McDonald’s updates Cork site with €3m fit out project

McDonald’s Ireland has reopened its Douglas restaurant in Cork after completing a €3 million fit out designed to modernise customer areas, improve operational efficiency, and align the site with the brand’s latest upgrade programme across the UK and Ireland.

The restaurant, which has been operating since 1989, welcomed guests back earlier in November following a full refurbishment. The investment adds 30 roles to the workforce, bringing total employment at the site to more than 130. The works form part of McDonald’s wider strategy to update store layouts in response to shifts in ordering behaviour and rising expectations around speed and convenience.

The redesign covers a broad scope of fit out elements. These include a new kitchen configuration and an expanded order assembly area aimed at handling higher volumes, a remodelled dining space, refurbished customer toilets, a separate McDelivery room, and an enlarged drive-thru lane to support peak-time capacity. Improvements were also made to staff facilities to provide a more comfortable working environment.

Franchisee Jim Ronayne, who operates multiple McDonald’s restaurants across Cork and Tipperary, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome customers back to our newly refurbished McDonald’s Douglas restaurant. Following an intensive refurbishment of our restaurant, we are excited for our loyal guests to experience the upgrades firsthand.” He added that the enhancements are intended to “deliver a faster, more seamless and more convenient experience for everyone who walks through our doors.”

The reopening was marked by a local event involving families, customers, and crew members, reflecting the long-standing role of the site within the community. The restaurant continues to operate 24 hours for drive-thru customers, with in-store service available daily from 7am to 11pm. 

Explore the full report for deeper detail on the upgraded fit out and project scope.