CORK city centre may not have experienced the same wave of fascia changes this year as in previous cycles, but that doesn’t mean activity has stalled. One of the most notable milestones was the October opening of Urban Outfitters in the former Dorothy Perkins unit beside Dunnes Stores on St Patrick’s Street. Maura and Joe Carey from Bakestone pictured at the opening of Bakestone cafe and restaurant in Cork City centre last May. Approximately 84% of St Patrick’s Street units are occupied, with another 4% under redevelopment, leaving around 12% vacant — a manageable figure in the current climate. Taken together, these factors point to a city centre that is quietly but confidently re-establishing itself as a resilient, attractive retail destination.

Source: Irish Examiner December 24, 2025 10:00 UTC