Carlow Shopping Centre was established on the site of the former “The Old Carlow Gaol” (the 1700s.) – the Old Jail in Carlow town. The entrance, which now leads to the 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 prison are still inside the shopping center.
So, this is a perfect example of a mix of history and modernity.
What`s more, the building is haunted by a ghost. This is the ghost of Lucinda Sly – the last woman 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.
Carlow Shopping Centre was opened in April 1994.
It’s located on Kennedy Ave, opposite The Liberty Tree square.
This center is a very interesting place, the interior is beautiful, with well-integrated fragments of the former jail and a glass roof. In the heart of the Centre, there is a restaurant – Gourment House. Traditionally the Centre Cafe is 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 – Onimplex Cinema. The new cinema boasts the latest in audio and visual technology and the already famous “Rocker Chairs”.
As of today, the following stores and services are located in Carlow Shopping Centre:
- Gourment House (cafe and restaurant)
- McCauley Health & Beauty Pharmacy (an extensive 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 (style)
- Second Chance (charity shop) – I was volunteering here from November 2018 to July 2019!
- Cobalt REBEL (design & 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 center)
- Omniplex Cinema
The largest preserved fragment of the former jail – where the so-called governor’s house was. Plaque commemorating the construction of the center by Thomas Thompson. And also a plaque commemorating Lucinda Sly – the last woman publicly hanged in Carlow Goal on 30th March 1835.
I like the look and decor of the entire Centre. Especially during Halloween and Christmas time all center is decorated brilliantly.
On every first Saturday of the month take place a craft fair too.
Location of Carlow Shopping Centre:
