Our Story

We are a long-established family-run department store, specializing in ladies fashion, menswear, occasionwear, and footwear.

Our story began in 1886, when Robert Boles opened “R. Boles” on Green Street, in the town of Boyle, Co. Roscommon. Our founder was a native of Drumkerran, Co. Leitrim who “learned his trade” in a general outfitters in Rathdowney, Co.Laois before opening on Green Street, Boyle.

In 1937, Robert and his son, Robert Jnr., moved “R Boles” to a new location in the town on Bridge Street. After the war, they expanded the store to double the original size when they bought the premises next door. They changed the name to “Boles of Boyle” and introduced a “self-service” format where customers could browse, touch and feel items before making a purchase.

In 1951, Boles of Boyle opened up a store in Longford and acquired Burgess Department Store in Athlone. Burgess was run by David’s brother, Ian Boles and is still thriving today managed by his daughter Rosie Boles today.

In 1970, David and Joyce Boles bought what was then known as Coleman’s egg factory to expand Boles of Boyle’s menswear and furniture departments. During this time, they were renowned in the West of Ireland as one of the leading department stores selling everything from farm machinery, furniture and carpets to clothing and footwear.

Today, Boles of Boles is under the guidance of Mervyn Boles, who joined his parents, David and Joyce Boles in the early 90s. Mervyn brought Boles of Boyle into the modern era with several phases of renovations and later launched the online store.