About Us

A Bold Beginning (1950)

Leavys Shoes was founded in 1950 by Brian Leavy, a determined young man from Dundalk, Ireland, who was ready to seize new opportunities. At the time, there wasn’t much happening in the country—jobs were scarce, and people often left their hometowns to find a better future. Brian, who had grown up in Castleblayney under the care of his aunt after losing his mother at birth, set out on a mission to create something of his own. He saw a gap in the market for comfortable, high-quality footwear and decided to fill it.

The Old Days of Shoe Shopping: In the 1950s, walking into a shoe shop was a very different experience compared to today. You’d tell the salesperson your size and what you were looking for—perhaps a “brown shoe” in a certain size—and they’d fetch a selection from the back room. Women, in particular, enjoyed a more pampered service: they’d settle onto a comfy seat while the shop assistant helped them try on shoes, often using a footstool to lace them up properly. It was personal, attentive, and all about finding the perfect fit—a tradition Leavys Shoes has proudly carried forward to this day.

Early Influences

Brian’s family background in business played a huge role in shaping his ambitions. His father ran a Ford dealership in Dundalk, and his aunt managed an old-style hardware shop in Castleblayney. During his school days, Brian babysat for E.J. Connolly, the owner of a local shoe factory, which led to his first taste of the footwear world. He started out helping at Connolly’s brother’s shoe shop, quickly rose through the ranks, and eventually managed multiple stores across Dublin.

After his father’s passing, Brian was ready to strike out on his own. Seeking a fresh start, he explored several Irish towns before settling on Limerick. He purchased a premises at 5 Patrick Street, lived in the back room among shelves of shoe boxes, and began experimenting with self-selection—inspired by the evolving supermarket model. Although customers were slow to adapt, his willingness to innovate and trial new ideas set the tone for what Leavys Shoes would become.

Growing with Ireland (1960s–1970s)

Ireland in the 1960s was on the rise. People had money to spend, and businesses flourished. Brian seized this opportunity to expand:

• 5 Patrick St (1950) – The original store and Brian’s first venture.
• William St (1960) – Acquired from a retiring bar owner; the busy street drew crowds and helped sell end-of-line stock.
• O’Connell St (1962) – Famously spotted after Sunday Mass. Brian’s wife Sadie noticed the “For Sale” sign and nudged him to investigate. They bought it at auction, breaking local records.
• Thomas St (1974) – Previously an RTV rentals shop, acquired when the business moved elsewhere.
• Ennis (1975) – Another record-setting auction purchase, marking the move outside of Limerick.

Throughout these expansions, Brian ran the stores with warmth, authenticity, and a personal touch that customers valued, even as self-service retail began to dominate.

Thomas Leavy Joins the Family Business

Thomas Leavy, the current CEO, grew up in the shops—quite literally. Officially joining in 1973, he had already been immersed in the family business from a young age. With a keen eye for trends, Thomas travelled across Europe—Milan, London, and Paris—bringing back fashionable, high-quality styles to Limerick and the surrounding region. Under his leadership, Leavys Shoes continued to blend traditional customer service with modern designs, ensuring every pair was as stylish as it was comfortable.

Community Involvement

Over the years, we have taken pride in supporting the local community. Whether it’s sponsoring school sports teams, donating to local charity drives, or providing spot prizes for fundraisers, Leavys Shoes aims to give back to the people who have supported us for generations. We believe in building strong community ties by contributing not just quality footwear, but also goodwill and encouragement to the area we call home.

Our Philosophy Today

Fast-forward to the present, and Leavys Shoes remains a family-run business spanning multiple generations. While the retail landscape has evolved dramatically, our core values have stayed the same:

• Personalised Service – We believe in one-on-one connections, ensuring every foot finds its perfect fit.
• Quality & Comfort – We’ve prioritised durable, high-quality materials and stylish designs from the start.
• Family & Community – We’re proud to be part of the local scene, supporting other businesses and giving back whenever we can.

Today, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of fashionable, comfortable shoes at Leavys—just as Brian dreamed when he first set out on his own.

Want to Know More?

Our story is still unfolding, and we’d love to share more memories from our early days in Limerick, Dundalk, and beyond. If you have any questions or want to hear more tales from the family archives, please get in touch!

Thank you for being part of the Leavys Shoes journey. Whether you’ve been with us from the start or are just discovering us now, we look forward to helping you step into the perfect pair.