About

Holland’s Shop in Williamsgate Street, Galway, was established in 1932 by Patrick and Dorinda Holland, though Patrick’s involvement in retail began much earlier. Around 1900 he operated a travelling shop near Athenry and later opened a permanent shop there, even owning what was believed to be the first motorcar in the town. Patrick met Dorinda Egan in 1914 in Lisdoonvarna, and they married the same year, opening a shop in Birr, County Offaly. After raising five children and dividing their time between Birr and Galway, Patrick decided to expand to Galway. With the support of solicitor Henry Blake and a loan from the Bank of Ireland, the couple purchased premises on Williamsgate Street from Mary Leahy, where the family lived above the shop and worked together to run the growing business.

After Patrick died in 1945, Dorinda continued operating the shop with help from their son Brendan. Brendan married Mona Ward in 1947 and the two continued managing the Williamsgate Street shop while raising their seven children. In 1954, Brendan purchased the neighbouring O’Donovan’s shop after competitive bidding, allowing the family business to expand further. Alongside running the shop, Brendan became deeply involved in public life in Galway, serving on Galway Corporation, becoming Mayor in 1965, and participating in numerous civic and community organisations.