The Walsh family business has been proudly carried through three generations, with roots going back over 80 years. It was founded in 1945 by Thomas Walsh, who established the Consolidated Bead Company in a small Dublin workshop. Their early work making rosary beads soon reached an international audience, even supplying the world’s first duty-free shop in Shannon Airport in 1947. From there, their unique and completely natural gemstone found its way into the hands of travellers across the world.
In 1954, Thomas’ son John, joined the business and oversaw a period of growth and innovation. He moved operations to a purpose-built factory in Terenure and expanded into the American market. One of the highlights of his career came in 1963, when, during a trade mission, he met President John F. Kennedy in the Rose Garden of the White House. As tourism to Ireland flourished in the decades that followed, John guided the company’s focus toward Connemara Marble gifts and jewelry, inspired by Ireland’s heritage and natural beauty.
The third generation, Stephen Walsh, joined in 1975 and took full ownership of the historic Connemara Marble quarry in County Galway, first opened in the 1820s. Today, Stephen and his team continue the tradition of handcrafting beautiful pieces from the unique green Connemara Marble that formed over 900 million years ago, blending traditional skills with modern design.
Through three generations, the Walsh family’s passion has remained unchanged: to share Ireland’s unique heritage through every piece they create. That heritage was officially recognised in 2022, when green Connemara Marble received designation as a World Heritage Stone by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS). This rare recognition, awarded to only 32 stones worldwide, highlights Connemara Marble’s cultural, historical, and scientific importance.
Still proudly a family business, the entire team ensure that the company’s values, their pride and care are reflected in every piece. This spirit is at the heart of everything offered on their website, where customers can discover the timeless beauty and story of Ireland’s national gemstone.
