About Us

HISTORY

Anthony Ryans was established in 1909 when Anthony Ryan and his wife Katherine set up a family drapery store on the same location as the shop today. From small beginnings the company established a firm trading position in the heart of Galway. The shop was extended and extensively refurbished in 1944 and this was followed by a period of sustained growth under the management of the founder’s son Patrick Ryan.

In 1972 the store doubles in size with the acquisition of what is now known as the Man’s shop. During the 1970’s Ryans consolidated their position as Galway’s leading fashion store in men’s and ladieswear. In 1984 the shop was once more considerably extended to the rear which allowed considerable expansion in the bed linen, curtain and dress fabrics end of the business. By 1991 the store had been extended to such an extent that a ‘Rear Shop Front’ was opened in Middle Street.

RYAN MAN & LA FEMME

Also in 1991, a second outlet ‘Ryan Man’ specialising in contemporary menswear was opened in the Eyre Square Centre. 1997 saw the company expand once more with the opening of ‘La Femme’ store in Eglington Street specialising in large size ladies wear and ladies lingerie. Ann Harvey provides a comprehensive collection of fashionable separates and suiting for sizes 16 – 28. This co-ordinated collection caters for women of all lifestyles with a strong emphasis on tailoring and occasionwear and more relaxed weekend and holiday wear.

Also, the rear part of O’Connor’s Building was purchased and the Mans shop further extended to become the West of Irelands largest Menswear outlet.

YOUNG FASHIONS & RYANS HOMESTORE

Further developments occurred in the business with the introduction of Bay Trading in 1999 and Vila in 2002 which established the company as a significant player in the younger fashions market.
In 2005 Ryans opened the flagship Homestore on Lombard Street allowing the company to create a centre of excellence in linens, cookshop, lighting, gifts, curtains, haberdashery and luggage. This in turn allowed the company transform the ground floor of our Shop Street premises to a major cutting edge fashion destination with the introduction of international fashion brands Esprit & Wallis.

Anthony Ryans and Ryans Homestore are a members of Shop Galway