Lidl Ireland has officially opened the doors to its brand-new city centre store in Merchants Quay Shopping Centre today, expanding the retailer’s presence in County Cork to 23 stores. Located on Patrick’s Street in Merchant’s Quay shopping centre, the store opening represents a major investment of €4.5 million and has created more than 20 new permanent retail jobs for the local community.
Cork businesswoman and influencer Lisa Jordan had the honour of cutting the ribbon this morning to officially welcome shoppers into the new store. The first ten early bird customers in line were rewarded with complimentary Lidl gift vouchers to spend in-store.
To mark the opening day celebrations, representatives from local charity Cork City Missing Persons Search & Recovery were in attendance to receive a donation of €1,000 in Lidl vouchers from the store team. The voluntary organisation provides vital 24 hour search, rescue, and recovery support services across Cork City and the surrounding region.
The new store features Lidl’s modern concept design, with a spacious 1,530 sqm sales floor. Optimised for city centre convenience, the store features 16 tills, including 14 self-service checkouts, celebrating the installation of Lidl’s milestone 200th self-service checkout in Ireland. Shoppers can also look forward to enjoying Lidl’s popular in-store bakery along with its off-licence.
Speaking at the official opening, Tara O’Connor, Regional Managing Director for Munster region at Lidl Ireland, said:
“Opening the doors to our new store in Merchants Quay Shopping Centre today is a fantastic occasion for Lidl Ireland and for Cork city centre. Having stood vacant for a few years, we are thrilled to breathe new life into this prominent commercial space in Merchants Quay shopping centre and offer local shoppers, workers, and visitors an exceptional shopping experience right in the heart of Cork city centre.
Following the extensive refurbishment of our Cornmarket Street store last year, this second city centre location reflects our continued commitment and investment in our Cork city store network. We are proud to create more than 20 new permanent jobs and bring Lidl’s market-leading quality and value directly to the doorstep of the city centre community. We look forward to welcoming everyone through the doors of Lidl Merchants Quay just in time to enjoy the Halloween festivities.”
Cork businesswoman and influencer Lisa Jordan added:
“It was a real privilege to cut the ribbon and officially open the new Lidl store in Merchants Quay Shopping Centre this morning. The atmosphere was fantastic, and it was brilliant to meet so many local shoppers eager to explore the new store. I am delighted to be part of opening day and to welcome everyone to this brilliant new addition to the city centre.”
Lidl’s investment in Merchants Quay contributes significantly to the broader local economy across County Cork, where Lidl Ireland procured over €136 million worth of goods and services from 120 Cork agri-food suppliers and business partners in 2025. Key local suppliers include Keohane Seafoods Ltd, which secured a €30 million contract with Lidl in 2025 to supply seafood products across Ireland.
Last week, Lidl Ireland announced a major €420 million investment programme for Munster, including €306 million earmarked for County Cork, as the retailer sets out plans to significantly expand its operations, employment and long-term contribution across the region.
Lidl Ireland was named a ‘Top Employer’ by the Top Employers Institute in 2026 for the sixth year running. The retailer was also named #1 Value for Money Organisation in the 2026 RepTrak Ireland study and Most Sustainable Retailer in Ireland in the RepTrak® Sustainability Index 2025.
Lidl Ireland currently employs more than 6,300 employees across its 194 stores, Head Office in Tallaght, and three distribution centres.
Lidl Merchants Quay will operate under the following opening hours: Monday – Wednesday: 08:00 – 19:00, Thursday – Friday: 08:00 – 20:00, Saturday: 08:00 – 19:00 and Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00
For further information, opening offers, and career opportunities, please visit www.lidl.ie.
