The magic of Christmas has arrived at Carraig Donn

Carraig Donn was born as a single store in Westport, Co Mayo, 53 years ago. Since then it has evolved to a 38-store retail chain across the Republic of Ireland. Owned and run by managing director Pat Hughes, whose parents founded the original store, it is one of Ireland’s most respected fashion, home and giftware emporiums.

Since Pat’s introduction to his parents’ business over 50 years ago, the landscape of products has dramatically evolved. Pat, however, remains the driving force behind Carraig Donn, with a daily involvement in the store.

Sitting down with Irish Country Living, Carraig Donn representative Triona Kelly explains that while its roots remain proudly Irish, the store has a new focus on contemporary European style, with labels like Rowen Avenue, Pala Doro, J’aime la Vie and many more to please every shape, taste and budget.

“Carraig Donn has come to compete with the high-street fashion stores,” says Triona. “The range tends to change every six weeks, with new products being delivered weekly. Carraig Donn is current, on point, and relevant. It has developed over the years and never stood still. What may have started in 1965 as a single shop front has really evolved. Walk into the new store in Blanchardstown and it is up there with all the other chic stores.”

Still, Carraig Donn remains an iconic Irish brand where mother, daughter and grandchild enjoy equally as much. So, what makes Carraig Donn so popular with Irish women? Triona has the answer.

“We are Irish and understand the Irish market place. There is something special and unique about Carraig Donn. The quality, price range and selection of products make it a one-stop shop for your own everyday fashion, right through to occasion wear. We cover each milestone in life with our gift and home section. There are beautiful candles right through to unique wedding gifts and personal treats. There is no other retailer of its scale with the same unique touch in Ireland,” she explains.

With a strong market for ladies in their 30s and beyond, Carraig Donn offers a range of comfortable and affordable styles. The Kelly and Grace Weekend collection is one of the store’s most sought-after ranges.

“Kelly and Grace is an off-duty leisure wear range. They are fabulous pieces, similar to Joules fashion range in the UK, but really affordable,” says Triona. Irish ladies want to look their best seven days a week. They don’t invest as heavily in higher ticket pieces. They would rather update their wardrobe more often and wear those clothes every day.

“The Kelly and Grace parka jackets come in multiple colours, from khakis, to navy and more. They have a great size range and are a fab off-duty piece. It is perfect to throw on when you are going out for a Sunday walk in your wellies or running from shop to shop for your last-minute Christmas bits.”

Festive spirits are high amongst both staff and customers in Carraig Donn’s 38 stores. The dedicated Christmas shop in Liffey Valley proves just how special Christmas is at Carraig Donn, as Triona notes.

“We have all the bells and whistles, from traditional dinner table wear to chic novelty gifts. It is synonymous with Christmas. We absolutely love Christmas and so do our customers.”