16 October 2026
By Mary Bermingham
mary@TheCork.ie

Where: Above Tesco

Cork hurling legend Patrick Horgan was on hand today to officially open Decathlon’s much-anticipated new store at Douglas Village Shopping Centre, marking a major milestone for the global sports retailer as it opens its first location in Cork.

The former Cork hurler joined representatives from Decathlon, Tesco Ireland and Douglas Village Shopping Centre to celebrate the opening, welcoming the first customers through the doors of the new store.

Located within Tesco at Douglas Village Shopping Centre, the new 2,300 sqm store is Decathlon’s fourth location in Ireland and brings the retailer’s extensive range of affordable, quality sporting goods to Cork and the wider Munster region for the first time.

To mark the occasion, Decathlon is hosting a weekend of celebrations, with customers invited to enjoy interactive games, exciting prizes and fun sporting challenges for all ages across Friday and Saturday.

With sport at the heart of Cork’s identity, the arrival of Decathlon is set to be a welcome addition for local sporting clubs, families, fitness enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

Spanning more than 2,300 sqm of sales space, the new store offers thousands of products across a wide range of sports, including running, hiking, fitness, swimming, cycling, football, rugby and padel. From first football boots and running shoes to camping equipment, bikes and specialist sporting gear, the store caters for everyone from those discovering a new activity to experienced athletes.

Customers can also avail of Decathlon services including Click & Collect, providing convenient local access to the brand’s wider online range, alongside circular initiatives such as Buyback, helping to keep quality sporting equipment in play for longer.

Alberto Mendiola, Regional Director of Decathlon Ireland, said:

“Today is a hugely exciting day for Decathlon as we officially open our first store in Cork. We’ve wanted to bring Decathlon to Cork for a long time, and the enthusiasm and anticipation we’ve experienced since announcing our plans has been incredible.

“Cork has such a proud sporting tradition, so it’s particularly special to have one of the county’s best-known sporting figures, Patrick Horgan, join us to celebrate this milestone. Whether it’s hurling, football, running, cycling, swimming or getting outdoors, sport is part of everyday life here, and we want Decathlon to become part of that community.

“Our ambition is to make sport accessible to as many people as possible, and we’re delighted to finally open our doors and welcome the people of Cork to experience everything Decathlon has to offer.”

The opening forms part of a wider transformation of Tesco Douglas, following a multi-million euro investment by Tesco to enhance the shopping experience for customers.

Maria Del Pilar, Store Manager at Decathlon Cork said: “The entire team here in Douglas has been working around the clock to get the store ready, and we couldn’t be prouder of how it has come together. Cork is a community that lives and breathes sport, and our goal is to support every athlete, family, and beginner on their journey. We have been so excited to celebrate with you all.”

Paul Healy, Retail Operations Director at Tesco Ireland, said:

“It’s fantastic to see the partnership between Tesco and Decathlon come to life here in Douglas, and to officially welcome customers to this exciting new addition to the store. We know our customers value quality, choice and convenience, and having Decathlon under the same roof brings something completely new to their shopping experience. There’s been huge anticipation around Decathlon’s arrival in Cork, and it’s wonderful to see the doors finally open. The investment in Tesco Douglas, together with Decathlon’s arrival, marks an exciting new chapter for the store and we’re delighted to celebrate this milestone with the local community.”

Tom Coughlan, owner of Douglas Village Shopping Centre, commented:

“We’re absolutely delighted to officially welcome Decathlon to Douglas Village Shopping Centre. The opening of its first Cork store 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. Decathlon is a fantastic fit for Douglas and for Cork, a county with such a strong sporting culture and active community. Its arrival further strengthens the centre’s retail offering and reinforces Douglas Village’s position as one of Cork’s leading shopping destinations.

“We’re very proud to play a part in bringing a brand of Decathlon’s calibre to Cork for the first time, and we look forward to welcoming customers from across the city and beyond to experience the new store.”

For more see www.decathlon.ie