This week, we had the pleasure of visiting Mary McBride and her daughter Aoife of Macbee's, who are celebrating 40 successful years in Killarney. Four decades in business is as good a time as ever to look back at all that has been achieved so we sat down with the pair to find out more about the Macbee's journey.

It all started out in 1984 with Mary’s bold decision to expand her career. Mary, a pharmacist who had been running the ladies department of her family business – Crowleys in Killorglin – since 1975, was approached by local auctioneer Paul Coughlan about opening a chemist shop at the front of the shopping mall he developed to house Quinnsworth, a major national supermarket. The significant foot traffic from female shoppers was enough to encourage Mary to strike out on her own and follow her true passion – style and fashion.

“The vision was to bring international fashion to the streets of Killarney, all the while supporting talented Irish designers too. We have been fortunate to build a loyal customer base over the years who bought into that vision and who have supported us along the way,” Mary explained.

Once Aoife and her sister Grainne reached the age of 13 they were drafted in to help during the busy sales periods, and Mary was also grateful to have her husband Tom, a qualified accountant, by her side.

“Tom looked after the financial side of the business, allowing me to focus on the day-to-day running like talking to customers and helping them build their wardrobes which I enjoyed.”

A highlight from all those years, Mary?

“There are too many great memories but one that jumps out for me was styling Jessie Buckley for her first audition in London with Andrew Lloyd Webber. She’s gone on to do wonderful things in her career since and she is always so beautifully dressed.”

Like her mother, Aoife's career seemed destined for another path. After qualifying as an engineer, she too pivoted to Fashion and Film in London. Aoife has been involved in the running of Macbee's for over 20 years but returned home to the business full time at the beginning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today, the business is managed by Aoife and Doranne Hickey. Doranne has also been involved in the business for over 20 years bringing her fashion flare she learned while working as a buyer and stylist in New York back to Macbee's. The boutique has grown into an institution of style in Kerry, proudly championing Irish designers and continually seeking new talent to add to its carefully curated selection of over 60 established and emerging fashion brands. Their team of 12 skilled style advisors, including Macbees first ever employee, Eileen O’Sullivan who is still a valued member of the team 40 years on, offer an unparalleled personal shopping experience, ensuring that the founding principles of empowering women, promoting age positivity, thoughtful buying, and supporting authentic design remains central to the brand.

“We have an amazing team of stylists who are always ready to assist customers with advice, alterations, and inspiration. Fashion is an art form; it is supposed to be fun and enjoyable, and we encourage our customers to embrace that. At Macbee's we seek out unique statement pieces ensuring our customers find something new and exciting each season.” Aoife explains.

You can tell by walking through the store that all of the team at Macbee's buy in to this line of thinking. Each staff member is impeccably dressed, in beautifully put-together outfits Mary, who has since stepped back from the business, remains as stylish as ever.

“The whole Macbee's team have a love for fashion, and we have so much fun with what we wear. It’s probably one of the legacies Mom has left behind since stepping back. She never needed an excuse to dress up; she always put in the effort,” says Aoife. “Tell them about your high-heeled wellies, Mom,” Aoife laughs.

Although Mary has stepped away from the business, she is enjoying spending more time with her granddaughters, Margot and Dolly, and is looking forward to Macbee's upcoming anniversary celebration on Saturday, October 12, when the store will host a special throwback-themed event to mark its 40 fabulous years in business.

On the first mention of the fashion show, Mary is jumping out of her chair, and heading over to the clothes rack where some of the timeless piece’s belonging to Macbee's valued customers hang ready for the event. As she pulls different items and holds them up to show them off, it is clear that Mary’s love for fashion has not dwindled.

The anniversary event will feature a casual in-store fashion show hosted by style icon Celia Holman Lee, showcasing archival pieces from designers like Louise Kennedy, John Rocha, Kenzo, Christian Lacroix, and more.

“For as long as I can remember Macbee's has always embraced sustainability, long before it became fashionable,” Aoife smiles. “Buy less, buy better, is what we tell our customers and on Saturday week that is what we will be celebrating:, fashion that stands the test of time.”

The designs will be modelled by Macbees’ cherished customers, alongside a presentation of the team’s favourite looks for AW24, including selections from Stine Goya, Essentiel Antwerp, Celia B, AndTate, and Roisin Linnane, with models from the Holman Lee Agency.

Locals are invited to enjoy the October 12 show while sipping refreshing V&Ts, served by the wonderful wife-and-wife team behind Valentia Island Vermouth, in the boutique’s stunning flower-filled space, courtesy of the creative talents at Floweryard. The event is on from 12am - 3pm with the show starting at 1pm.