Founded over 150 years ago, Magee 1866 has been more than just a business—it has been an integral part of the local fabric of Donegal Town, contributing to the economy, preserving traditional skills, and fostering a strong sense of community. Magee CEO Rosy Temple’s grandfather was born above the Donegal shop, her father joined in the 1970s, and the 5th generation family business is now run by Rosy, alongside her brother Patrick and her sister Charlotte.
Employing over 100 people in Ireland, with the majority located in Donegal Town between the weaving mill, head office, warehouse and store, Magee 1866 is a major contributor to the local economy. The team bring immense knowledge and skills to the brand, with this knowledge often being passed down from generation to generation within the community. Donegal is integral to Magee – from its rugged landscape and wild coastlines embodied in their produce, to the local skills of weaving and its tradition.
Magee 1866 has been particularly excited by the growth of its direct-to-consumer channels, both through its own retail stores and online platforms, resonating with Irish and international customers and establishing a strong foundation for both brick-and-mortar and online operations. Each channel provides a unique opportunity to share the Magee story, offering enriching experiences locally, nationally, and globally. On a local level, this growth aligns with a growing trend towards 'shop local' campaigns, where customers are increasingly interested in the provenance of their purchases and the stories behind the companies they support.
Beyond the shop floor, Magee 1866 is deeply involved in community life. The company has a long history of supporting local initiatives, from sponsoring Donegal senior football team in 1992 when they won the All-Ireland Championships, to participating in charitable events like the Bluestack Challenge. This involvement reflects the belief that being part of the community means more than just doing business—it means actively contributing to the social and cultural life of the area.
Over the past 25 years, Donegal has seen significant changes, many of which have benefited the local economy and community. The development of the Wild Atlantic Way, for example, has put Donegal on the map as a tourist destination, bringing in both domestic and international visitors. This has provided a boost to local businesses, including Magee 1866, which has capitalised on the increased interest in the region.
Looking to the future, there are significant opportunities for both business and the wider community. The uniqueness of Donegal, with its stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offers great potential for expanded experiential tourism. By developing this sector carefully and sustainably, Donegal can attract more visitors while preserving the environment that makes it so special. Magee is committed to bolstering Donegal’s unique offerings, including ongoing work to secure Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status for Donegal Tweed as part of the Donegal Tweed association.
Sustainability is also a key focus for Magee 1866. The company is committed to reducing its environmental impact and believes that the community at large can position themselves strongly as the true green flag bearers. However, this journey is not without challenges, particularly when it comes to the cost of implementing green technologies. Government support, and harmonisation across Government bodies, will be crucial in helping businesses like theirs navigate these challenges and make the necessary investments in sustainability. For SMEs, it can be difficult to balance cashflow with the investment required for green infrastructure and the investment required for sales growth – particularly in an era of rising costs. Cost competitiveness, especially for weaving industries, requires Government response and reaction to ensure that businesses have the resources and cashflow to not only survive, but to thrive and be able to plan for a sustainable future.
Magee 1866 exemplifies how, with proper supports and ambition, a business can grow and thrive while remaining deeply connected to its community. Through its commitment to local employment, preservation of traditional skills, and active participation in community life, Magee has not only built a successful brand but also contributed to the vitality of Donegal. As the company looks to the future, it remains focused on sustaining its heritage, supporting its community, and embracing new opportunities, all while maintaining the strong sense of place that has defined it for over 150 years.
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