96% of Consumers Say They are More Likely to Buy a Rug from an Irish-Owned Business

This year, Rugs.ie is celebrating 30 years of helping Irish homeowners bring warmth and style to their spaces.  The Cork-owned company, which has grown from a local wood floors and rugs shop to one of Ireland’s leading destinations for high-quality, design-led rugs is marking the occasion by highlighting the role rugs play in modern home design.

What started in 1994 as a small family business on Cork’s MacCurtain Street has grown into one of Ireland’s most respected rug specialists. Founded by Brendan and Dominique Holland, the original aim was simple, to bring the best in rugs and wood flooring to local customers, with a clear focus on quality.

Thirty years on, that same approach continues to guide the business. Now led by their daughter Phoebe Holland, Rugs.ie has steadily expanded, serving customers all over Ireland and internationally, while staying true to its roots in craftsmanship, personal service, and carefully sourced pieces that last.

To coincide with the anniversary, Rugs.ie carried out a survey with Opinions.ie to get a sense of how people in Ireland view rugs today. The results backed up what the team has seen first-hand over the years: 93% of people said a rug can completely change the look and feel of a room, while 96% said they’re more likely to buy from an Irish-owned family business.

“It’s something we’ve always believed, that a rug can really change how a space feels,” says Phoebe Holland, Managing Director of Rugs.ie. “But it’s also about knowing where it came from, who you’re buying from, and feeling looked after in the process.”

When it comes to what people look for in a rug, style came out on top, with over four in ten (42%) saying design is their main consideration. Durability and longevity followed closely behind, with just 10% putting price first, suggesting that quality and longevity matter more to people than ever.

Phoebe added: “Looking back over 30 years, I feel so proud of what we’ve built. My parents started this business with a passion for quality and a desire to make a real difference in people’s homes. Today, we’re still driven by that same passion. For me, it’s not just about the rugs, it’s about the relationships we’ve built with our customers, team members and partners. In our 30th year, we are building on our tradition of quality and craftsmanship. We’re focusing on our strengths, designing handmade rug collections crafted from natural materials that are made to last.”

Over the past three decades, Rugs.ie has built a trusted reputation for sourcing a wide range of high-quality pieces from some of the world’s best rug producers. Its collection includes styles for every taste, from contemporary designs to traditional and one-of-a-kind hand knotted pieces, blending global craftsmanship with an understanding of Irish interiors.

The Cork showroom remains the heart of the business, with in-person advice and guidance still playing a key role. According to the same survey, 42% of people say expert help is their most trusted source when choosing a rug—more than social media or online reviews.

“Even though we’ve expanded online, we’ve never lost that side of things,” says Phoebe. “People still want to see and feel what they’re buying and ask questions. That hasn’t changed.”

As part of its continued development, Rugs.ie also offers a bespoke service for those looking for a rug that’s tailored to their space and style. The collection also includes authentic Persian and Oriental rugs, with an emphasis on elegance, timelessness and craftsmanship.

In addition to the showroom, Rugs.ie has a large online store and virtual consultation service, ensuring customers nationwide can access the same level of expert support to help them find the perfect rug for their home.

For interior designers and trade professionals, Rugs.ie provides dedicated trade accounts, offering access to exclusive pricing and personalised support.

For more information visit www.rugs.ie.