ABOUT US
OUR History
Kelly’s General Drapers at 75 The Quay Waterford was established in 1847.
William Kelly was the founder and his wife Catherine De La Mark ran the shop for many years.
The shop was later run by his son Thomas P. Kelly and then for a short time by his wife Elizabeth Kelly (Lilly).
Later, it was run by her brother Thomas Murphy who left the business to Bridget Doolan and her son Denis Doolan.
From the 1950 the business was managed by Denis and Emily Doolan
The business has passed down through 6 generations and is now managed by Ian Doolan and the Doolan Family.
Ian Doolan
Store OwnerNo ordinary retailer!
I have a great interest in fashion and worked in the store with my parents Denis and Emily Doolan for many years, and have continued the tradition as the go to shop in Waterford for fashion style and quality.
Apart from running Kelly's, I am a keen sailor and was Commodore of Waterford Harbour Sailing Club from 2019 to 2020.
Photography is also a passion of mine and I have won many awards over the years. I am a member of Kilkenny Photographic Society and The Royal Photographic Society.
Sustainability
Our dedication to sustainabilityAt Kelly’s, we aim to make our customers feel confident and beautiful in their clothes. All of our chosen brands have sustainability policies to reduce water, carbon and waste.
Our main supplier, Mos Mosh, states that it is of high importance for them to create products that live up to their customers’ requirements regarding quality and sustainability while still meeting their need for fashionable garments. They acknowledge that they are not perfect as being part of the fashion industry is bound to have an impact on the planet but are taking steps in the right direction. They stress that high quality is their paramount focus and are conscious of using sustainable fibres as much as possible.
In store, we’ve installed power reduced consumption LED lighting and our mail order packaging is recyclable.
Our overall policy is to:
reduce
reuse
recycle