Chemist Warehouse Opening Hours Guide: Ireland & Australia

Anyone who has tried to track down the opening hours of a discount pharmacy in a new city knows the feeling: you roll up at 7pm and the shutters are down. Chemist Warehouse, the Australian discount giant that landed in Ireland in 2021, now runs more than 40 stores across the country, each with its own schedule. This guide covers exactly when they open and close, why their prices are so low, who owns the chain, how to shop online, what staff earn, and what Ozempic actually costs.

Number of Chemist Warehouse stores in Ireland: over 40 ·
Typical opening hours (Monday–Friday): 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM ·
Saturday hours (most locations): 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM ·
Sunday hours (selected stores): 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM ·
Average hourly pay in Australia: A$25–A$30 ·
Ozempic 1mg (4‑week) cost at Chemist Warehouse: A$135 (private script)

A quick-reference table below consolidates the essential details about Chemist Warehouse’s history, ownership, and pricing.

What are the opening hours of Chemist Warehouse in Ireland?

Typical store hours by day

Most Chemist Warehouse stores in Ireland follow a core pattern but many locations have slight variations. The Westend Shopping Park store, for example, lists Monday to Friday hours of 8:00 am to 9:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Sunday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (Westend Shopping Park). The Dun Laoghaire store runs Monday to Wednesday 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Thursday to Friday 8:00 am to 9:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Sunday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm (Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre).

Chemist Warehouse Nenagh hours

Nenagh store hours are not individually listed on the main site, but the typical pattern for smaller towns is Monday to Wednesday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm and Thursday to Friday 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, based on comparable locations (Chemist Warehouse Ireland).

Chemist Warehouse Dublin hours

Dublin city stores often stay open later. The Westend Blanchardstown store follows the 8am–9pm weekday pattern, while the Dun Laoghaire store shortens Monday–Wednesday hours to 8:00 pm. The main site confirms at least one Dublin store with Monday to Wednesday 8:30am to 7pm and Thursday to Friday 8:30am to 9pm (Chemist Warehouse Ireland).

Chemist Warehouse Cork hours

The Cork city centre store (opened January 2024) typically operates Monday to Friday 8:30am to 9pm, Saturday 9am to 7pm, Sunday 10am to 6pm, according to the official site (Chemist Warehouse Ireland).

Chemist Warehouse Drogheda hours

Drogheda store follows the pattern of Monday to Wednesday 8:30am to 8pm, Thursday to Friday 8:30am to 9pm, Saturday 9am to 7pm, Sunday 10am to 6pm (Chemist Warehouse Ireland).

Weekend and public holiday schedules

Sunday hours vary: some stores open at 10:00 am and close at 6:00 pm, others at 6:30 pm or 7:00 pm. Public holiday hours are usually shortened – check the store page on (Chemist Warehouse Ireland) before visiting. The pattern: on bank holidays, many locations run 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

The implication: even within the same chain, store hours differ, so always confirm before visiting.

Why is Chemist Warehouse so much cheaper?

Supply chain efficiency

Chemist Warehouse sources generic drugs in enormous volumes direct from manufacturers, cutting out wholesalers. Their parent company, the Gance‑Verrocchi group, operates its own distribution centres in Australia and now Ireland (Wikipedia).

Buying power and bulk purchasing

With over 40 stores in Ireland and more than 400 in Australia, the chain commands bulk‑discounts that smaller pharmacies cannot match. This allows them to sell many items at up to 50% below the recommended retail price (RTÉ News).

Low‑cost operating model

Chemist Warehouse keeps overheads low by using high‑volume store layouts, minimal frills, and no expensive loyalty programme. They also employ a high ratio of pharmacists per store – three on duty seven days a week at the flagship Westend store (RTÉ News).

No loyalty program overhead

Unlike Boots or Lloyds, Chemist Warehouse does not operate a points‑based loyalty scheme. The savings from running the scheme are passed directly to customers in lower shelf prices (Chemist Warehouse Ireland).

This cost-saving model is a key reason for Chemist Warehouse’s rapid expansion.

Which family owns Chemist Warehouse?

Founding family: the Gance and Verrocchi families

Chemist Warehouse was founded in 1972 by the Gance family in Melbourne, Australia. Today the company is majority‑owned by the Gance and Verrocchi families – Jack Gance and Mario Verrocchi are the billionaire co‑owners (Wikipedia).

Billionaire status of owners

In 2023, the Australian Financial Review estimated the Gance family’s net worth at A$4.2 billion, with the Verrocchi family at A$3.8 billion, thanks largely to the Chemist Warehouse chain’s explosive growth (Australian Financial Review).

Is Chemist Warehouse an Irish company? (No, Australian)

Despite its rapid expansion in Ireland, Chemist Warehouse remains an Australian private company. It is not listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (Wikipedia). The Irish arm is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Australian entity.

The family ownership structure has enabled long-term investment in aggressive pricing.

Can you buy online from Chemist Warehouse in Ireland?

Online ordering process

Yes, a full online store operates at (chemistwarehouse.ie). You can browse thousands of products, upload a prescription, and order for home delivery or click‑and‑collect.

Steps to order online

1. Create an account: Register with your email and address on chemistwarehouse.ie.
2. Upload your prescription: For prescription items, use the secure upload portal. A pharmacist will verify it.
3. Add items to cart: Combine prescription and OTC products in one order.
4. Choose delivery or collection: Free standard delivery for orders over €30.
5. Pay and confirm: Payment by card or PayPal. You’ll receive a tracking link.

Delivery options and fees

Standard delivery is free on orders over €30, with a €4.95 fee for smaller orders. Express delivery (next working day) costs €6.95 (Chemist Warehouse Ireland delivery page).

Prescription transfers

You can transfer any existing prescription to Chemist Warehouse by uploading it online or bringing it to a store. The pharmacy will handle the transfer from your previous pharmacy (Chemist Warehouse Ireland prescriptions).

Payment methods

Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal are accepted online. In‑store, all major cards and cash are welcome (Chemist Warehouse Ireland).

For those who prefer digital shopping, this system works well.

How much does Chemist Warehouse pay per hour in Australia?

Average hourly rate by role

Retail assistants at Chemist Warehouse in Australia typically earn between A$25 and A$30 per hour, according to employee‑reported data (Glassdoor Australia). Pharmacists earn significantly more, with hourly rates ranging from A$45 to A$60 (Seek Australia).

Comparison to national minimum wage

Australia’s national minimum wage as of July 2024 is A$24.10 per hour. Chemist Warehouse retail assistants therefore start slightly above the minimum. The award rate for pharmacy assistants (Level 1) is A$24.80, so the reported A$25–A$30 range is aligned with industry standards (Fair Work Australia).

Is $25 an hour good in Australia?

At A$25 an hour, a full‑time worker (38 hours/week) earns roughly A$49,400 a year before tax. While this is above the national minimum, it is considered a modest income in most Australian cities where median rents exceed A$500 per week. For a single person in a low‑cost region, it can be sufficient, but in Sydney or Melbourne it may feel tight (Australian Bureau of Statistics).

What jobs earn $500,000 a year in Australia?

Senior medical specialists, corporate executives, and top‑tier IT contractors are the most common roles earning A$500,000+ annually. This is roughly 10 times the salary of a full‑time pharmacy assistant at Chemist Warehouse (Australian Taxation Office).

How much does Ozempic cost at Chemist Warehouse?

Ozempic 1mg price (private script)

As of early 2025, Chemist Warehouse Australia sells Ozempic 1mg (4‑week pack) for approximately A$135 for private prescriptions (Chemist Warehouse Australia). This is among the lowest prices in the country. For those interested in other retail matters, you can find more information about the Chemist Warehouse opening hours Ireland.

Comparison to other pharmacies

Other Australian pharmacies typically charge A$150–A$170 for the same product. Chemist Warehouse’s bulk buying power allows them to undercut rivals by about 15–20% (Chemist Warehouse Australia).

Insurance co‑payments

For patients with private health insurance that covers PBS‑listed medications, the co‑payment can be as low as A$42.50 for general patients and A$7.30 for concession card holders under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. However, Ozempic is not always PBS‑subsidised for weight loss indications, so many pay the full private price (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme).

Availability and supply

Ozempic has faced intermittent shortages since 2023 due to global demand spikes. Chemist Warehouse recommends checking stock online or calling the store before visiting (Therapeutic Goods Administration). In Ireland, availability is also patchy; the Irish store site lists Ozempic as a prescription‑only item with variable stock (Chemist Warehouse Ireland).

Given the shortages, patients should plan ahead.

Comparison: Chemist Warehouse vs Boots Ireland

Three key areas where Chemist Warehouse differs from its main Irish competitor, Boots, reveal the new chain’s strategy.

What this means: Chemist Warehouse leads on price and later hours, while Boots offers a broader beauty range and an established loyalty program.

Clarity: what’s confirmed, what’s still unclear

Confirmed facts

• Chemist Warehouse was founded in Australia in 1972 (Wikipedia)
• The Gance and Verrocchi families control the company (Wikipedia)
• Irish stores follow published hours (Mon–Fri 8–9, Sat 9–7, Sun 10–6) with variations (Westend Shopping Park)
• Online shopping is available in Ireland (Chemist Warehouse Ireland)
• Retail assistants in Australia earn A$25–A$30 per hour (Glassdoor Australia)
• Ozempic 1mg costs about A$135 at Chemist Warehouse Australia (Chemist Warehouse Australia)

What’s unclear

• Exact future store expansion plans – beyond the 40+ stores, the company has not published a detailed roadmap
• Whether Ozempic price will change under new PBS listings – the TGA has not made a final ruling for 2025
• Sunday hours for all individual stores – check the specific store page or call ahead
• Exact opening hours for smaller-town stores like Nenagh – not published on the main site
• Whether Ozempic prices in Ireland match the Australian price – not confirmed
• Whether Chemist Warehouse will expand into Northern Ireland – no public plans

This uncertainty emphasizes that shoppers should verify details independently.

Quotes from the brand and official sources

“Is this Ireland’s cheapest chemist?”

– Chemist Warehouse Ireland, Instagram marketing campaign

“Chemist Warehouse is an Australian discount pharmacy chain founded in 1972 by the Gance family.”

– Wikipedia entry on Chemist Warehouse

“We are delighted to announce that our Navan store is now open with extended hours from 8am to 9pm weekdays and 9am to 7pm on Saturdays.”

– Chemist Warehouse Ireland, Facebook announcement (November 2024)

“The company had three pharmacists on duty seven days a week at the Westend store.”

– RTÉ News report, December 2023

These quotes reflect the brand’s messaging and public perception.

What this means for you

Chemist Warehouse has fundamentally reshaped the Irish pharmacy market in just three years. Its combination of late hours, aggressive pricing, and rapid store expansion puts pressure on incumbents like Boots and Lloyds. For Irish shoppers, the choice is increasingly clear: head to Chemist Warehouse for the lowest prices and longest hours, but expect thinner beauty aisles and no loyalty points. For those in Australia, the chain remains the go‑to for discount prescriptions and over‑the‑counter items, though staff pay is only slightly above the national minimum. If you are a patient relying on Ozempic, you can save roughly A$15–A$35 per pack compared to other pharmacies – but always check stock first. For the Gance and Verrocchi families, the bet on Ireland has paid off: over 40 stores and counting, with no signs of slowing down.

Related reading: **Meadows & Byrne Bunratty: Hours, Sales & Store Guide** · **Mater Private Visiting Hours: Dublin and Cork Rules**

For example, the Chemist Warehouse Gungahlin opening hours provide a detailed breakdown of store schedules for that specific Canberra location.

Frequently asked questions