Bringing Irish Trade and Tradition to the US

Bridging Borders: How The Galway Girl Brings Irish Trade and Tradition to the U.S.

Interview with Kevin Clancy, Owner of The Galway Girl

Global trade isn’t just about large corporations—it’s about small businesses forging meaningful connections across borders. In 2024, Ireland’s exports to the U.S. reached a record €72.6 billion, a 34% increase from the previous year, highlighting the strength of transatlantic trade. Businesses like The Galway Girl are crucial in fostering cultural and economic ties by importing authentic Irish products.

The Galway Girl is bringing the best of Ireland to American shores in an Irish specialty shop located just south of Boston, Massachusetts. Owned by Galway native Kevin Clancy and his wife Alicia, the store has become a beloved destination for those seeking authentic Irish goods—from traditional food products to handcrafted jewelry and homeware. More than just a retail shop, The Galway Girl serves as a bridge between Ireland and the U.S., preserving Irish heritage while supporting artisans and producers.

In this exclusive interview with the World Trade Center Dublin, Kevin shares the journey behind The Galway Girl, the significance of Irish heritage in the U.S., and the challenges and rewards of importing directly from Ireland.

Please share the story behind The Galway Girl. What inspired you to open a store in the U.S. focused on Irish products?

The Galway Girl started as a simple conversation at our kitchen table. Three years ago, my wife, Alicia, and I had no plans to open a store—we were busy raising four kids while I ran a construction company, and she worked in the school system. However, as a Galway native, I was constantly frustrated by our area's lack of Irish products. I had to drive hours north to find familiar Irish foods, and I wanted my family to experience the same flavors and traditions I had growing up.

The idea became real when I noticed my Brazilian employees bringing food from local Brazilian stores for lunch. Seeing how they connected with their heritage through food made me think, "Why don’t we have something like this for the Irish community?" I waited for someone to open an Irish store, but it never happened, so we decided to do it ourselves.

The next challenge was finding the right location. My brother helped us secure a spot in a town along the South Shore Irish Heritage Trail, a region known as the "Irish Riviera." From there, we navigated everything—securing suppliers, understanding import logistics, and learning how to run a retail business. What started as a bit of frustration and the search for nostalgia turned into a business dedicated to keeping Irish culture alive in our community.

The Galway Girl brings a taste of Ireland to American shoppers. What types of Irish products do you stock, and what makes them unique?

Our best-selling products are food items—Irish sausages, back bacon, and black and white pudding are customer favorites. Many of our shoppers are second- and third-generation Irish Americans who cherish the taste of home. We also carry a variety of Irish bread, butter, and tea alongside a selection of crisps, chocolates, and sweets that younger customers love. In addition to these food items, we offer a range of other products that reflect an Irish homestead, including handcrafted jewelry, home goods, accessories, and clothing.

What sets our products apart is their quality. For example, Irish chocolate contains no artificial coloring and is made with natural ingredients. Beyond food, we offer jewelry, home goods, accessories, and clothing—everything that reflects an Irish homestead. If a customer requests something specific, we do our best to source it, making our selection community-driven.

How has the local Irish American community responded to having a dedicated Irish shop in the South Shore area?

The response has been phenomenal. While most customers are local, we also attract visitors from all over the U.S. and abroad. Many stop by to chat, share stories about their Irish connections, and ask for travel tips. When they return, they love telling me they had visited my brother’s bar or a friend’s shop in Galway. Those personal connections make The Galway Girl more than just a store—it’s a gathering place for people who share a love for Ireland.

How do you select the brands and products for your store? Are there specific qualities you look for in an Irish supplier?

We want to showcase Ireland beyond the usual symbols of shamrocks and leprechauns. We attend trade shows in Ireland to discover new brands, and I always ask suppliers, "Have you exported to America before?" If they haven’t, I get excited because I love introducing fresh products to the U.S. market.

A great example is Ulster Weaver, which makes beautifully designed household items like dish towels and aprons inspired by the Irish coast. We prioritize uniqueness, tradition, and nostalgia—products that tell a story and bring Ireland to life in people’s homes.

What are some challenges and rewards of importing directly from Irish businesses?

One of the biggest challenges is cash flow. Importing requires upfront investment, and some products can sit on shelves for months before selling. Logistics is another hurdle. During the last holiday season, one of our shipments was held at customs and sent back just two weeks before Christmas. It was stressful, but we managed. Another challenge is the difference in business pace. In the U.S., we expect quick responses, while Irish businesses can take a more relaxed approach. We plan well in advance to avoid delays and maintain strong relationships with our suppliers. Despite these challenges, the rewards are immense. Seeing customers light up when they find a beloved product from home makes it all worth it.

Irish culture and heritage are central to your business. How do you engage with your customers to bring the spirit of Ireland to life?

We’re deeply involved in the local Irish community. I’ve been with the Irish Cultural Center in Greater Boston for seven years, play with the Connemara Gaels, and teach Gaelic football to American-born kids. We even bring Irish players over to help train them. Irish traditions run strong here—a local pub now stocks our Irish crisps because of us! Every St. Patrick's Day, we host live Irish music and step-dancing at our store. Our event on March 16th is shaping up to be another grand celebration.

What advice would you give to Irish businesses looking to enter the U.S. market?

Get involved in your community. Build relationships, support local charities, and let people know who you are. Success takes hard work, patience, and passion. Additionally, don’t underestimate the importance of taking care of your employees; they are the heart of your business.

As you look to the future, do you plan to expand The Galway Girl ?

Our most significant focus is expanding online. We hope to launch our e-commerce store within six months, allowing customers across the U.S. to access our unique Irish products. This move will help us introduce new product lines, offer seasonal collections, and stay connected with customers through digital marketing.

At the same time, we continue to attend trade shows and connect with partners like the WTC Dublin to discover new products. By blending in-person sourcing with a strong online presence, we’re ensuring that The Galway Girl remains the go-to destination for authentic Irish gifts in the U.S.

If you could bring one dream Irish product or experience to The Galway Girl , what would it be?

I’d love to offer guided tours of Ireland. Many customers want to visit but don’t know where to start. Over the years, I’ve built incredible relationships with my customers, hearing their personal stories about family connections, childhood memories, and deep-rooted love for Ireland. This has inspired me to think beyond just selling products—I want to create experiences that strengthen those connections even more.

Rather than just visiting well-known tourist destinations, I’d love to take customers to the local gems—the small villages, family-owned businesses, and artisan workshops where the heart of Ireland truly lies. Imagine someone buying a handcrafted Irish sweater in our shop and then traveling to see precisely where and how it was made, meeting the artisan behind it. That kind of experience would bring The Galway Girl’s mission full circle—connecting people through trade and meaningful, personal connections that create lasting memories.

As Irish exports to the U.S. continue to grow, businesses like The Galway Girl are doing more than selling goods—they’re building bridges. Kevin and Alicia Clancy have created a thriving hub where Irish heritage, craftsmanship, and community converge. Their dedication ensures that Irish culture remains a vibrant part of everyday life for countless Americans. By blending tradition with innovation, The Galway Girl keeps Ireland's spirit alive and strengthens the transatlantic bond that connects two nations through trade, heritage, and shared stories.

For more information about The Galway Girl, please contact WTC Dublin .