Taco Bell appears to be preparing to open a new outlet in Kilkenny

American fast food giant Taco Bell appears set to be preparing to open a new outlet in County Kilkenny, with recruitment currently under way for a number of positions at Applegreen Paulstown.

Job advertisements have emerged seeking staff for Taco Bell at the busy Applegreen service station in Paulstown, indicating that the Mexican-inspired fast-food chain is preparing to establish a presence at the location.

Among the positions currently being advertised are Taco Bell Manager, Taco Bell Supervisor and Taco Bell Team Member with the jobs listed as being based at ‘Applegreen Paulstown (Exit 7, M9)’.

While an opening has yet to be formally announced by either Taco Bell or Applegreen, the recruitment drive points towards Paulstown becoming the latest location in the chain's Irish operation.

Kilkenny Live has contacted both Applegreen and Taco Bell seeking confirmation of the plans and further details, including a potential opening date.

Applegreen has also been asked whether the arrival of Taco Bell would have any impact on the existing food offerings at its Paulstown site, which include Burger King and Subway.

A Taco Bell in Paulstown would represent another step in the American chain's relatively recent expansion into the Irish market.

Applegreen announced its partnership with Taco Bell in May 2025, revealing plans to introduce the US brand at a number of its Irish locations over a five-year period.

Ireland's first Taco Bell subsequently opened at Applegreen's new €15 million M3 service area in Dunshaughlin, County Meath, in 2025.

The forecourt operator later expanded the brand to its Lusk Northbound location on the M1 in Dublin and to Ballincollig in County Cork.

The brand itself is one of the world's largest Mexican-inspired fast-food chains and had more than 8,700 restaurants worldwide when its entry into the Irish market was announced.