Gift cards and goodies bags for first customers

09:48, 22 Apr 2026Updated 09:53, 22 Apr 2026

Danish retailer Normal is getting ready to open in Cork city centre(Image: Thomas Lawrance )

A new store – which promises to sell “a bit of everything” – will be opening its doors on Grand Parade next month.

Danish retailer Normal has already opened two outlets in Dublin, with the third now opening at Queen’s Old Castle in the coming weeks. The site had been sitting vacant for six years since the closure of Argos.

The brand describes itself as selling “completely normal products at abnormal prices” with a range of everything from branded cleaning and beauty products to snacks and homeware – and adds 100 new items to the shelves every week. Here in Cork, you’ll be able to go hunting for bargains from 8am on Thursday, May 7, when the outlet has its grand opening.

The team at Normal explained that they have “some super exciting activities planned” for the big day: “The first 10 people in the queue will each receive a 30 euro Normal gift card, which can be redeemed directly in the store. In addition, 1,000 goodie bags await the first customers, as well as the chance to win an entire pallet of Normal products.

“Visitors can also expect interactive competitions, including the “TADAAA Ticket” competition, inspired by the classic “Golden Ticket”: with a little luck, one customer buying a shopping bag in the checkout area can be the lucky winner of a hidden ticket, which can be redeemed for a 334 euro gift card. A digital voucher will also be available via QR code, or by signing up here to nab a free product within the first week of opening.”

An app also allows customers to collect points – or ‘Uniqoins’ – through in-app games and challenges, which can be redeemed in-store. The opening of the store is set to bring between 30 and 35 jobs to the city centre.

Jakob Frølich Maarbjerg, CEO of Normal, said: “Following the warm welcome customers have given us in Dublin, we are excited to expand to Cork and bring the Normal experience to even more shoppers in Ireland. I’m sure the people of Cork will find the shopping experience at Normal fun, surprising and affordable, and we look forward to welcoming customers through the doors at Queen’s Old Castle.”

The shop will feature a mix of well-known brands such as L’Oréal, Maybelline, Nivea, Gillette, Colgate, Garnier, Nescafé, Oreo, Vanish and Finish, as well as exclusive brands such as PUCA Pure&Care, Alva and The Hair Project all at “fixed low prices.”

It’s the latest use for a historic site in the heart of Cork city. Queen’s Old Castle was developed as a department store in 1835, being refurbished as a shopping centre with 37 shops and restaurants in 1980.

Previously, the site was home to King’s Castle, a fortress built to defend the perimeter wall of Cork in the early 1200s. An unearthed section of this medieval wall is visible at Bishop Lucey Park, just down the road.