'Significant milestone' for popular shopping centre as Cork Decathlon store set to open later this month 

Sports retail giant Decathlon will open its first Cork store at Douglas Village Shopping Centre on Friday, October 16. 

The 2,300sq m space is upstairs in the Tesco outlet.

This will be Decathlon’s fourth store in Ireland, with the retailer already operating in Ballymun and O’Connell St in Dublin, as well as in Parkway, Limerick.

Founded in Lille, France, in 1976, Decathlon has grown in to a global sporting brand with stores in more than 70 countries.

Decathlon made €16.8bn in sales across 82 countries last year.

In recent years, Decathlon was mooted for several retail outlet and shopping-centre vacancies in the city, and in March 2026, Elena Pecos, Decathlon UK and Ireland chief executive, said opening in Cork was a “long-standing ambition” for the group.

Douglas Village Shopping Centre is owned by Urban Green Property, which was founded by developer Tom Coughlan.

Mr Coughlan said: “Decathlon is a fantastic fit for Douglas and for Cork. This is a significant milestone for the centre and reflects our continued commitment to bringing leading international brands and an outstanding retail experience to our customers.

“Their arrival further strengthens the centre’s retail offering and reinforces Douglas Village’s position as one of Cork’s leading shopping destinations.”

Alberto Mendiola, regional director of Decathlon Ireland, said opening in Cork is a special moment for the retailer.

“We have wanted to bring a store here for a long time and, since announcing our plans, the enthusiasm we’ve received from people across Cork has been incredible.”