Dubarry: From Co-Operative to Cheltenham

In 1937, in the heart of Galway on Ireland’s West Coast, a co-operative company was established to create employment in the small town of Ballinasloe.

A joint venture between the local Chamber of Commerce and a family from Northampton, the home of English footwear production, was established. They were looking for a continental, European flavour to set them aside from similar Irish brands. The company was subsequently named after beautiful French courtesan and mistress of Louis XV, Madame du Barry and Dubarry of Ireland was born.

The exacting skills of the local craftsmen and women soon earned Dubarry a reputation for excellent workmanship in the design and manufacture of fine leather shoes. Then, as time progressed, increasingly inspired by the wild west coast of Ireland and Galway’s great sailing heritage, Dubarry began to specialise in the manufacture of leather moccasin deck shoes.

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

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

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.

Fast forward to today, Dubarry’s design team is still based in Ballinasloe and are dedicated to quality design, technical excellence, and contemporary style. As a premium brand with a firm attendance at a variety of major events, Dubarry brings this quality and Irish heritage to Cheltenham, Burghley Horse Trials, Chelsea Flower Show, and the Volvo Ocean Race among many others and has been a favourite of the Royals for a number of years.

The latest collections from Dubarry feature; the traditional silhouettes such as the classic Galway boots and more lifestyle, progressive designs such as the Downpatrick and Bray boots – all available at The Sporting Lodge.

Shop our full range of Dubarry Boots, Clothing and Accessories.