Overview
MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre sits on the edge of Kilkenny’s historic train station, turning a former famine workhouse and railway complex into a bustling, award‑winning city‑centre destination. The centre blends contemporary retail with heritage, offering more than 35 top‑brand stores, a lively food precinct called Workhouse Square, and a suite of services designed for families, older visitors and those with sensory needs. Whether you’re hunting the latest fashion, sampling a quick coffee, or stepping into the free Kilkenny Famine Experience, the centre provides a comfortable, accessible environment that reflects Kilkenny’s rich past while looking firmly to the future.
History & Background
The heart of MacDonagh Junction is the beautifully restored former Kilkenny Famine Workhouse, a building that once housed the most vulnerable during the Great Famine of the 1840s. Adjacent railway structures have also been sensitively renovated, preserving the industrial character of the site. In 2005 an archaeological investigation uncovered more than 970 human remains, offering rare osteo‑archaeological insight into survival during the famine. A bronze sculpture, commissioned in 2017, now stands in the Famine Memorial Garden as a tribute to those who suffered.
Ownership & Development
In May 2018 Davy Real Estate’s fund acquired the remaining 50 % stake in the centre, taking full ownership of the €20 million‑valued asset. The centre, which opened just before the 2007 property crash, now generates a rent roll of around €3 million and recorded footfall of over 3.2 million shoppers in 2017. Recent developments include a new 650 m² lease to Lifestyle Sports in the historic Goods Shed and the conversion of the vaulted stone building into additional retail space.
Centre Statistics
- Total floor area: ~25,000 m² (270,000 ft²) of retail space
- Number of stores: 35 + (including anchor tenant Dunnes Stores, which occupies roughly 7,000 m²)
- Annual footfall: >3.2 million (2017 data)
- Parking capacity: 500+ spaces, EV charging points available
What to See & Do
Retail Therapy
The shopping mix is deliberately diverse, catering to fashion lovers, tech enthusiasts and everyday shoppers. Key retailers include:
- Dunnes Stores – Ireland’s beloved department store with food, fashion and homeware.
- Next, River Island, H&M, TK Maxx – Trend‑forward clothing for all ages.
- Boots, Claire’s, Carraig Donn, Jack & Jones, Regatta – Accessories, beauty and casual wear.
- Life Style Sports, Champion Sports, Field’s Jewellers – Sports gear and jewellery.
- Eason, The Works, Card Factory – Books, stationery and gift items.
- Holland & Barrett – Health‑food and wellness retailer (added 2024).
Specialty services such as Peter Mark Hairstylists, Boston Barber, Flair Beauty Boutique, Byrne Eyecare and Eden Medical add a personal‑care dimension to the retail experience.
Food & Drink – Workhouse Square
Beneath a huge glazed atrium, the Workhouse Square courtyard offers a covered outdoor ambience perfect for a coffee break or a sit‑down meal. Options include:
- Costa Coffee and Starbucks – International coffee chains with free Wi‑Fi.
- Quigley’s Café, The Panty, O’Brien’s Bagel Bar & Sandwich Factory – Local favourites serving pastries, bagels and light lunches.
- Eddie Rocket’s – Classic American‑style diner fare, conveniently located at the main entrance.
- Holland & Barrett – Health‑focused snacks and drinks.
Leisure & Family Activities
- K‑Bowl Tenpin Bowling – A fun indoor bowling alley for all ages.
- Art It Drop‑In Studio – Creative workshops where visitors can try their hand at painting and crafts.
- Free Play Area in Workhouse Square – A safe space for children to burn off energy while parents shop.
- Foroige Drum Youth Centre – A hub for local youth activities.
- Cinema – A small multiplex offering the latest family‑friendly releases (added 2023).
Heritage Highlights
- Kilkenny Famine Experience – Free, self‑guided audio‑visual exhibition detailing the workhouse’s history.
- Famine Memorial Garden & Time Capsule – Outdoor installations that honour Kilkenny’s past.
- Archaeological Insights – The 2005 discovery of over 970 human remains provides a poignant, scientific perspective on the famine.
- Bronze Memorial Sculpture – Installed in 2017, it commemorates the victims of the Great Famine.
Events & Community Initiatives
MacDonagh Junction runs a calendar of inclusive events:
- Age‑Friendly Shopping – Discounted parking and quieter shopping hours on Wednesday mornings.
- Autism‑Friendly Tuesdays – Dedicated sensory‑friendly sessions for families with autistic children.
- Ladies Day 2025 – A special shopping event for women (scheduled for 2025).
- Therapie Clinic Grand Opening – New health‑clinic offering free consultations.
- Christmas Corporate Orders – Seasonal service for bulk gifting.
- Seasonal Pop‑up Markets – Occasional craft and food markets (announced via social media).
Follow the centre’s Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates.
Practical Information
Address & Contact
- Address: Hebron Road, Highhays, Kilkenny (near the train station)
- Phone: +353 56 777 7600
- Email: info@macdonaghjunction.com
- Website: https://macdonaghjunction.com/
Parking & Transport
MacDonagh Junction offers a large car park directly opposite the centre. The current fee is €3 for the first three hours (subject to change). The layout includes dedicated spaces for:
- Older customers
- Sensory‑friendly needs
- Expectant mothers
- Wheelchair users
Electric vehicle charge points are also available. Public transport links include the adjacent Kilkenny train station and regular bus services to the city centre.
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard Parking | €3 for the first 3 hours |
| Age‑Friendly Discount Club | Discounted rates on Wednesday mornings |
| Quiet Hours | Sunday 12:00‑14:00 (reduced music and lighting) |
Accessibility
The centre is fully accessible. Features include:
- Wheelchair and buggy loan – Free on‑site service.
- Elevators and ramps connecting all levels.
- Height‑adjustable baby changing bench and a luxurious baby‑feeding suite.
- Free Wi‑Fi throughout Workhouse Square.
- Quiet hours for sensory‑sensitive visitors.
Services
Beyond retail, the centre provides a range of practical amenities:
- Power‑bank rental for charging devices.
- First‑aid station.
- Postal kiosk and ATM.
- Gift cards available for most retailers.
- Parent and toddler parking and pregnancy parking spaces close to the entrance.
Opening Hours & Admission
MacDonagh Junction operates daily:
- Mon‑Fri: 09:30 – 21:00
- Sat: 09:00 – 19:00
- Sun: 10:00 – 18:00
Individual store hours may vary. Admission to the centre and the Kilkenny Famine Experience is free of charge.
Nearby Attractions
The centre’s central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Kilkenny’s historic heart. Within a short walk you’ll find:
- Kilkenny Castle – a medieval fortress set in beautiful parkland.
- Black Abbey – a 13th‑century Dominican abbey with stunning stained glass.
- Kilkenny City – vibrant streets, craft shops and the famous Craft Centre.
- St. Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower – historic religious sites.
Combine a shopping break at MacDonagh Junction with a stroll along the River Nore or a visit to the nearby Black Abbey for a full Kilkenny experience.
Why Visit?
MacDonagh Junction is more than a shopping mall; it is a living museum where the echoes of Kilkenny’s past mingle with contemporary retail energy. Its award‑winning age‑friendly initiatives, extensive family facilities and free heritage attractions make it a standout stop on any Kilkenny itinerary. Whether you have a few hours between sightseeing or a full day to explore, the centre offers a comfortable, inclusive environment that showcases the best of Kilkenny’s commercial and cultural life.