Fallers Jewellers – The Beginning

In the late 19th century, Jeweller Stephen Faller had a unique way of reaching his customers. He was known to cycle the length and breadth of the West of Ireland, with clocks on the back of his bicycle, leaving them at various customers homes on a trial basis. By the time he returned some weeks later the families had become attached to his trusty and distinctive clocks. Invariably a sale was made.

Many tales are still recounted today by people as to how a Faller clock ended up in their possession. What began with trust and craftsmanship evolved into something lasting. In 1879, Stephen opened his first shop on Dominick Street, Galway’s main shopping thoroughfare as it was sited beside the busy docks and a stones throw from the famed Claddagh fishing village.

As Galway grew, so did Fallers. In 1899, Stephen moved the store to Williamsgate Street, foreseeing the area’s future as a thriving retail hub. Through Ireland’s most turbulent times — independence, recession, and rebirth — the Faller name endured, driven by an unwavering commitment to quality, service, and community.

By the 1960’s Galway was changing and so indeed was Fallers. At this stage Stephens’s grandson Cornelius had taken over the reigns and his time in charge saw Fallers make ground breaking strides.

For a start, so as to accommodate a much larger and demanding clientele, Fallers bought the shop adjoining their store (Forkins Drapery) and extended it into a giftware shop selling mainly Waterford Crystal.

In 1963 John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy visited Galway and were presented by Cornelius with a pair of Fallers Claddagh rings. Following the Kennedy visit, Galway and indeed Ireland became a prime tourist destination, and with that the world became entranced with the spectacular range of Irish Jewelry, Crystal and Giftware that was available.

It was here that Fallers, under the guidance of Cornelius Faller made its mark.

From humble beginnings, Fallers embarked on a mission to offer the world these products via mail order. By the 1980’s Fallers had grown to be one of Ireland’s top mail order houses, offering a huge range of products which by then included top European brands including Lladro and Wedgwood.

In 1979 Fallers celebrated their 100th year anniversary all the while being run by the Faller family. In 1986 Paul Faller became the Managing Director, thus the fourth generation of Fallers to run the company. This led to many exciting developments in the shop and the company, and culminated in the launch of www.fallers.ie in 1995.

It was no coincidence that Fallers became one of the first Irish Jewelry and Giftware sites as such a pioneering spirit has always been present in the company since the days of Stephen Faller and his bicycle.

Today, Fallers.ie stands as one of Ireland’s most trusted and established retailers, offering thousands of carefully selected jewellery and giftware pieces to customers both at home and across the world. Since the launch of our updated website in 2012, and following the extensive renovations of our Galway store, we’ve continued to evolve — blending modern convenience with the charm and personal care that has defined us since day one.

Still family-owned and operated, Fallers remains deeply rooted in the values we began with: exceptional quality, personal service, and a commitment to our customers — many of whom have shopped with us across generations. Whether you visit us in Galway or browse online, you become part of the Fallers family — a legacy of loyalty, trust, and timeless Irish craft.

The future? We welcome it with the same dedication that’s guided us since 1879 — ready to serve, ready to grow, and always ready to help you mark life’s special moments.