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Our Heritage

1937

Where it all began.

In 1937, in the heart of Galway on Ireland’s West Coast, a co-operative company was established to create employment in a small town called Ballinasloe. A joint venture between the local Chamber of Commerce and a family from Northampton, the home of English footwear production. Seeking a continental, European flavour to set them aside from similar Irish brands, the company was named after beautiful French courtesan and mistress of Louis XV, Madame du Barry and Dubarry of Ireland was formed.

1970's

Making a splash: The first sailing boot

Having specialised in the production of leather moccasin deck shoes for decades, Dubarry began exporting into the UK and European marine trade in the 1970s, quickly acquiring international status of a brand leader in performance sailing footwear.

This was enhanced when Dubarry obtained a GORE-TEX licence in the early 1990s and launched the world’s first ever waterproof and breathable leather sailing boot called Shamrock

1990's

A different approach: The first country boot

With a rigorous ongoing programme of product development, Dubarry explored other environments where such demanding needs were required of footwear and the Country Boot Galway was conceived in the mid 1990s

2000

One chap in his bucket: The first country show

Dubarry created a pop-up store to demonstrate the unique benefits of The Country Boot to its customers. The famous Dubarry ‘Man-in-a-Bucket’ was unveiled at Syon Park West London in 2000 at a country fair, with great success!

2005

Crossing the pond: Dubarry launches in America

In 2005 we brought Dubarry to the US at the then Rolex Kentucky 3 Day Event in Lexington with great success, leading to the establishment of a US office in 2006.

2007

Beating the elements: The Country clothing collection

The footwear collection quickly expanded with bags, footwear accessories and leather goods. The first country clothing collection followed, including unique tweeds based on Irish tartan patterns and women’s shirts launched in 2007.

In 2010 came GORE-TEX shoot coats, then wax cottons, quilting, knitwear and leg wear followed.

2010

Global adventures: Dubarry launches around the world.

In 2010 Dubarry opened a wholly owned UK subsidiary based in Oxfordshire, England before establishing Dubarry USA in Pennsylvania and Dubarry Europe in Utrecht, both in 2013.

2012

Not for the faint of heart: The Crosshaven

In 2012 Volvo Ocean Race, Dubarry partnered with Green Dragon an Irish-Chinese syndicate. During their stopover in Galway, the design team worked with the Green Dragon crew to create the Crosshaven, a boot designed to meet the demanding requirements of round the world sailors, in the most extreme environments.

2012

Stars of the show: Our flagship stores open

October 2012 saw the opening of Dubarry’s first flagship store in our home capital Dublin. This was followed by the first UK store on the Kings Road in Chelsea in November 2013 and in Cheltenham at the centre of the Cotwolds in June 2016. 

Kicking on: The first Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Series

In September 2012 came the first Dubarry sponsored Burghley Young Event Horse Series. A competition running alongside the famous Burghley Horse Trials to showcase equine eventing stars of the future.

2012

Kicking on: The first Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Series

October 2012 saw the opening of Dubarry’s first flagship store in our home capital Dublin. This was followed by the first UK store on the Kings Road in Chelsea in November 2013 and in Cheltenham at the centre of the Cotwolds in June 2016.