About Us
Who we are
Founded in 1906, The Cope is a builders’ providers and hardware store. Through our 108 year history, we have serviced Donegal's hardware and construction sector with pride.
Being a local community owned co-operative, we have our community's needs at heart and we use our expertise and local knowledge to provide a friendly and professional service to our customers.
What we do
From DIY enthusiasts to professional contractors, The Cope supplies and delivers a vast range of products to suit all our customers’ needs.
Coupled with our builders’ merchants, which stocks timber, plumbing, stoves and multi-fuel boilers; our retail department stocks everything you need to build or renovate your home from top to bottom, from housewares to garden furniture, painting and decorating, to bathrooms and electrical. Along with this extensive product range, we also offer free quotations, key cutting, paint mixing and a delivery service.
Our history
The Cope was founded in 1906 by Paddy "the Cope" Gallagher as a local co-operative. The Cope has grown and evolved to provide the largest range of products available from any retailer in the North West, with dedicated business units which include supermarkets, sports shops; men’s, children’s and ladies’ fashion; housewares, IT sales and service, and a state of the art children’s play centre. Our builders’ providers business has evolved over the years to today's 3 acre site.
We have maintained our local co-operative status and continue to be the main employer in our area, with approx 100 people employed, 20 of which work in our builders’ providers. Several of our staff are in their 40th year of service or more with The Cope. Two years ago staff member Peter Boyle celebrated 50 years with the business.
The Cope is now synonymous with Dungloe and the Rosses area of west Donegal.
The local community
As a local co-operative, we are wholly community owned. As a community owned business, The Cope recognises its economic and social responsibilites within the community we operate. The Cope Community Trust was founded in 2010 and the team fundraises for the Trust on a continual basis. Over the last five years we have contributed €80,000 to local charities and community groups.
The Topline group
The Cope delivers exceptional value through improved purchasing associated with being a member of Ireland’s largest hardware buying group, Topline.As a member of the Topline group, we have access to some of the most experienced experts in the hardware and DIY trade.Topline is a national network bringing value and expertise to you locally through The Cope.
All this, along with our hard work, will enable us to provide our customers with the service they deserve, hopefully for another 100 years.