Waterford

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Shopping Centers

Sections

1. City Square Shopping Centre

Overview:
City Square Shopping Centre is one of the most popular shopping destinations in Waterford, located in the heart of the city. It offers a mix of high-street brands, local stores, and dining options, making it a convenient spot for both shopping and leisure.

Shopping Options:

  • Fashion & Accessories: Stores like Penneys (Primark), River Island, JD Sports, and H&M cater to a variety of styles and budgets.
  • Beauty & Health: Boots and Holland & Barrett are available for cosmetics, skincare, and health products.
  • Electronics & Gifts: Argos and Eir provide electronics, gadgets, and gift options.
  • Local Stores: Some smaller shops offer Irish-made products and souvenirs.

Dining Facilities:

  • A food court with options like Costa Coffee, Subway, and local cafรฉs.
  • Nearby restaurants outside the center offer more dining variety, including Irish and international cuisine.

Entertainment:

  • While the center itself doesnโ€™t have dedicated entertainment facilities, its central location makes it easy to access nearby attractions like the Viking Triangle and Waterford Crystal.

Costs:

  • Affordable to mid-range pricing for most stores.
  • Dining options range from โ‚ฌ5-โ‚ฌ15 per person for casual meals.

Accessibility:

  • Fully wheelchair accessible with elevators and wide aisles.
  • Accessible restrooms are available.
  • Located in the city center, itโ€™s easily reachable by public transport or on foot.

Parking:

  • A multi-story car park is available with reasonable rates (approximately โ‚ฌ1.50 per hour).
  • Free parking promotions may be available during certain times of the year.

Local Tips:

  • Visit during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds.
  • Check for seasonal sales, especially around Christmas and summer.

2. Ardkeen Shopping Centre

Overview:
Located in the suburbs of Waterford, Ardkeen Shopping Centre is a smaller but well-loved shopping destination, particularly for groceries, specialty foods, and local products.

Shopping Options:

  • Groceries: SuperValu is the anchor tenant, offering a wide range of fresh produce, Irish products, and international foods.
  • Specialty Stores: Ardkeen Quality Food Store is renowned for its artisan and gourmet food selection, including locally sourced items.
  • Pharmacy & Health: Sam McCauley Chemists and other health stores are available.
  • Other Stores: A mix of smaller shops selling books, gifts, and home goods.

Dining Facilities:

  • A few cafรฉs and bakeries offering light meals, coffee, and pastries.
  • Nearby restaurants provide additional dining options.

Entertainment:

  • No dedicated entertainment facilities, but the center is close to the Waterford Greenway, a scenic walking and cycling route.

Costs:

  • Mid-range pricing, with some premium options for artisan foods.
  • Dining costs are typically โ‚ฌ5-โ‚ฌ10 for light meals.

Accessibility:

  • Fully wheelchair accessible.
  • Ample parking spaces, including designated spots for disabled visitors.

Parking:

  • Free parking is available, making it convenient for visitors.

Local Tips:

  • Ideal for food lovers and those looking for unique Irish products.
  • Visit Ardkeen Quality Food Store for authentic Irish cheeses, meats, and baked goods.

3. Lisduggan Shopping Centre

Overview:
Lisduggan Shopping Centre is a community-focused shopping hub located in a residential area of Waterford. Itโ€™s smaller than City Square but offers essential shopping and services.

Shopping Options:

  • Groceries: Tesco is the main supermarket here, offering a wide range of products.
  • Other Stores: A mix of smaller shops, including a butcher, pharmacy, and discount stores.

Dining Facilities:

  • Limited dining options, mostly small cafรฉs and takeaway outlets.

Entertainment:

  • No dedicated entertainment facilities, but itโ€™s a convenient stop for essentials.

Costs:

  • Budget-friendly, with affordable grocery and shopping options.

Accessibility:

  • Wheelchair accessible.
  • Convenient for locals and visitors staying in nearby accommodations.

Parking:

  • Free parking is available.

Local Tips:

  • A good spot for quick grocery runs or picking up essentials.
  • Not a destination for extensive shopping or entertainment.

4. Waterford Retail Park

Overview:
Located on the outskirts of the city, Waterford Retail Park is a retail-focused destination with larger stores and ample parking. Itโ€™s ideal for home goods, furniture, and electronics shopping.

Shopping Options:

  • Home & Furniture: Harvey Norman, Home Focus, and EZ Living Furniture.
  • Electronics: Currys PC World for gadgets and appliances.
  • Sports & Outdoors: Sports Direct and other stores for activewear and equipment.

Dining Facilities:

  • Limited dining options within the retail park, but nearby cafรฉs and fast-food outlets are available.

Entertainment:

  • No entertainment facilities, as this is primarily a retail destination.

Costs:

  • Mid-range to premium pricing, depending on the store.
  • Great for sales and discounts on larger items.

Accessibility:

  • Fully wheelchair accessible.
  • Wide aisles and spacious stores.

Parking:

  • Free parking with plenty of spaces, including designated spots for disabled visitors.

Local Tips:

  • Ideal for those looking to furnish a home or purchase electronics.
  • Check for seasonal sales, especially during Black Friday and post-Christmas.

5. The Apple Market

Overview:
While not a traditional shopping center, the Apple Market is a vibrant pedestrianized area in Waterfordโ€™s city center. Itโ€™s a hub for dining, nightlife, and boutique shopping.

Shopping Options:

  • Boutique stores offering unique clothing, accessories, and gifts.
  • Local artisan shops for handmade crafts and souvenirs.

Dining Facilities:

  • A wide range of restaurants, pubs, and cafรฉs offering everything from traditional Irish fare to international cuisine.
  • Popular spots include The Reg and Geoffโ€™s Cafรฉ Bar.

Entertainment:

  • Live music and events are often held under the striking glass canopy.
  • A lively nightlife scene with pubs and bars.

Costs:

  • Mid-range to premium pricing for dining and boutique shopping.
  • Drinks and meals at pubs typically cost โ‚ฌ10-โ‚ฌ20.

Accessibility:

  • Fully pedestrianized and wheelchair accessible.
  • Close to public transport links.

Parking:

  • Nearby street parking and city car parks are available (paid).

Local Tips:

  • Visit in the evening to enjoy the lively atmosphere and live music.
  • Great for finding unique gifts and enjoying Waterfordโ€™s social scene.

General Tips for Shopping in Waterford:

  1. Seasonal Sales: Look out for discounts during Black Friday, post-Christmas, and summer sales.
  2. Tax-Free Shopping: Non-EU visitors can claim VAT refunds on certain purchases. Ask for a VAT refund form at participating stores.
  3. Local Products: Donโ€™t miss out on Waterford Crystal, Irish wool products, and artisan foods.
  4. Public Transport: Waterford is well-connected by buses, and most shopping centers are easily accessible.
  5. Timing: Shops typically open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours on Thursdays and Fridays.

Waterford offers a mix of modern shopping centers and unique local experiences, ensuring thereโ€™s something for everyone. Whether youโ€™re looking for high-street brands, artisan foods, or lively entertainment, youโ€™ll find plenty to enjoy in this historic city.