About Us

How it all began

Joe Whelan started trading in 1954 with furniture and fancy goods and religious goods.

He expanded his business and moved premises in 1972 to 64/65 Main Street, Tipperary Town which was O’Doherty & O’Dwyer’s Garage.  At the time the store ran from the Main Street to Market Street and was one of largest in Ireland.

Joe Whelan was the first man to invite Santa Claus from the North Pole to Tipperary Town at his original shop in Church Street.  He would arrive by train at the Tipperary Railway Station where young and old would gather to meet the great man himself.  It has been a great tradition for families to get their pictures with Santa every year and this tradition still continues today.

In 2000 Joe Whelan handed over the reins to his daughter, Ann who continues to run the business  and Joe Whelans have now been trading for over 65 years.

You can enjoy a very pleasant shopping experience at Joe Whelans, with their giftware section of Newbridge  Silverware, Tipperary, Galway and Killarney Crystal.  Genesis Bronze and Newgrange Living, scented candles.  We also stock a large selection of gifts for all occasions with greeting cards to complement all gifts.

Then we come to their much renowned Paint and Decor Section.  We are stockists of Crown Paints, Colourtrend, and Johnstones.  Also the Frenchic Furniture Range for upcycling old pieces of furniture & now their Al Fresco range suitable for exterior.  We offer a very friendly service and advice to help you choose the colour you require for inside and out. We mix all colours in store including all other leading names. We also have wallpaper and lamp shades to compliment your colours.

Upstairs is paradise for the little ones – Joe Whelans,  Toymaster Store with lots of leading brands to choose from including puzzles, board games, art and crafts &  Lego catering  from new born, tots, pre-schoolers with friendly toys and accessories for that special gift in your child’s life.  Not forgetting outdoor play equipment like trampolines, slides baby ride-ons, scooters, trikes, berg go karts, coupe cars, playhouses,  goals and basketball stands.  We also run an All Year Savings Club and Christmas Club to help spread the cost for those gifts and toys.

In recent years we have expanded our personalised gifts for any occasions together with personalised mugs, cushions, frames, cards, banners all created in store while you wait.  And where there is a party or celebration there has to be balloons too filled with air or helium. We also personal balloons for Christenings, communions, confirmations, birthdays, engagements and weddings. Personalised party packs with sweets bars, drinks, sweet cones, photo booths and party boxes can also be catered for. 

At Joe Whelans,  Ann and her staff are there to serve their customers with excellent services and value.