The ribbon will be cut on the new Carlow Central Shopping Centre in late 2018 and its flagship outlet has now been announced.
Penneys will anchor the ambitious retail development, creating more than 1,000 jobs in the process.
Its construction alone will employ more than 250 jobs, with 800 full and part-time jobs opening up once the store is in business.
Lexeme Properties' Eamonn Duignan, the developer behind the centre, called the affordable clothing retailer's confirmation "the culmination of many years' work by both Lexeme and Penneys, and ensures the delivery of Carlow Central".
An artist's impression of the new shopping centre
Gerry Butler, sales director for Penneys owner Primark ROI, hailed it as "an important milestone for us and one which we know is eagerly anticipated by the people of Carlow".
He said:
"We are delighted that the expansion will generate additional jobs in the new store."
The new development will extend Penney's existing store in Carlow town, creating a 51,000 sq ft retail space over two levels.
Penneys already has 37 stores in Ireland, and over 325 stores across 11 countries. In 2016, it began expanding its nascent US presence.
Its presence in Carlow and the high footfall that it is almost certain to attract should go far in enticing other retailers to the centre.
As for the retailers that will become Penneys' neighbours in Carlow Central, Lexeme confirmed that negotiations were at a "very advance stage" with national and international companies.
Carlow Central represents an investment of over €70m, and is the first purpose-built shopping centre to arrive in Ireland for some years.
