THE HAPPY RING HOUSE

Welcome to McDowells Jewellers, also known as the Happy Ring House, located in Dublin. We are a family-owned and operated business that has been providing exceptional service and quality jewellery to our customers for over 150 years.

Affectionately known as the "Happy Ring House" we specialise in engagement rings and wedding bands, and our experienced team is passionate about helping our customers find the perfect piece to celebrate their love. We offer a wide range of diamond and gemstone jewellery, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets as well as luxury watches. 

OUR HISTORY

McDowell's, a name synonymous with Dublin's rich history, traces its roots back to 1870. Founded by the visionary William McDowell, the "Happy Ring House" initially graced Mary Street before finding its permanent home at No. 3 Sackville Street in 1902. This iconic location, now known as O'Connell Street, has been the heart of our business for over a century, making us the longest-standing establishment on this historic thoroughfare.

The 1916 Rising was a pivotal moment in McDowell's history. During the conflict, founder William McDowell bravely defended the shop against looters. However, the escalating violence forced him and his porter to make a daring escape to Cathedral Street. Tragically, the porter lost his life, and William sustained a serious leg wound.

The shop was subsequently destroyed in the British bombardment of Dublin. Despite this setback, William's determination prevailed. He was eventually compensated for the lost stock, and the shop was rebuilt in 1917 using salvaged girders from the General Post Office.

A TIMELESS TRADITION

McDowell's has a rich history intertwined with the city's vibrant past. Renowned as the "Happy Ring House," it has long been a symbol of love and tradition. Couples who met by the iconic Clery's clock often sought out McDowell's to purchase engagement rings, marking the beginning of their journey together.

A testament to the shop's enduring legacy is its iconic neon sign, erected in 1952. This pioneering display, crafted by Gaelite, was Ireland's first-ever animated neon sign. For decades, it illuminated O'Connell Street, drawing eyes and sparking imaginations. However, time took its toll, and the sign fell into disrepair by 2008.

Thanks to the efforts of Dublin City Council and dedicated preservationists, the "Happy Ring House" sign was restored to its former glory in 2021. The official lighting ceremony, conducted by Lord Mayor Alison Gilliland, marked a significant moment in Dublin's history. The revitalised sign now shines brightly once again, a reminder of the city's past and a beacon of hope for its future.

McDOWELLS TODAY

In 2020, Weir & Sons acquired McDowells Jewellers and continue the ‘Happy Ring House’ legacy with Nicola McDowell Grandniece of Jack McDowell still involved in the business.

It is a very exciting time for the business with the introduction of some new brands to the store and welcoming back some much-loved familiar brands along with our largest ever selection of engagement rings to view at our first-floor dedicated diamond ring room that overlooks O’Connell street boulevard at tree level along with a magical view of Dublin's GPO.

Welcome to McDowells Jewellers, also known as the Happy Ring House, located in Dublin. We are a family-owned and operated business that has been providing exceptional service and quality jewellery to our customers for over 150 years.

We specialize in engagement rings and wedding bands, and our experienced team is passionate about helping our customers find the perfect piece to celebrate their love. We offer a wide range of diamond and gemstone jewellery, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets as well as luxury watches.

McDowells Jewellers is affectionately known as the "Happy Ring House" dues to its reputation for helping customers find their perfect engagement ring to celebrate their love and commitment. The store's extensive collection of engagement rings includes a wide range of styles and designs to suit every taste and budget, and their team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing personalised service to help customers find their ring of their dreams.

Founded in 1870 by William McDowell the ‘Happy Ring House’ originally was in Mary Street and moved to No 3 Sackville Street in 1902 making it the longest established business on what is now called O’Connell Street Dublin.

Completely destroyed and looted during the 1916 uprising No 3 was rebuilt in 1917 using some of the original girders for the General Post Office. During the height of the conflict centred around the GPO, William McDowell and the porter made a dash from the premises to Cathedral Street a distance of some fifty yards and in that distance William was shot in the leg and sadly the porter was shot dead.

The Happy Ring House has a long standing tradition in Dublin, that you meet your intended by the pillar and then proceeded to the ‘Happy Ring House’ to buy that special diamond ring followed by a celebratory drink in the Gresham or tea in Wynns Hotel.

In 2020, Weir & Sons Jewellers acquired McDowells Jewellers and continue the ‘Happy Ring House’ legacy with Nicola McDowell Grandniece of Jack McDowell still involved in the everyday running of the store. It is a very exciting time for the business with the introduction of some new brands to the store and welcoming back some much-loved familiar brands along with our largest ever selection of engagement rings to view at our first-floor dedicated diamond ring room that overlooks O’Connell street boulevard at tree level along with a magical view of Dublin's GPO. With a planned expansion of a new watch store destination next door at number 4 which will almost double the retail space. 

Coming soon, a new transactional website allowing people all over the world to purchase a sentimental gift from the iconic McDowells for a loved one near or far. O’Connell Street is set to be restored to its former status of one of the great streets in Ireland and a destination for shopping and tourist attractions. This historic street will come alive again with the rejuvenation of the new Clery’s Quarter and the Hammerson development, Chris Andrews MD “McDowells Jewellers are pleased to be part of the future of O’Connell Street rejuvenation and these significant developments in Dublin city we are committed to bringing a luxury watch and jewellery destination to Dublin’s O’Connell Street “.

We offer an exceptional service to help you make your luxury purchase. Whether you're looking to find your perfect engagement ring, a luxury watch or a spectacular jewellery piece, we are committed to making your experience a memorable one. Book an appointment with our knowledgeable staff. Visit The Happy Ring House, to experience how expectation meets reality. 

Our Jewellery workshop and Watch workshop are both filled with wonder, where craft has been passed down from generation to generation, and beloved pieces from all over the country come to be revived. Our watch workshop looks after battery replacements and watch servicing. We are now an official Rolex Authorised Service Centre which means that three Rolex-trained watchmakers and a technician will offer a first-class service to your timepiece in-store. Our jewellery workshop covers everything from jewellery repairs, engravings, pearl restringing, remounting rings to creating bespoke pieces. Discover the craftsmanship that makes our workshops some of the finest in Dublin.