The Square Towncentre

Did Charles Haughey know he was making history? On October 23rd, 1990, he opened The Square Tallaght. A whopping 45,000 people witnessed this moment. The Square Towncentre wasn’t just another shopping centre. It was a symbol of a changing Ireland. The largest shopping centre in Ireland at the time, it cost a staggering £85 million to build. Imagine Gay Byrne broadcasting his radio show from the “Crow’s Nest” inside The Square Towncentre. It was a true spectacle. The Square Towncentre quickly became the heart of Tallaght. It brought jobs and a new energy to the area. This was just the beginning. In the years following The Square Towncentre’s opening, Tallaght saw an explosion of development. Technological University Dublin, the National Basketball Arena, the Civic Theatre, and Tallaght University Hospital all sprung up. The Square Towncentre wasn’t just a place to shop. It became a community hub. It housed government offices like the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Social Protection. It even had its own theatre and library nearby. The Square Towncentre boasts over 163 stores across three levels, attracting 21.7 million visitors annually. Anchor tenants include Dunnes Stores, Penneys, and Tesco. Over 2,500 parking spaces accommodate the crowds. The Square Towncentre has seen its share of drama. Its scenic lifts were notorious for breakdowns, even leading to a lawsuit. They’ve been replaced multiple times. The Square Towncentre has adapted and grown over the years. A south mall extension, expanded parking, and the arrival of the Luas Red Line have all enhanced the experience. Even a pandemic couldn’t stop its progress. Though expansion plans were postponed in 2020, The Square Towncentre continues to thrive. It remains a vital part of Tallaght’s identity, a place where memories are made and generations connect.