WATCH: Step inside Laois's Aladdin's cave at Dunamase Antiques

Step through the door of Dunamase Antiques at 61 Main Street, Portlaoise and you enter an Aladdin's cave where every shelf, cabinet and corner invites curiosity.

For business owner Eamon Whelan, this world of antiques and collectibles is less about commerce than conversation. Every piece has a history and every customer arrives with a story to tell.

"I have been in business for over 15 years," he says. "I enjoy my job, because I have gone past retirement age but you never retire in a business like this because every day is a new day."

That sense of renewal explains why the business continues to thrive. Where others might see old furniture or china, Whelan sees craftsmanship, memory and enduring value.

His interest in antiques stretches back many years. What began as a personal fascination eventually became an opportunity when he recognised there was room for a specialist antiques business in the Midlands.

"I was always interested in antiques and collectibles," he explains. "I saw that there was an opening in Portlaoise, a Midlands town. We get people from all over and we deliver all over the country."

The journey each item takes before reaching the shop is often as interesting as the object itself. Auctions and house clearances provide much of the stock, ensuring that no two days are ever the same.

Among the many treasures that have passed through his hands are prized pieces of Mason's china, elegant Waterford crystal, silverware, mahogany furniture and Victorian pieces that continue to attract collectors. Tiffany lamps remain particularly popular, while one unexpected speciality has earned Dunamase Antiques a loyal following across Ireland.

"We have a lot of pub memorabilia. We have a huge clientele of pubs from all over Ireland."

Like many independent retailers, Mr Whelan has embraced changing shopping habits without losing the personal touch that has always defined the business. When asked about the balance between online and in store sales, his answer comes with characteristic humour.

"Fifty fifty. I call it on the phone but younger people call it online."

It is a reminder that while technology changes, good business often depends on timeless principles. For Whelan, attracting customers on the Main Street is about presentation, variety and ensuring there is always something new to discover.

"It is all about display, window display, shop display, changing your display, advertising a bit as well. And we have got very good staff here."

His optimism offers a welcome counterpoint to the challenges facing many town centres. While vacant shopfronts have become an increasingly familiar sight across Ireland, Dunamase Antiques continues to draw visitors by giving people a reason to stop, look and linger.

Perhaps that is because an antiques shop deals in something that cannot be manufactured. Every teacup, polished silverware or vintage sign has survived changing fashions, changing owners and changing times. They are objects that have already lived one life and are waiting to begin another.

For Eamon Whelan however, the greatest reward has never been the antiques themselves. "Meeting people," he says with a smile. "It keeps you young."