Donnelly's Bakery

Donnelly's Bakery has been baking bread for over 70 years. At the turn of the century Shandon Street had 13 bakeries and today only Donnelly's survives. The premises has been used as a bakery for almost 200 years. Joseph Donnelly bought the bakery in 1920 for £620. Today the bakery is managed by three brothers: Declan, Paschal and John. One of the brothers, John, has been in the business since 1974. Declan Donnelly says that the bakery was one of the most modern bakeries in Ireland at the turn of the century. The Donnelly's working day begins at 12 midnight and ends the following morning between 9a.m. and 12 noon. It tough work with unsociable hours. Donnelly's have invested a lot of money in the business over the past 10 years. In 1982 the front wall of the building was knocked down and completely rebuilt. Donnelly's make all different kinds of bread such as schulls, baskets, small pans, large baskets and bloomers.

Debra Murphy and Stephanie Fox