Sean McManus Jewellers was established in 1928 by Paddy McManus, who already had shops in Newry and Belfast. He sent his nephew, Sean McManus an apprentice at the time to run the newly established shop down south in Dun Laoghaire.

So began a thriving business, Pawnbroking was a benign necessity in those times, anything from bicycles, suits, golf clubs, and musical instruments could be found amongst the hundreds of items. Sean worked up until his death in 1989, a much-loved character by one and all. The “old shop” as we refer to it was number 92 Lower Georges Street, it was a labyrinth of rooms, Sean along with several others lived on the premises, the range in the basement the only source of heat. In 1973 Sean’s son Don joined the family business, they remained in Pawnbroking through the 1970’s, whilst Don concentrated on developing the Antique side of the business, gradually building up a large stock of Victorian, Edwardian jewellery. During the 1980’s Don’s two sisters Stephanie Collins and Aileen Kirker, along with his wife Maura Mac Keogh would join the business. In 1987 Don established a new business, Celtic Frames, this was started at home making Irish silver photo-frames, the business expanded to include many other items and a growing customer list and in 1991 his brother-in-law Ian Kirker took over the running of the company.

The family and the shop were by now an integral part of the Dun Laoghaire landscape, however the “three brass balls” were to come down in 1983. The shop was well stocked with brass, silver and silver plate. The business was now moving in a different direction with the selection of antique jewellery growing, it was becoming the dominant side of the business. All the while Don building on his expertise and love of antiques, he accumulated a beautiful and unique range of jewellery.

Although the building, constructed in 1850, had great character and atmosphere it was deteriorating badly and even with modifications, repairs and more repairs over the years the time came when it was no longer viable to remain. In 2007, eager to stay in the heart of Dun Laoghaire where we have a loyal customer base, we moved across the road to a premises that was specially fitted out with all the old cabinets and counters.  It was a move tinged with sadness and nostalgia having to let go of a large part of our heritage.

Sean McManus Jewellers now has an extensive range of antique jewellery including Diamond rings, Bracelets, Chains, Brooches, Pendants, etc., With Don’s expert eye we can now design and remodel pieces of jewellery., We also have a repair service. There is a vast amount of antique Silver pieces, including Sauce Boats, Candlesticks, Tea sets, Wine Decanters, Ring dishes, etc.

We have a diverse range of gift ideas for anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, weddings, births, etc.

This family business has evolved over eighty odd years, changing with the times, but luckily it is still a family business, giving a personal service and attention to all who walk through the doors. There is now an involvement from the next generation of the McManus family, so bringing new ideas and skills.