A perfect example of a mix of history and modernity.
Carlow Shopping Centre was established on the site of the former “The Old Carlow Gaol” (1700s.) – the Old Jail in Carlow town. The entrance, which now leads to the Carlow Shopping Centre was originally the main gate of the Old Jail. The jail was closed in 1897. And then rebuilt by Thomas Thompson. The renovated parts of the former jail are still inside the shopping centre.
The building is haunted by a ghost. This is the ghost of Lucinda Sly – the last woman who was publicly hanged in a former jail. In the last years, many strange and unexplained incidents have taken place in the building – i.e. mysterious lights and voices appearing and moving equipment. This was even shown on a national television station on a program about paranormal phenomena in Ireland.
The Carlow Shopping Centre was opened in April 1994. It’s located on Kennedy Ave, opposite The Liberty Tree square.
This centre is a very interesting place, the interior is beautiful, well-integrated fragments of the former jail and a glass roof. In the heart of the Carlow Shopping Centre there is a restaurant – Gourment House. Traditionally the Centre Cafe is known as a great meeting point for all age groups or even those who just want Time out on their own and watch the world go by. The restaurant offers a full Irish breakfast, hot lunches with a large selection of main dishes and salads, as well as homemade desserts, pastries and rolls.
April 2015 saw the re-opening of the much loved cinema in Carlow Shopping Centre – Onimplex Cinema. The new cinema boasts the latest in both audio and visual technology in addition to the already famous “Rocker Chairs”.
As of today, the following stores and services are located in the Carlow Shopping Centre:
- Gourment House (cafe and restaurant)
- McCauley Health & Beauty Pharmacy (a very large and well-stocked pharmacy)
- CENTZ (discount store)
- Claires (jewelry and hair accessories store)
- Cups`n Cones (Italian gelato & whipped ice cream)
- Penneys (fashion, beauty and homeware)
- Alive & Well (health store)
- TRAX (phone repairs)
- Peter Mark (hair salon)
- My Fair Lady (fashion)
- Second Chance (charity shop) – I was volunteering here since November 2018 to July 2019!
- Cobalt REBEL (desing & fashion)
- Hale Vaping (e-cigarette store)
- Planet Auto (motor factors)
- A-spec (Security system)
- Serena Boutiques (fashion, shoes and accessories)
- énergie Fitness Carlow (gym/physical fitness centre)
- Omniplex Cinema
The largest preserved fragment of the former jail – where the so-called governor’s house. Plaque commemorating the construction of the centre by Thomas Thompson. And also plaque commemorating Lucinda Sly – last women publicly hanged in Carlow Goal on 30th March 1835.
I like the look and decor of the entire Carlow Shopping Centre. Especially during Halloween and Christmas time all centre is decorated brilliant.
On every first Saturday of the month in Carlow Shopping Centre take place craft fair.
Location of Carlow Shopping Centre:
