Type Department store Founder John McElhinney Key people John McElhinney | Founded 1971 Number of locations One | |
Headquarters Ballybofey, County Donegal | ||
McElhinney's is a three-storey fifteen-department store located in Ballybofey, County Donegal. One of the largest department stores in Ireland, it is the largest department store outside Dublin. It has been named National Retail Store of the Year and Best Superstore at the Retail Excellence Ireland Awards. Alongside Finn Park, MacCumhail Park and a few hotels, McElhinney's is one of Ballybofey's more recognisable landmarks.
There is another store with the same name in Meath but there is no connection between that and McElhinney's of Ballybofey.
History
McElhinney's was founded by John McElhinney in the 1970s. McElhinney spent his time driving around Donegal selling his wares from the back of a van. Then he set up a small shop in Glenfinn Street, Ballybofey, before opening a department store on Lower Main Street.
Wedding dresses by over 50 international designers may be found at McElhinney's, and the department store is renowned for receiving visitors from vast distances to try them on.
McElhinney's have also been supportive of MacCumhaills GAA club.