Bull Ring opens its doors in the heart of the Liberties

THE Bull Ring Market, a longstanding landmark building, has just opened its doors in the heart of the Liberties after undergoing major investment and refurbishment.

Once a famous destination for those in need of curtains and fabrics, the building has been redeveloped as a stunning modern market with a cafe and offices.

Salamisso Developments Ltd, who have developed high-end office, residential and retail developments in both Ireland and the UK, bought the property earlier this year, and went on to strip the interior and build 33 separate retail units, a 30-seat café, and a modern overhead office block.

From Christ Church Cathedral to the Iveagh Markets, the area known to Dubliners as The Liberties is one with no shortage of history as it is one of Dublin’s oldest neighbourhoods.

It holds a special place in Dublin folklore and in the hearts of many while also being home to one of the biggest tourist attractions in Ireland – the Guinness Storehouse at St James’s Gate which has provided employment to many families in the city over the course of generations, alongside Meath Street with its traders working the same sales pitch of their grandparents.

Bustling with personality on every corner, The Liberties may have been left behind during “the boom” years and gone through the ravages of the recession but more than €890m worth of new developments are soon to breathe new life into the area and it will once again become the go-to place for Dubliners and tourists alike.

This major investment includes the buzzing Teeling’s Whiskey Distillery, the refurbishment of the Iveagh Market, the Digital Hub, and 500-bed student accommodation that is in the pipeline – all bringing vibrancy and footfall to the area.

Located nearby and not to be excluded, Meath Street is also in midst of a revival. Known for some of its famous traders such as Fusco’s Café and Jack Roche’s Fruit & Veg shop, Jack being one of the Liberties’ greatest ambassadors, the street has long been a place full of personality and life.

The Bull Ring Market is certainly adding to the area by creating a hub of activity and excitement in the centre of it all while retaining the character of Meath Street and The Liberties. 

The diversity of the market means that there is something for everyone – whether it is the latest fashion, sportswear, footwear, household goods, perfumes or memorabilia. The facilities are not limited to the large range of market stalls either, as there is the convenience of new toilet and changing facilities, heating throughout the building, and a café next door offering home-style cooking. In addition to these facilities, above the hustle and bustle of the market below, there are overhead offices that will bring another type of business – including more footfall – to the area.

These developments will no doubt further help draw increasing numbers of tourists into the heart of Dublin, improving job opportunities and continually supporting local traders.