them best.
1. The “Sure I’ll Just Have a Bite” Dad
He insists he doesn’t want anything, but as soon as you open a bag of crisps or unwrap your chocolate bar, there he is, hand out, saying “Ah go on, give us a bit.”
Classic Line: “I don’t need one — I’ll just have a bite of yours.”
What to Pick Up:
- A two-pack of Cadbury chocolate bars (because you know he’ll want one)
- A family bag of Doritos or Keoghs crisps — ‘sharing’ is subjective
- A multipack of Magnum ice cream — perfect for post-dinner “treats” he claims are for the freezer
2. The “Turn Off the Lights” Energy Warden
There’s not an Irish dad alive who hasn’t gone around the house turning off lights behind everyone. Leaving a door open too long? You’ll hear about it.
Classic Line: “Were you born in a barn?”
What to Pick Up:
- A box of Barry’s tea bags — strong, no-nonsense brew only
- McVities Digestive biscuits for dunking while he complains about the heating bill
3. The BBQ Enthusiast (Come Rain or Hailstones)
Give him a set of tongs and a patio umbrella, and he’s happy out. Rain, wind or an actual thunderstorm, nothing stops an Irish dad from grilling once he’s committed.
Classic Line: “It’s grand, it’s only spitting.”
What to Pick Up:
- Sausages, burgers and fresh buns from the chilled aisle
- A bottle of Hienz BBQ sauce — smoky, spicy or both
- A few cold cans of Budweiser to sip while he mans the grill
4. The Shortcut Specialist
Every dad in Ireland knows a “better way” to get somewhere — usually involving a few backroads, a dodgy turn, and a long-winded story about how the route “used to be quicker.”
Classic Line: “I know a way that’ll skip the traffic.”
What to Pick Up:
- Mint imperials or wine gums for the glove box
- A Urban Sips Coffee
- A pack of wet wipes (handy, even if he won’t admit it)
5. The Silent Saturday Shopper
He’s in the shop before 9am, knows exactly where everything is, avoids eye contact with anyone he vaguely knows, and walks at the speed of light. He’s not here for browsing — this is a mission.
Classic Line: Says nothing — just raises the eyebrows in acknowledgement.
What to Pick Up:
- Rashers, eggs and a loaf of batch bread — the Saturday essentials
- A copy of the Irish Independent
- A pastry or sausage roll for the deli — usually eaten in the car before anyone notices
Celebrate the Dad You Know and Love
From snack negotiations to silent shopping trips, Irish dads are the definition of consistent — and we wouldn’t change them for the world. Whatever your dad’s style, you’ll find the perfect mix of treats, staples and surprises in-store this Father’s Day.
Pop in, build him a basket, and make him smile (even if he pretends not to).