Shoe & Boot Makers Est. 1937
Over 70 years ago a co-operative was formed to provide work in a small town called Ballinasloe, in the heart of Galway on Ireland’s
glorious West Coast. Taking its name from a famous French courtesan, Madame du Barry, the company’s formative years were defined
through the making of fine quality shoes during which time they were fortunate to be able to draw on a local population of
hard-working craftsmen and women.
Dubarry’s reputation as one of Ireland’s most respected and successful companies was born out of the workforce’s deep-rooted pride
and ambition to produce footwear of the very highest quality.
Over the years Dubarry has expanded its international sourcing network, working closely with carefully selected contract partners
who share our high standards and desire to work with the best of components, raw materials and unique designs.Dubarry is now
recognised around the world, and wherever we are, we like to feel that we take a little bit of Ireland with us, because when
something’s good, it’s worth sharing.
Madame du Barry
Back in 1937, and looking to differentiate themselves from other Irish brands, the owners of the newly formed company decided they
needed a continental European flavour for their enterprise, and after some research decided upon the name Dubarry, after Madame du
Barry.
Jeanne Bécu was born in Lorraine, France, the illegitimate daughter of Anne Bécu, a woman of enticing beauty, whose occupation was
as a seamstress. Jeanne was a remarkably attractive woman who used her looks to briefly take several aristocrats as lovers. In 1768
Jeanne married Comte Guillaume du Barry, thus becoming Madame du Barry. In the same year she attracted the attention of Louis XV
while she was on an errand at Versailles.
Madame du Barry went on to become one of France’s most well-known courtesans as well as the mistress of Louis XV. Due to her
association with the King of France, Madame du Barry enjoyed high status and privilege within the French court for many years.