Bridget’s drapery and newspaper shop is probably
the last original trading interior in Ballinrobe. This preserved
frontage has windows on either side of the entrance with access to the
rear through the shop. It is a three story building with two bays on
each of the two upper floors.
Internally, there
are two counters, one on either side with shelving on the back walls.
One will find no video games, DVDs or modern technology here, which
makes it all the more interesting as it is a centre of social
interaction, with updates on the latest events in town being exchanged
here e.g. death notices, marriages, farming updates and the weather; a
very valuable resource for the local community. As a consequence, a
loyal and large customer base shop here on a daily basis, where there is
always time to say hello.
Items for sale in Bridget’s Shop
On
the left side, where discussions often take place on the best type of
product for ones requirements, is the drapery section with items
including, gloves, thermal vests, wrap around aprons, wool jumpers both
ladies and children’s’, sweatshirts, patterns for knitting, knitting and
crochet needles, thread, buttons, baby wear and gifts and scarves. At
the centre of the shop one will find post cards and greeting cards.
On
your right side will be envelopes, writing paper, biros and pens,
children’s and adult books, games, jigsaws, note books, receipt books,
newspapers, magazines, board games, calendars, diaries, pritt glue stick, sellotape, paper clips, cigarettes, tobacco, matches, sweets and
chocolate. There are probably as many more items available also.
Info courtesy of the Historical Ballinrobe Website
Update: End of an Era
Very sad to learn of the final closing of Walsh's Shop, Abbey St. Ballinrobe. Bridget Brown, ran the popular Walsh’s Newsagents on Abbey Street for over 30 years. It was always a pleasure to drop into Walsh's and chat to Bridget. Bridget's shop will be missed by so many of her loyal customers and friends. We wish her good health on her retirement.
Very sad to learn of the final closing of Walsh's Shop, Abbey St. Ballinrobe. Bridget Brown, ran the popular Walsh’s Newsagents on Abbey Street for over 30 years. It was always a pleasure to drop into Walsh's and chat to Bridget. Bridget's shop will be missed by so many of her loyal customers and friends. We wish her good health on her retirement.
Bridget in her shop
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| photo courtesy of the Ballinrobe Historical website |
