Overview
Jervis Street runs north‑south through the heart of Dublin’s city centre, linking Parnell Street to Ormond Quay Lower. The street is intersected by Mary Street, Abbey Street Upper and Strand Street Great, placing it within a dense grid of commercial and cultural landmarks. Today the street is best known for the Jervis Shopping Centre – a three‑storey glass‑roofed complex that houses over 60 retailers, a variety of eateries and a lively family‑friendly atmosphere.
Geography & Dimensions
According to the Irish place‑name database and cartographic records, Jervis Street is approximately 400 m (1,300 ft) long and 12 m (39 ft) wide. Its coordinates are 53°20′55″ N 6°15′59″ W (53.3485 N, ‑6.2665 W).
History
The street takes its name from Sir Humphrey Jervis, a 17th‑century developer who purchased part of the St Mary’s Abbey estate in 1674. Jervis laid out the street, which first appeared on Charles Brooking’s 1728 map of Dublin, alongside neighbouring thoroughfares such as Capel Street and Mary Street.
In its early days the area was a fashionable residential quarter; notable residents included surgeon Samuel Croker‑King, the first president of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. By the late 18th century the neighbourhood’s prestige began to wane as newer estates developed further out. The 19th century saw the street become part of Dublin’s busy retail spine, anchored by nearby Henry Street and Capel Street.
At the turn of the 20th century, the Todd Burns department store was erected on the corner of Mary Street and Jervis Street – a building that now serves as the Irish headquarters of Penneys (Primark). The original Georgian houses gradually fell into disrepair and were largely demolished throughout the first half of the 20th century. It was once the location of the Jervis Street Hospital which has since become the Jervis Shopping Centre, opened in 1996, signalling a new commercial era for the street.
Architecture & Design
The Jervis Shopping Centre is distinguished by its red brick façade and a sweeping glass roof that floods the interior with natural daylight. The three‑storey layout is organised around a central atrium, with lifts and escalators providing step‑free access to all levels. Sustainable features include energy‑efficient lighting, extensive recycling stations and a building‑wide waste‑reduction programme.
Recent Developments
- American Eagle Outfitters opened its first Irish store in the Jervis Shopping Centre on 5 August 2021, adding a fresh fashion option for shoppers.
- The centre continues to refresh its tenant mix, with recent arrivals such as River Island, Bershka and a dedicated Kids Eat Free Tuesday promotion at Eddie Rocket’s.
- Seasonal events – from a Santa‑Claus visit in December to Easter egg hunts and summer pop‑up markets – are hosted regularly, making the centre a year‑round family destination.
Shopping Highlights
The centre’s retail mix balances high‑street staples and independent boutiques:
- Fashion: JD Sports, River Island, Bershka, American Eagle, New Look, Primark (head‑quarters on Mary Street), and TK Maxx.
- Technology & Home: Argos, Currys, and a range of gadget kiosks.
- Food & Drink: A third‑floor food court hosts McDonald’s, Nando’s, Eddie Rocket’s (with the popular Kids Eat Free Tuesday), and a selection of cafés.
- Specialty: Butler’s Chocolate Café (Unit 1B) offers award‑winning hot chocolate and a loose‑chocolate display for personalised gifts.
What to See & Do
Jervis Shopping Centre
The centre’s striking red façade and sweeping glass roof create a bright, airy shopping environment. Visitors can browse a mix of high‑street fashion, beauty, technology and accessory stores – from JD Sports and Debenhams to a curated selection of independent boutiques. The third floor is dedicated to dining, offering everything from fast‑food chains such as McDonald’s and Nando’s to specialty cafés.
Butler’s Chocolate Café occupies Unit 1B on the ground floor. Here you can savour award‑winning hot chocolate, a range of coffee drinks and an array of luxury chocolates that make perfect gifts or souvenirs. The café also offers a loose‑chocolate display where visitors can pick up a personalised box of treats.
The centre frequently hosts seasonal events – for example, a Santa‑Claus visit during the Christmas period, Easter egg‑hunting activities for children, and summer pop‑up markets featuring local artisans. Sustainability is a core focus, with recycling stations, energy‑efficient lighting and a commitment to reducing waste across the building.
Nearby Attractions
Because Jervis Street sits in Dublin’s cultural district, a number of iconic sites are within easy walking distance:
- Abbey Theatre – Ireland’s national theatre, located just a few minutes’ walk east on Abbey Street.
- Aviva Stadium – The modern sporting arena on the south side of the River Liffey, reachable via a short Luas ride or a 15‑minute stroll.
- Christ Church Cathedral – A short walk north on Abbey Street leads to this medieval cathedral, one of Dublin’s most photographed landmarks.
- The Spire, O’Connell Street and historic Abbey Street are also nearby, offering quick access to shopping, dining and cultural experiences.
The Red‑line Luas tram stop directly outside the centre provides swift connections to the city’s major sights.
Transport & Access
- Luas: Red Line stop Jervis is situated on the street’s north side. Services run every 7‑10 minutes on weekdays and every 10‑12 minutes at weekends.
- Bus: Dublin Bus routes 14, 15A, 27, 46A and 151 pass within a two‑minute walk, linking the area to the city centre, the Docklands and the north‑side suburbs.
- Car: On‑site multi‑storey car park (APCOA) accessed from Jervis Street. Opening hours 06:00 – 01:00 daily. Rates: €3.70 per hour, €7.40 for 2 h, €11.10 for 3 h, €14.80 for 4 h; daily maximum €20 (weekday) or €20 (weekend). Evening rate (18:00‑01:00) €10.00. Electric‑vehicle charging points (2) are available on the ground floor.
- Cycling: Bike racks are located at the ground‑floor entrances on both sides of the centre. The nearby Dublin Port Greenway provides a traffic‑free route for cyclists.
Safety & Recent Incidents
- October 2023: A fire broke out in the centre’s multi‑storey car park, prompting a temporary closure of Jervis Street and a short suspension of Luas services. Firefighters contained the blaze and the street reopened the following day.
- May 2024: A stabbing incident occurred near the Jervis Luas stop. Gardaí sealed off the area for forensic examination; the street was reopened shortly afterwards. While isolated, these incidents are worth noting for visitors planning evening trips.
Practical Information
The Jervis Shopping Centre is open daily, with most retail outlets operating from 09:00 – 21:00 (hours can vary by store). There is no admission fee – entry to the centre and the street is free. Parking is available in a large car park accessed via Jervis Street, with competitive rates for city‑centre visitors.
Getting there
- Public transport: The Red Line Luas tram stops at Jervis, and several Dublin Bus routes serve the surrounding streets.
- Driving: The on‑site car park offers easy access; look for signage for “Jervis Street Parking”.
Contact & online resources
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | (no official website available) |
| Phone | +353 1 878 1323 (verify correct number) |
| Address | 125 Upper Abbey St, Dublin 1, D01 X2K7 |
| Google Maps | View location |
The centre’s management provides customer lockers, phone‑care repair services and a range of promotional offers (e.g., student discounts at JD Sports, mid‑week lunch deals at Eddie Rocket’s). For families, the centre’s “Kids Eat Free Tuesday” at Eddie Rocket’s and regular holiday events add extra value.
Accessibility The shopping centre is fully wheelchair‑accessible, with lifts serving all three floors and tactile paving for the visually impaired. Service counters are staffed by multilingual personnel, and free Wi‑Fi is available throughout the premises.