About Us
McElhinneys Department Store is a family-run independent retailer, based in Ballybofey in County Donegal, Ireland.
We have been proudly offering a unique shopping experience to our customers in-store and online for over 50 years.
Over the past five decades, we have seen an incredible amount of growth and expansion in our business. From humble beginnings with our CEO and founder, John, working from a van, to operating Ireland's largest department store located outside of Dublin, and employing over 200 people.
McElhinneys offers a huge variety of clothing, footwear, and accessories for women, men, and kids, as well as a wide range of beauty products, homeware, and more for every kind of shopper.
From those who visit our store in Ballybofey to those who shop online from locations across the world, we are delighted to have played a small role in the lives of our customers, from special everyday memories to major milestone moments.
Our goal is to be a one-stop destination which caters to our customers' needs for every event and occasion, big or small.
From wedding guest dresses for women and men's suits to home decor essentials and kids' school uniforms, McElhinneys has everything you need, all in one place.
Whether you have stumbled upon McElhinneys Department Store by chance or you're one of our loyal returning customers, we are thrilled to have you shop with us and are endlessly grateful for your support.
Our Story
Our story begins in the late 1960s, when our founder and owner, John McElhinney, as a young entrepreneur, decided to bring a new shopping experience to the people of the North West of Ireland.
Back in 1968, John purchased a Dodge van and went door-to-door, selling everyday home essentials to the local community.
Soon after, the overwhelming demand from customers allowed John to expand his business rapidly, leading to the opening of the first McElhinneys shop in Glenfin Street, Ballybofey, in 1971.
With John's unique retail talents and the support of staff and the local community in those early years, the store flourished, with people travelling to the small shop in Ballybofey from near and far.
In a short period of just eight years, the business outgrew the original shop, leading to a move to a bigger space - the site our store is still situated at - in Lower Main Street, Ballybofey, in 1979.
The opening of what we now know as McElhinneys Department Store gave rise to a new shopping experience for customers as John and the team sourced exciting new product ranges from suppliers all over Ireland and the UK, handpicking only the best for our customers.
McElhinneys has overcome many challenges down through the years as a business, including a flood in 1985 and a firebomb attack in 1987.
Throughout all the tough times, however, we have always remained true to our passion for retail and committed to our loyal customers.
At the heart of our family-owned business is our store in Ballybofey, which employs over 200 people in the Donegal region.
We are committed to providing our customers with five-star service in all that we do - from the very first click or the first time you step through our doors.
At McElhinneys, we pride ourselves on being completely independent, sourcing all our products with our team of experienced buyers travelling the globe to bring our customers only the most unique and individual range of brands and designers.
Every item is handpicked with our customers’ needs and desires in mind, and we are hugely proud of the wide range of products and services we can provide as a result of decades of commitment and hard work.
If you have any queries or would like further information, please email us on customerservice@mcelhinneys.com
