The Mountmellick building that was the origin of the Shaws department store empire has been snapped up by a buyer.

The iconic property was put on the market last November, for sale by Carlow auctioneer Thomas Byrne & Son. Signage was recently displayed in the property's windows, declaring that a sale has been agreed.

Pictured: Shaws Mountmellick with its closing down sign in 2021. Photo: Leinster Express

Located on Parnell street in Mountmellick, the Shaws department store family opened their first ever drapery shop here in 1864. It ran for 157 years, with the business being a landmark employer and footfall driver in the town. 

Shaws closed it down during a Covid lockdown in May 2021 and Shaws relocated the staff to their Portlaoise store.

The closure was met with great disappointment by locals as 'an awful blow to the town'.

The property stood vacant for four years before being briefly occupied by a Centz discount retail store for just five months this year, unexpectedly closing down in recent months.

Henry and Annie Shaw opened their first small drapery store in 1864 in Mountmellick. The family business expanded to Portlaoise in 1890 and then later to Athy and Roscrea and to other towns and counties, but held on to their first shop.

A plaque noting its local history on the wall was removed after its closure.