Paul Street Plaza - Image 1
1 / 10

Paul Street Plaza

4.2
·940 reviews·Cork, Ireland

A vibrant shopping hub in Cork city, featuring a mix of modern retailers, essential services, and a convenient car park.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Paul Street Plaza - Image 1

Paul Street Plaza

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant shopping hub in Cork city, featuring a mix of modern retailers, essential services, and a convenient car park.

4.2
(940 reviews)

"Great atmosphere and so much shopping and shop's there."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Nostalgia

The car park offers a nostalgic feel, though it's a convenient spot near the Opera House. :car:

☕ Coffee Break Spot

Enjoy a relaxing coffee break with outdoor seating available. :coffee:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Refreshed Retail Experience

Refreshed Retail Experience

Downstairs Area

Discover a vibrant mix of new and existing shops, offering a modern and exciting shopping atmosphere.

Bennetts Shoe Repairs

Bennetts Shoe Repairs

Ground Floor

Highly recommended for quality shoe repairs, a trusted service within the plaza.

Convenient Multi-Story Car Park

Convenient Multi-Story Car Park

Quay Side Entrance

An ideal parking solution, easily accessible from the Quay side, close to the Opera House.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Navigating Paul Street Plaza

Paul Street Plaza is a bustling hub in Cork city. While it offers a great variety of shops and a refreshed downstairs area, be prepared for potential frustrations. Some visitors find the Tesco checkout system inconvenient, and the multi-story car park can feel dated, though it's conveniently located near the Opera House.

Shopping & Services

This plaza boasts a mix of popular retailers like Lovisa and a well-regarded Bennetts shoe repair service. For a quick bite or coffee, you'll find options including O'Brien's restaurant and a coffee shop. Keep an eye out for new additions, as it's a dynamic retail space.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Post-work buzz, vibrant atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

New Shop in Cork😍❤️‍🔥 @Lovisa #newshop #lovisa #jewellery #cork
@anchisamac
6.7K likes • 93.3K views

🚗 Parking Nostalgia

The car park offers a nostalgic feel, though it's a convenient spot near the Opera House. :car:

☕ Coffee Break Spot

Enjoy a relaxing coffee break with outdoor seating available. :coffee:

Paul mescal in cork #paulmescal #fyp #cork #ireland #irelandtiktok
@stephaniewoood
6.7K likes • 187.1K views
7am only here @Cian #yupbro #dublin #cork #ciankennedy #funny
@ronancurley7
5K likes • 66.4K views

👟 Shoe Repair Gem

Don't miss Bennetts for excellent shoe repairs – a local favorite! :athletic_shoe:

🛒 Tesco Checkout Woes

Be prepared for potential self-service only at Tesco; some find it inconvenient. :warning:

A Dubliner in Cork getting all the best local spots… save this for your next trip ✅ ft. @King 🐉 #cork #corkcity #thingstodoincork
@urbanoutfitterseu
4.1K likes • 943.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Nostalgia

The car park offers a nostalgic feel, though it's a convenient spot near the Opera House. :car:

☕ Coffee Break Spot

Enjoy a relaxing coffee break with outdoor seating available. :coffee:

👟 Shoe Repair Gem

Don't miss Bennetts for excellent shoe repairs – a local favorite! :athletic_shoe:

🛒 Tesco Checkout Woes

Be prepared for potential self-service only at Tesco; some find it inconvenient. :warning:

What Travellers Say

4.2
(940 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Paul Street Plaza is appreciated for its refreshed retail spaces and convenient central location, with Bennetts Shoe Repairs being a standout service. However, some visitors find the Tesco supermarket's self-service checkout system and lack of baskets to be a significant drawback, detracting from an otherwise positive shopping experience.

"The car parking area still brings Me back in time, so enjoy the nostalgia, instead of seeing old a d shabby, but lovely to see the downstairs area looking so refreshed, new and existing shops all looking good."

Victoria ODonoghue

"I had a great time at Paul Street Shopping Centre. The variety of stores was impressive, and the layout was easy to navigate. I enjoyed a relaxing coffee break in the outdoor seating area. The staff were friendly, and the overall vibe was welcoming. Definitely a place I'd return to"

VALARY JEMUTAI

"Bustling shopping mall in centre of city, Tesco, OBrien restaurant, a coffee shop, Bennetts shoe repairs which I highly recommend wouldn't go anywhere else for my shoe repairs, jewellery store & much more & a multistory carpark, which is ideal & can be entered from the Quay side up from the Opera house"

elizabeth connolly

What People Like

Refreshed downstairs area
Bennetts shoe repairs
Central location

What People Dislike

Tesco checkout system
Dated car park feel

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Paul Street Plaza is centrally located in Cork city. It's easily accessible by foot from many city center locations. Public transport options are plentiful, with numerous bus routes stopping nearby. The multi-story car park is accessible from the Quay side, up from the Opera House. TikTok

Yes, there is a multi-story car park available at Paul Street Plaza, with an entrance on the Quay side, conveniently located near the Opera House. Reddit

Absolutely! Paul Street Plaza is in the heart of Cork city, making it a walkable destination from many popular spots like the English Market or the Opera House. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Paul Street Plaza is a public shopping center, and there are no tickets required for entry. You can freely explore the shops and common areas. TikTok

Opening hours can vary slightly depending on the individual stores within the plaza. Generally, most shops are open from morning until early evening, with Tesco often having extended hours. It's best to check the specific store hours if you have a particular shop in mind.

There are no admission fees to enter Paul Street Plaza itself. You only pay for any purchases you make within the shops or for services like parking. Reddit

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Stores

Paul Street Plaza offers a diverse range of shops, including fashion retailers like Lovisa, a large Tesco supermarket, Bennetts shoe repairs, O'Brien's restaurant, and a coffee shop. TikTokReddit

Yes, you'll find fashion retailers such as Lovisa, offering a variety of jewelry and accessories. The plaza is a good spot for browsing different styles. TikTok

Yes, Paul Street Plaza has dining options including O'Brien's restaurant and a coffee shop, perfect for a break during your shopping trip. TikTok

The Tesco in Paul Street Plaza has received mixed reviews. While it's a convenient supermarket, some visitors have expressed frustration with the checkout process, particularly the reliance on self-service and the lack of readily available baskets. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

While not a primary tourist attraction for photography, the plaza's refreshed downstairs area offers a modern aesthetic. The exterior architecture and the bustling atmosphere can also make for interesting shots. TikTok

Generally, you can take photos inside the shops for personal use, but it's always polite to ask staff if you're unsure, especially if you're taking extensive photos or filming. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Paul Street Plaza can be a convenient stop for families, especially for quick shopping needs. The presence of a large Tesco means you can easily pick up essentials or snacks. While there aren't specific play areas, the central location makes it easy to combine a visit with other family-friendly activities in Cork city. Consider a coffee break at the on-site coffee shop to give little ones a rest. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Paul Street Plaza offers opportunities for affordable shopping and dining. Tesco provides a cost-effective option for groceries and snacks. Reddit Keep an eye out for sales or promotions in the various retail stores. The plaza itself is free to enter, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere without spending money. TikTok

🛍️ Shoppers

Paul Street Plaza is a go-to for shoppers looking for a variety of goods. From fashion and jewelry at Lovisa TikTok to essential shoe repairs at Bennetts,Reddit the plaza caters to diverse needs. The refreshed downstairs area offers a modern retail experience, and the central location makes it easy to access during a day of exploring Cork's shopping scene. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Tesco Experience

The Tesco supermarket within Paul Street Plaza is a significant presence, offering a wide range of groceries and essentials. However, it's also a point of contention for some shoppers. Several visitors have voiced their dissatisfaction with the checkout system, citing a lack of physical baskets and a strong reliance on self-service checkouts. This can be particularly frustrating for those who prefer traditional cashier assistance or are making quick purchases. Reddit

Despite these criticisms, the Tesco remains a convenient option for many, especially given its central location within the shopping center. If you plan to shop here, be prepared for the self-service setup and consider visiting during off-peak hours to potentially minimize wait times. Reddit

Navigating the Car Park

The multi-story car park at Paul Street Plaza is a key amenity, offering a secure place to leave your vehicle while you explore Cork city. It's conveniently situated with an entrance on the Quay side, just up from the iconic Opera House. This prime location makes it an attractive option for those arriving by car, providing easy access to both the plaza and surrounding attractions. Reddit

While functional, some reviews suggest the car park retains a sense of nostalgia, with a character that harks back to older designs. Despite this, it's generally considered a practical and essential facility for visitors who prefer to drive. The ease of access and proximity to the city center are its main selling points. Reddit

Shopping and Services

Paul Street Plaza is a dynamic retail environment with a good mix of shops and services. You'll find popular brands like Lovisa for jewelry and accessories, offering a modern shopping experience. TikTok For those needing repairs, Bennetts Shoe Repairs comes highly recommended by locals for their quality workmanship. Reddit

Beyond retail, the plaza caters to your needs with dining options such as O'Brien's restaurant and a dedicated coffee shop, perfect for a midday break or a quick refreshment. TikTok The overall atmosphere is described as bustling and welcoming, making it a pleasant place to spend time. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2