A Forecourt Fit for a King – Park Ri in Meath is a prime example of the ‘destination’ trend

The forecourt of the future is here and now – taking shape across Ireland is the new high quality format of ‘destination stop, shop, and food court’ sites – rather than the traditional fuel forecourt. The sector is set for a shake up. With the drive towards carbon neutrality by 2050, the needs of the passing motorist are changing, and these trends have the potential to drive change on a massive scale across Ireland in the coming years – turning forecourts in to high quality destinations – places to ‘refuel, relax and refresh”.

That’s the slogan for Park Ri in Kells County Meath – Refuel, Relax, Refresh. The state of the art forecourt and food court destination opened in the summer of 2020 – in the midst of a pandemic – and is a prime example of the best that the Irish forecourt and convenience sector has to offer.

Location, location, location

In creating a forecourt as a destination, location is everything. Park Ri is located in the historic town of Kells, Co. Meath, A82 E7F3, just off the M3, N3 and N52 – therefore adjacent to several arterial routes.

The seat of kings

Located just minutes from the Hill of Tara – which gets its name from Teamhair na Rí meaning ‘sanctuary of the Kings’, and once the traditional inauguration site of the ancient High Kings of Ireland, Rí is the Irish word for King and as the name suggests, Park Rí offer food and facilities fit for a king.

The Experience

Experience is what makes the difference at Park Rí, Destination Stop & Food Court, Kells.

As well as providing an extensive range of food choices including Pappa John’s Pizza, Supermacs, Kanoodle, Kell’s Kitchen and the Coffee Spot, customers can also fuel up, rest up and even shower in this state-of-the-art eco-friendly facility.

Eco-friendly

What really makes a difference though in this transformational era of the forecourt is the building (standing at circa 19,000sq ft). It was  designed by Kells based Paul O’Neill Architects with sustainability in mind and has achieved an A rating on the Building Energy Rating (BER) system. The highly attractive building features a glue-laminated (glulam) timber structure, a thermally efficient sedum grass roof and key features such as rainwater harvesting, meaning that the building’s carbon footprint has been significantly reduced.

The sedum grass roof, a key feature of the new design, is planted with native species and, as well as changing colour across the various seasons, it provides an important natural habitat for bees and other wildlife, which are essential to the ecosystem. The contemporary design of this scheme, on this pivotal site within the town, reflects the forward-looking nature and ambitions of the town as a whole.

Social distancing

In addition to the Circle K forecourt, there is seating to cater for over 300 people, both indoor and outdoor heated seating areas – this means Park Rí can provide for large and small groups alike, socially distanced.

The Cook of Kells

The cleverly named ‘Cook of Kells’ in Park Rí Food Court is a Top-Class Location offering Top Class Food – with a traditional carvery served in a state-of-the-art building. From noon daily The Cook of Kells provides an appetising brunch and lunch-time experience, whether it is a Chef prepared signature sandwich or served Carvery.

Signature sandwiches are renowned for their quality and freshness. There is also onsite rotisserie facilitates available – and has quickly become renowned as one of the best places to eat in Kells, Co. Meath.