Thomas Dillon’s, Ireland’s oldest jeweller and a well-established name in Galway, was subjected to criminal damage during an attempted break-in on St. Stephen’s Day. The incident occurred at the jeweller’s premises on Quay Street, where a window was shattered by two individuals in the early hours of the morning.
A Garda spokesperson confirmed the event, stating: “Gardaí received a report of an incident of criminal damage that occurred to a premises on Quay Street, Galway City at approximately 12:30am on the 26th of December 2024. Investigations are ongoing at this time.”
One suspect is reported to have concealed their identity with a black face covering. The investigation into the incident continues.
Legacy of Thomas Dillon’s
Founded in 1750, Thomas Dillon’s occupies a significant place in Irish jewellery history. Known for crafting Claddagh rings, the family-owned business is the only jeweller authorised to stamp its rings with the mark “ORIGINAL.”
Over its 275-year history, Dillon’s has supplied Claddagh rings to prominent figures, including members of the British Royal Family, John F. Kennedy, and Walt Disney. This heritage underlines its longstanding importance within the jewellery industry.
Following the closure of West Jewellers in 2010, Dillon’s became recognised as the oldest jewellery store in Ireland.
Industry and Cultural Impact
The attempted break-in highlights the challenges faced by historic jewellery businesses, which often hold cultural and historical significance. Dillon’s plays a key role in preserving the Claddagh ring tradition, a recognised symbol of Irish craftsmanship.
For jewellers, this incident underscores the need for robust security measures, particularly during busy trading periods. It also emphasises the importance of protecting historic brands that contribute to the cultural and historical narrative of the industry.
As investigations continue, the jewellery trade will closely monitor developments, given the symbolic importance of Thomas Dillon’s within the sector.
