BREAKING: Well known Kildare business is to close after 60 years

A long established Kildare business is closing down after almost six decades of trading.

The Elms Home & Living, which sells homeware and furniture, is located close to Punchestown Racecourse, outside Naas.

The enterprise, which includes a cafe, was founded by Cork native Denis McCarthy and his wife Geraldine in 1967 as an auction store of antiques and evolved into a retail store, which was known far beyond Kildare.

“It is the end of The Elms as we know it; I can’t continue because I’m losing money,” said Aubrey McCarthy, the son of Denis and Geraldine and an independent member of Seanad Éireann.

“My father was a cattle dealer and he started to buy and sell antiques, then we became an antique story with auction rooms and my mother ran the tea room and a shop. We pivoted to a new furniture store as tastes changed. All changes happened at the right time and that time is here again,” added Mr McCarthy.

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“This model of retail business is changing,” he said, adding he will try to keep as many staff employed as possible as he works on establishing a new business.

The business currently has 14 people employed.

Mr McCarthy said a new business will evolve adn this is likely to see a wellness centre developed, utilising the potential offered by the surrounding farm.

“I will try to create a new business that has more to do with people. Whatever comes next we think you'll like it.”

In the meantime the final sale at The Elms Home & Living is underway with up to 50% off the stock.