A successful and global brand that has deeply embedded roots in the west coast of Ireland, Portwest's busy store on High St, has been helping the people of Galway to stay warm, comfortable and dry for the past 15 years, with its high quality outdoor clothing.
For the past 15 years, Portwest Galway has been helping to keep the beating heart of Galway's retail industry alive, welcoming a significant number of customers into its lovingly restored store at 20 High St.
Since opening its doors in 2009, the Galway store has not only become a trusted destination for high-quality outdoor gear, but also a cornerstone of the community. The store’s knowledgeable team are on hand to assist customers in finding the perfect gear for Ireland’s notoriously variable weather, whether it’s rain jackets for a drizzly day in Galway or thermal layers for winter treks in the Burren.
Over the past decade and a half, Portwest Galway has expanded its offerings to meet the evolving needs of the local community. In addition to carrying Portwest’s signature lines, the store also stocks a carefully curated selection of footwear, backpacks, and accessories from globally renowned brands, including Helly Hansen, Jack Wolfskin, Columbia and Passenger.
The history of Portwest
Known to many today as one of the most successful and recognisable Irish brands in the global market, Portwest's story is one of determination and entrepreneurship, highlighting the invaluable role that family plays in business.
A significant year for both Portwest Galway and the brand itself, 2024 marked not only the 15th anniversary of Portwest Galway's launch, but also the brand's 120 years in business. Founded in 1904 by Charles Hughes, the son of a farmer from Westport, Co Mayo, Portwest was built on Charles' determination to provide local people with the best clothing and footwear available. Now, 120 years on, Portwest is one of Ireland's most successful and renowned indigenous businesses, advertising in New York's Times Square and partnering with professional sporting teams. Despite this, Portwest has never lost sight of who it is as a brand, and where it all began.
Continuing the core principals of Charles Hughes, over the past century, the Hughes family has endeavoured to grow Portwest as a brand, all the while guaranteeing exceptional design, quality, value and service in the business today.
Despite Portwest’s impressive global growth, the company has never lost sight of its Irish roots. The Hughes family remains actively involved in the company, and their deep commitment to family values is apparent at every level of the brand. As passionate supporters and promoters of Irish retail, this commitment is evident in the family's brand, with Portwest's presence as a retail store in four locations on the Wild Atlantic Way; Galway, Killarney and two stores in Westport.
Launching Portwest Galway
When Portwest Galway opened in 2009, it brought something new to the city’s retail scene. Having opened its doors during one of the worst economic recessions in the history of the state, the decision to open an branch in Galway, was one that the Hughes family did not make lightly.
Instead of opting for one of the many newly constructed, brightly lit and ready to inhabit commercial properties in the city, the Hughes family, driven by their appreciation and understanding of Irish retail, chose 20 High St to become the home of Portwest Galway.
A listed building with foundations dating back to the 16th century, at the time 20 High St was vacant, its former occupants; Kenny's Gallery and Bookshop having relocated, and as a result this once lauded building was lying dormant and in need of refurbishment. Undaunted by this, work to bring Portwest's Galway's store to life began, with 20 High St undergoing a €250,000 refit, resulting in expansive floor space spread across two levels, both of which were packed full of waterproof jackets, wet suits, hiking apparel, surf boards, kayaks, footwear, rucksacks and fleeces.
For the Hughes family and Portwest, the choice to expand the brand's retail presence into Galway was an instant success, and once again 20 High St became a bustling hub of activity, adding a much needed boost to the local retail economy.
15 years of success
Now a decade and a half since it was launched, Portwest Galway has become more than just a retail space; it’s a community hub for outdoor lovers, explorers, and the environmentally conscious. Over the years, the store has built close relationships with Galway-based clubs, outdoor groups, and local charities, regularly sponsoring events and supporting environmental initiatives.
In recent years, Portwest Galway has hosted educational workshops and community events, promoting sustainability and outdoor safety. This focus is part of the wider Portwest brand’s commitment to sustainable practices. The company, which has implemented eco-friendly manufacturing processes and increased its use of recycled materials, remains dedicated to reducing its environmental impact and promoting responsible outdoor practices.
In keeping with the spirit of recycling and lessening its environmental impact, the Portwest Galway store has recently undergone another significant upgrade, a process that has been carried out with longevity and sustainability in mind. Now boasting a new, more energy efficient electrical system, new flooring and new brand signage and way-finding graphics resulting in a shop floor that has been transformed. This extensive upgrade serves as proof of Portwest Galway's determination to provide only the best to its customers.
With Portwest as a brand driven by a mission to become 'Ireland's favourite outdoor store', Portwest Galway has played a significant role in bringing this dream to life.
Thanks to the brand's team of specialists and designers using both traditional and innovative techniques to ensure quality products; Portwest has invested continuously in the research and development of new and innovative technologies to best suit the demands of today’s consumers.
As a result, stores like Portwest Galway are stocked with the best products for every adventure, all of which have been designed with functionality, durability, style, and value at heart. With a huge collection of leisurewear and outdoor clothing on offer, customers are spoiled for choice and are supported by Portwest Galway's team of knowledgeable and approachable staff, who are on hand to help out.
Products you can trust
Boasting a huge range of products including womens', mens' and childrens' clothing, as well as a huge variety of accessories and equipment, this Christmas give the gift of guaranteed quality - visit Portwest Galway, and experience this wonderful store for yourself.
