WEALTH September 25, 2026 0 Comments

Kildare Village’s Bold Play: How 20 Years and 5 Million Visitors Could Revolutionize Outlet Shopping Forever

Ever wondered how a humble cluster of 12 boutiques in County Kildare transformed into a bustling retail powerhouse aiming to woo over five million visitors a year? Kildare Village isn’t just expanding its footprint—it’s rewriting the rulebook on retail and tourism growth, fueled by a whopping €185 million investment over twenty years. This destination doesn’t just sell brands; it creates jobs for 1,500 locals across 125 labels and pumps vitality into the regional economy, employing mostly Kildare residents. As it celebrates two decades of evolution—from pioneering Ireland’s shopping village concept to becoming the exclusive Irish home for over 60 international brands—this retail gem is gearing up for its next bold leap. So, what’s next for Kildare Village? More brands, more visitors, and an even bigger role in Ireland’s economic story. Intrigued? You should be. LEARN MORE

Kildare Village is targeting more than five million visitors a year as it enters its next phase of growth, following more than €185m of investment in County Kildare over the past two decades.

The retail and tourism destination currently employs 1,500 people across 125 brands and supports a further 450 jobs in the region. Around 75% of its employees live in County Kildare.

The figures were announced as Kildare Village marked its 20th anniversary at an event attended by Minister Martin Heydon.

The destination opened in 2006 with 12 boutiques, introducing the shopping village concept to Ireland. It has since expanded across three phases on its 11-hectare site and now has approximately 22,000 sq m of retail space.

Kildare Village has also become an entry point into the Irish market for international retailers, with more than 60 brands operating their only standalone Irish store at the destination.

The business said its next phase of growth will focus on attracting additional Irish and international brands, increasing visitor numbers and expanding its contribution to tourism and the wider economy.

Minister Heydon said Kildare Village had become an important part of the county and Ireland’s economic and tourism landscape.

“Its continued investment in the region, the employment it supports and its ability to attract both Irish and international visitors demonstrate the important role that retail and tourism can play in supporting economic growth,” he said.

Victor Biffi Rosano, Business Director at Kildare Village, said the destination had grown significantly since its launch.

“What began in 2006 with 12 boutiques has grown into one of Ireland’s leading retail and tourism destinations, welcoming visitors from across Ireland and around the world,” he said.

Rosano said the retail sector was changing rapidly and Kildare Village would need to continue evolving.

“Destinations like Kildare Village must continue to evolve by offering guests something truly distinctive – combining retail, hospitality, culture and experience in a way that is both international and distinctly Irish,” he said.

Kildare Village is part of The Bicester Collection, which operates 12 destinations across Europe, China and the US.

The collection recently expanded its US presence with the opening of Belmont Park Village in New York, creating a direct link between the Irish destination and American travellers.

Rosano said Ireland had “significant untapped potential” in retail and retail tourism.

“With the right regulatory and policy environment, Kildare Village can continue to attract further investment, welcome more local and international visitors, continue attracting the world’s biggest brands and make an even greater contribution to the Irish economy over the next 20 years,” he said.

Photo: Dierrick Williamson COO, Value Retail Europe; Victor Biffi Rosano, Business Director at Kildare Village; Maureen Bergin, Community and Business Relations Director at Kildare Village and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon. Pic:Naoise Culhane Photography