The Clery’s Story: The mixed fortunes of Dublin’s first ‘monster mart’

This event has ended

Online, Monday 24th May

When McSwiney Delaney launched their palatial department store on Sackville Street in 1853, it was designed to emulate the world famous Le Bon Marche in Paris, which had opened its doors in the previous year. Taken over by Limerick man Michael J. Clery in 1883, the business went on to experience some strange turns of fortune. During the Easter Rising of 1916 the windows of the building melted into the street, from the heat of the massive fire that burned the store and the hotel above it to the ground. Rebuilt and re-opened in 1922, Clerys continued in business for nearly 20 years until it went into receivership in 1941. It was purchased by Kerryman Denis Guiney, who retained the Clerys' name. The shock closure of the store in 2015 was followed by some years of debate about the future of the iconic building, which is expected to open this year as a luxury hotel, part of the Clerys’ Quarter.

Dublin City Council Historian in Residence for Dublin Central Dr Mary Muldowney will present the fourth in her series of talks on the retail industry in the Dublin 1 area.


Date:
Monday 24th May
Time:
7.00pm
Price:
Free

You might also like...

What's on

The Wedding Show

RDS

The Wedding Show at the RDS in association with Auralia, is taking place on September 6th & 7th 2025. This is Ireland’s largest, most exciting, and diverse Wedding planning event. With over 4,500 visitors attending the two action packed days, this is the perfect opportunity for wedding suppliers to talk directly to Ireland’s engaged couples. Over 180 wedding suppliers showcase their brand at the Wedding Show at the RDS and with over 50% of stand spaces already sold, don’t miss out on your chance to become one of our wedding suppliers in September.

What's on

An Evening with President Barack Obama

3Arena

Few presidents have walked a more improbable path to the White House. Join us for an inspiring, once-in-a-lifetime event with President Barack Obama. Brought to you by Fane, Kilimanjaro and Singular Artists. Winning more votes than any candidate in history, President Obama took office at a moment of crisis unlike any America had seen in decades — a nation at war, a planet in peril and the American Dream itself threatened by the worst economic calamity since the Great Depression. Despite all manner of political obstruction, President Obama’s leadership helped rescue the economy, re

What's on

GradIreland Graduate Careers Fair

RDS

Ireland’s largest careers fair, the gradireland Graduate Careers Fair, is a free annual careers event held at the RDS Dublin in the autumn. This is the largest careers event of its kind in Ireland, exhibiting a multitude of Ireland’s leading companies and postgraduate providers with ample jobs, internships, and courses available to apply for on the day. This year promises to be as popular as ever, be sure to pre-register your interest! Why Attend? Build your network and interact with top employers and postgraduate providers at a wide range of stands. Get the answers and informat