Profits increase sevenfold at Kilkenny Design Group as revenues rise to €32m

The retailer recorded profits totalling €1.28m in 2025

Kilkenny Design Group operates 18 bricks and mortar stores here while the Wright Group operates Kilkenny Cafes at Kilkenny Design shops in Nassau Street, Dublin; Kilkenny; Cobh Heritage Centre, Cork and Shanagarry, Cork.

Pre-tax profits at the Kilkenny Design Group, the Irish fashion and design retailer owned by the O’Gorman family, last year increased more than seven fold to €1.28m.

New consolidated accounts filed by Clydaville Holdings Ltd show that the group recorded a sharp increase in pre-tax profits as revenues increased marginally to more than €32m in the 12 months ending in January this year.

Kilkenny Design Group operates 18 bricks and mortar stores here while the Wright Group operates Kilkenny Cafes at Kilkenny Design shops in Nassau Street, Dublin, Kilkenny, Cobh Heritage Centre, Cork and Shanagarry, Cork. Store locations also include Killarney, Douglas, Ennis, Galway, Trim and Kildare Village.

Clydaville, which has its registered office in Killarney, recorded an operating profit of €1.34m which was a 166% increase on the operating profits of €504,244 for the prior year.

In their report, the directors state that “operating in an environment of economic volatility, Kilkenny Design faced headwinds that were beyond our control”.

They state that "the ongoing global cost of living crisis added pressures on our cost structures posing additional challenges to the performance of the business".

They added that “the business delivered a turnaround in the current year, returning to strong profitability compared to a small profit in the prior year”.

"This improvement reflects the positive impact of strategic initiatives and decisive actions taken by management, including proactive cost-saving strategies, margin-enhancing activities and the successful introduction of new brands and new Own brand ranges into the portfolio”.

"We have taken decisive steps to restructure operations, enhance cost efficiency, and implement innovative initiatives aimed at driving margin improvement".

"As a result, the company is now well-positioned to meet its debt obligations as they fall due”.

The directors state that “looking ahead, the company will continue to adapt to evolving consumer trends and market conditions”.

They add that “the strategic decisions made by the management team have laid a foundation for sustained growth and resilience, which has highlighted the adaptability and strength of the Kilkenny Design team”.

The directors state that they continue to review opportunities to grow and expand the business. Numbers employed this year reduced from 219 to 216 as staff costs reduced from €8.3m to €7.3m.

The profits also take account of combined non-cash depreciation and amortisation costs of €1.06m. Directors’ pay increased marginally from €580,825 to €595,657.

The firm’s profits also take account of exceptional credit of €91,459 arising from re-organisational costs and rent receivable of €106,634. After incurring a corporation tax charge of €167,474, the group recorded a post-tax profit of €1.11m.