The Tipperary company slogan is Basic Irish Luxury. To some this might be as simple as a box of Barry’s tea while to others it might be a beautifully crafted emerald and diamond Claddagh ring; a hand-loomed authentic Irish sweater or designer cape; or an authentic Donegal made Hanna Hat. Luxury isn’t about how much something cost, it is about how it makes you feel. “We are all about making people feel good,” says Marsha McGrath who works in the Brunswick NY store.
Tipperary is an Irish Importer and Celtic Jeweler with locations in Brunswick NY, Newport RI and Clifton Park NY. Company roots date back to the O’Day Brother’s Livery and Grocery founded in 1839 soon after the family’s arrival from Co. Clare. Owner Tom McGrath grew up as a fifthgeneration worker in the family grocery business which is now a department inside each Tipperary store. Tom’s mother was an O’Day and his dad a McGrath with roots in Tipperary, hence the Tipperary name. An interesting bit of company lore is when the livery operation was being phased out after 100 years, many of the carriages were sold to Republic Pictures and then appeared in John Wayne, Gene Autry and Roy Rogers westerns from the 40’s onward!
These days each Tipperary store is fresh, modern and always evolving. Expertly stocked with the latest in Irish fashion, complemented by large selections of authentic Irish jewelry from Irish makers like Shanore and Solvar as well as many smaller jewelry designers and craftsman of Ireland, the care with which they select their products is evident and customers are encouraged to try things on with staff on hand to tell you about every maker. Each store features Irish organic body care, lotions, soaps and fragrances by established and emerging Irish brands. Lifestyle and home goods like Waterford Crystal, Irish pottery, kitchen items, framed art and gift items are also part of the Tipperary selection. All your favorite Irish and UK groceries are featured in the fully stocked grocery departments in the New York stores and a paired down tourist grocery selection is available in Rhode Island.
Each store is different in size and scope but a consistent theme of quality is evident through each one. These stores are not about t-shirts and key chains – although the Brunswick location has some of those too – they are much more about the things that are actually made by real people in Ireland with a focus on quality while also being surprisingly affordable. Store staff not only know the names and stories of the makers but they often know the craftspeople themselves!
Find out more about Tipperary stores at ShopTipperary.com where a full range of products are available online with live chat and free shipping on orders delivered in the 48.
