FREE delivery within Ireland on orders over €85
IRISH OWNED CO-OPERATIVE BUSINESS
OPERATING FOR 119 YEARS
Who We Are
Founded in 1906 by an extraordinary leader, Paddy “the Cope” Gallagher, our co-operative was built against the odds to create a thriving business that continues to deliver lasting social and economic benefits to the people of West Donegal.
Today, The Cope is recognised as one of Ireland’s leading retailers, offering more product lines than any other retailer in the North West. We are proud to be a community business, creating sustainable employment while operating with integrity, honesty, and a passionate team spirit.
Our Locations & Businesses
The Cope is a multi-location co-operative with businesses in Dungloe, Annagry, Kincasslagh, and Falcarragh. Across these four locations, we operate 10 individual retail businesses, including:
- Foodstores in Dungloe, Annagry, Falcarragh, and Kincasslagh
- In Dungloe:
Home & Hardware Department
Clothing Department
Cope Sports
Hubtec
The Cope Builders Providers
Our Online Store: thecope.ie
Our Structure
Formally registered on 16th January 1906 as The Templecrone Co-operative Agricultural Society Ltd., The Cope has always been guided by a Board of Directors.
The original board consisted of 11 members, later expanding to 12—affectionately known as “The Twelve Apostles.”
The Story of the Cope
1906
The Templecrone Co-operative Agricultural Society Ltd. is formally registered on 16th January 1906 in Cleendra, Dungloe, founded by Paddy “The Cope” Gallagher.
1907
The Cope moves to Main Street, Dungloe.
1909
The Cope Relocates to the Old Courthouse, Main Street.
1910
- Maghery Branch opens (closes, then reopens later that year),
- Cope Hall built
- The Tea-Van delivery service begins.
1911
Lettermacaward Branch opens.
1912
- The Cope Dungloe relocates to Upper Main Street, Dungloe
- Introduction of agricultural stocks.
1913
The Cope Bakery opens
1914
Meenbanad Branch opens
1915
Tailoring Department opens in Dungloe
1918
Knitting factory established in Dungloe
1919
Kincasslagh Branch opens
1921
Burtonport Branch opens
1922
First chartered Cope boat, SS Better Hope
1923
- Annagry Branch opens
- Cope Electricity programme begins
1937
President of Sinn Féin & Former President of Dáil Éireann
Eamonn de Valera visits Paddy the Cope
1940
First Cope-owned boat launched
1942
Soapstone mining at Crohy, Maghery
(opens and closes the same year)
1945
Fire devastates Main Street premises
1946
Soapstone mine reopens
1947
Soapstone mine collapses
1953
Last Cope boat
1956
ESB brings electricity to Dungloe
1966
Death of Paddy the Cope
1971
Narin Branch opens
1972
Meenbanad Branch closes
1973
Cope stamps introduced
1975
Turnover exceeds £1 million; Lough Swilly depot taken over
1976
Cope House acquired; furniture built
1977
Builders Providers moves to Quay Road
2020
Add text content about a certain step your company has taken to get here
2020
Add text content about a certain step your company has taken to get here
2020
Add text content about a certain step your company has taken to get here
2020
Add text content about a certain step your company has taken to get here
2020
Add text content about a certain step your company has taken to get here
2020
Add text content about a certain step your company has taken to get here
2020
Add text content about a certain step your company has taken to get here
2020
Add text content about a certain step your company has taken to get here
2020
Add text content about a certain step your company has taken to get here
2020
Add text content about a certain step your company has taken to get here
2020
Add text content about a certain step your company has taken to get here