Kildare business couple to retire after 37 years

After 37 years in business, the time has come for Marie and John Ryan to retire from Straffan Design in Co Kildare.

When Marie opened her shop on Main Street Clane, back in August 1988, they had no idea that their business would evolve and grow into the thriving family business that it is today, with Marie and John at the helm.

Marie and John have had so many loyal customers over the last 37 years, they would like to thank each and every one of them for their tremendous support.

Marie ran her business in Clane from 1988, where she sold pianos and furniture. Subsequently, the business expanded and re-launched as “Marie’s Antiques & Pianos”.

In 1994, the Ryans purchased Barberstown House and Old Stone Farm Buildings. The sympathetic conservation and restoration began and continues to this day.

“Straffan Antiques & Design” began its journey in its new home in Straffan in 2002, when it opened its doors at Barberstown.
Marie and John’s daughter Niamh has managed Straffan Design for the past 20 years. This involved all aspects from sourcing and buying products, to the day to day running of the business. Over the last number of years, with Marie and Niamh working closely together, the business has specialised in Irish brands, including Ladies and Gents clothing, hand crafted Irish Giftware and has supported local and Artisan products.
Straffan Design organized and hosted two major fashion shows in 2014 and 2018, that raised over €20,000 for local charities.

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In 2012, The Victorian Tea Rooms was opened by Marie and John’s son Eoin and daughter in law Siobhan.
This brought a new generation of customers to share their journey and is hugely popular with locals and visitors.

The Art Gallery was opened in 2015, featuring Irish artists, many local to the area.

Straffan Antiques was taken over by Eoin in 2018. Eoin is now established as a major Antique Dealer in Ireland and last year, opened a second shop in Francis Street Dublin’s Antiques Quarter.

In 2018, Grahame, their son in law, opened The Museum of Packaging and Advertising. This museum adds to the overall experience of the customers visit to Straffan Antiques and Design.

The support from Eoin and Niamh, along with their spouses Siobhan and Grahame, has proved to be the backbone of the business over the last 20 years.

Niamh established another business, Heartlands Orchard 18 months ago, which produces handmade chutneys and jams to several outlets. We wish her and her husband Grahame every success with this business venture.

It is now time for the next generation to bring Straffan Design into its next chapter. So, as Marie and John retire from their hugely successful business, they will pass the baton to Eoin and Siobhan who will change and mould a new business model for the future.

Eoin and Siobhan will take over and manage a whole new Shopping Experience, which will open in May 2025.
We wish them every success in the future!