In 1937, in the heart of Galway on Ireland’s West Coast, a co-operative company was established to create employment in a small town called Ballinasloe.

A joint venture between the local Chamber of Commerce and a family from Northampton, the home of English footwear production. Seeking a continental, European flavour to set them aside from similar Irish brands, the company was named after beautiful French courtesan and mistress of Louis XV, Madame du Barry and Dubarry of Ireland was formed.

The exacting skills of the local craftsmen and women soon earned Dubarry a reputation for excellent workmanship in the design and manufacture of fine leather shoes. Then, as time progressed, increasingly inspired by the wild west coast of Ireland and Galway’s great sailing heritage, Dubarry began to specialise in the manufacture of leather moccasin deck shoes.