Our Story

Our story begins in the late 1700’s on Cork Street, Dublin City.  The Donnelly family established their pork business and from there began a thriving trade.  This area became the epicentre of sausage making within the city.  The Donnelly family were a vital link between the surrounding farms and the homes of the people of the city. Through continuous improvements in recipes and methods, Donnelly became the leading bacon and sausage brand in Ireland in the 1950’s and 1960’s.

Pictured: Donnelly’s ad on tram at funeral procession of O’Donovan Rossa, at Parnell Square (Rutland Square), Dublin, 1915. (Source: NLI)

Donnelly Bacon add Dublin 1915

Our Story

Our story begins in the late 1700’s on Cork Street, Dublin City.  The Donnelly family established their pork business and from there began a thriving trade.  This area became the epicentre of sausage making within the city.  The Donnelly family were a vital link between the surrounding farms and the homes of the people of the city. Through continuous improvements in recipes and methods, Donnelly became the leading bacon and sausage brand in Ireland in the 1950’s and 1960’s.

Pictured: Donnelly’s ad on tram at funeral procession of O’Donovan Rossa, at Parnell Square (Rutland Square), Dublin, 1915. (Source: NLI)

Donnelly Bacon add Dublin 1915

New Frontiers

A number of Donnelly butchers had travelled to America in the early 1900’s to hone their skills in the latest techniques used to make skinless sausages. They soon discovered many Irish emigrants longed for the taste of home. They created sausages, rashers and pudding using the recipes and methods that had been handed down through the generations. Word spread and people travelled from near and far to purchase Donnelly products. It wasn’t long before local stores began to carry the Donnelly brand. Donnelly in America was born!

New Frontiers

A number of Donnelly butchers had travelled to America in the early 1900’s to hone their skills in the latest techniques used to make skinless sausages. They soon discovered many Irish emigrants longed for the taste of home. They created sausages, rashers and pudding using the recipes and methods that had been handed down through the generations. Word spread and people travelled from near and far to purchase Donnelly products. It wasn’t long before local stores began to carry the Donnelly brand. Donnelly in America was born!

Today’s Heritage

In the United States, Donnelly products continue to be sold to retail stores, bars and restaurants.

Our bacon and ham  products are the first and only meat products for sale in the US that are produced and packed in Ireland and certified by Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board. The Bord Bia Quality Mark signifies our products have been produced to the very highest standard and you know exactly where it comes from in Ireland. Bord Bia employs an independent company to carry out over 80,000 checks on farms throughout Ireland each year. There are strict standards around food safety, animal health and welfare and care for the environment. All the Bord Bia standards are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure compliance with changes in regulations and best practice and these standards are publicly available.

The Donnelly brand has carried its reputation for quality and tradition across the Atlantic and continues to provide premium products to its dedicated customers.

Our Recipes

Today’s Heritage

In the United States, Donnelly products continue to be sold to retail stores, bars and restaurants.

Our bacon and ham  products are the first and only meat products for sale in the US that are produced and packed in Ireland and certified by Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board. The Bord Bia Quality Mark signifies our products have been produced to the very highest standard and you know exactly where it comes from in Ireland. Bord Bia employs an independent company to carry out over 80,000 checks on farms throughout Ireland each year. There are strict standards around food safety, animal health and welfare and care for the environment. All the Bord Bia standards are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure compliance with changes in regulations and best practice and these standards are publicly available.

The Donnelly brand has carried its reputation for quality and tradition across the Atlantic and continues to provide premium products to its dedicated customers.

Our Recipes