Est. 1940
Our History
Eight decades of family ownership, built on trust, compliance and a deep understanding of the travel retail ecosystem.
Founded 1940
L. Connaughton & Sons Ltd was founded in 1940 by Lawrence Connaughton Snr. What began as a small premises close to Dublin's docklands has grown into one of Ireland's most trusted bonded logistics and distribution businesses — still family-owned, still owner-led, still based in Dublin.
Grand Canal Quay, Dublin — original bonded premises
The Journey
85 Years in the Making
Chapter by Chapter
The Full Story
The Beginning
Lawrence Connaughton Snr founded the business in a small premises close to Dublin's docklands, initially catering for locals in the area. It was not long before he recognised the potential in Ship's Chandlery — supplying the vessels that passed through one of Europe's busiest port cities.
South Quays & Ship Supply
In 1954, Connaughton's began supplying shipping on the South Quays of Dublin. In those days there were many more ships and significantly larger crews. Initially it was only vessels on the South Quay that were supplied, but the business grew quickly and the company expanded to supply ships on the North Quay as well.
Duty-Free Expansion
A pivotal moment in the company's history. In 1960, Connaughton's recognised further potential in selling duty-free beers, spirits and cigarettes. This was to be a major expansion of the family business, laying the foundations for the bonded distribution operation that defines the company today.
Airlines & Diplomatic Corps
The business expanded further in the 1980s with the supply of goods to airlines and the diplomatic corps. L. Connaughton & Sons held agencies for many high-profile supply companies during this period, cementing its reputation as a trusted partner across multiple channels.
Bonded Warehouse
Connaughton's initially rented warehouse space from Dublin Port and Docks Board. In 1980, an 18,000 sq ft warehouse was purchased and a licence to bond duty-free goods was granted by the Irish Revenue authorities — a defining milestone that underpins the business to this day.
40,000 sq ft
The company expanded further in 2012, increasing warehouse space to 40,000 sq ft by acquiring an adjacent warehouse. This gave Connaughton's the capacity to serve a growing client base across all six channels with the same high standards of compliance and service.
Clonshaugh
The company relocated to its current home at Unit 7 Willsborough Industrial Estate, Clonshaugh, Dublin D17W304. The modern, purpose-built facility provides 35,000 sq ft of customs-bonded storage and serves as the operational hub for all six distribution channels.
One Partner. Six Channels.
Today, L. Connaughton & Sons Ltd remains family-owned and owner-led. With SAP-enabled stock management, an owned temperature-controlled fleet, and a customs-bonded facility, the company serves airlines, ferries, airports, the diplomatic corps, distribution partners and border operations across Ireland and beyond.
Get in Touch
85 years of experience, at your service.
Family-owned, bonded, and built for the long term. Let's talk about what we can do for your operation.
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