Mayo business proudly launches exciting new development

Horkans Garden Centre, a 4th generation Mayo family business, today announced the launch the arrival of exciting retail partners to their Castlebar centre. New arrivals bring national and international brands Regatta, Art & Hobby, Bonmarché, Ponden Home and Atlantic Leisure to join Petworld, The Bay Leaf, the newly extended Edinburgh Woolen Mills and Horkans Garden Centre in this first phase of development.

According to John Horkan CEO “more than a simple upgrade, this marks a decisive step in the future of retail: the creation of a seamless, all-weather 'Experience Destination' in the west of Ireland. The expansion marks a significant evolution from a traditional garden centre to an all-weather destination and this is only phase one of some very ambitious plans we have for our 10-acre commercial site”.

“We understand that the future lies in spaces that offer more than just shopping or dining—they need to provide a sense of community and unique experiences,” explains Horkan. “Our investment in the centre is a profound vote of confidence in our team, our loyal customers, and the vibrant west of Ireland community. It reflects people’s growing passion for gardening and outdoor lifestyle, and their desire for a destination that caters to their well-being, individuality, and sense of community.” 

The Horkan family’s journey which began in the 1920s is rooted deeply in horticulture and gardening. Over the decades, they have consistently evolved, earning two National Garden Centre Awards and establishing themselves as one of Ireland's leading garden centre groups. The new destination centre model, however, is the biggest evolution yet, translating a century of retail expertise into a globally relevant concept that blends retail and hospitality to foster community and engagement.

Central to this community ethos is the Artisan Hub, a collaborative space led by Thomas Horkan and local Mayo artist Lisa Gonzales. This hub provides a dedicated platform for over 20 local makers—from Mostly Mayo, Blathana Herbal Cosmetics, The Mood Designs Ceramics, Black River Silver, Deirdre McCarty and many more—to showcase and sell their unique Irish creations.

“We have a long-held ambition to collaborate with local producers, and we are thrilled that this has now come into existence,” commented Thomas Horkan. “It’s about co-operation and community building. We’re bringing together the best of everyday living in our home, our garden, and our environment and we are delighted to showcase the best of local creativity.” 

The strategically located 10-acre site at Turlough—bordering the N5 motorway, the National Museum of Country Life, and the Mayo Greenway—is now the anchor for a comprehensive day out, drawing an annual footfall of 350,000 shoppers, families, and tourists from across a 90-minute catchment area, including Galway, Sligo, and Roscommon, as well as visitors to the Wild Atlantic Way