The cheapest way to buy organic wholefoods in Ireland is through a bulk buying club – the simplest and most informal type of food co-op.
This page is a noticeboard for established groups that are open to new members and for key contacts who can offer support to new start-ups in their areas. The website also provides plenty of resources starting up from scratch.
NOTICEBOARD
COUNTY CORK
Cork City area – Bia Co-op is a bulk buying club operating monthly orders with Independent Irish Health Foods. It has been running since 1994 and deliveries are on the first Friday of every month. Contact form.
COUNTY DUBLIN
Dublin 1 (Five Lamps) – Small-scale organic wholefood co-op operating since 2012. Supplied by two independent wholesalers. All members volunteer on rota system. Profile / Detailed information (FAQ) / Contact form.
Glenageary – potential weekday morning pick-up option for orders with Carraig Dulra. See County Wicklow – Glenealy for more information on this bulk buying club.
COUNTY MAYO
Charlestown area – Small buying club made up of five local households. Unable to take additional members but happy to offer support and advice to a new start-up in a nearby area. Contact form.
COUNTY TIPPERARY
Cloughjordan – wholefood buyers’ club in Ireland’s first eco-village running alongside other complementary food intiatives, including a community supported agriculture (CSA) project for fresh organic produce.
COUNTY WICKLOW
Bray – Common Ground is a community-based project in North Wicklow that operates a monthly wholefood order for members, sourcing products from the Independent Irish Health Foods (IIHF) catalogue. Profile / More information / Contact details.
Glenealy – Carraig Dulra operates a box scheme and bulk buying club as part of its wider social enterprise project, continuing on from a group that began in 2003. Option to pick up orders in either Glenealy or Glenageary, Co. Dublin. Contact details.
ALL AREAS (IRELAND AND BRITAIN)
In addition to these local contacts, anyone seeking general support and advice on setting up a group can also link with the experienced buying club co-ordinator who created this website and accompanying PDF. Contact form.
Note: By using a contact form link for a group listed on this page your email will be sent directly to their nominated email address for a response. Your data will not be stored as part of this website.
If you would like to take up a free listing on this page, simply fill out this contact form with more information.
Did you know that Dublin Food Co-op and the Urban Co-op in Limerick both began life as bulk buying clubs?