Rosie Lee’s Pop Up Boutique Shop stands the test of time and Rory G

While the thriving Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival in Ballyshannon has been up and running since 2002, to commemorate the birthplace of the legendary Blues Guitarist, Rosie Lee’s Pop Up Shop with its eclectic array of clothing and accessories “that might make a statement” has been around since 2015.

A pop up shop is a type of shop that opens for a limited time in an empty retail space selling whatever you want.

Róisín or Rosie, as she is simply known to her friends revealed: “I have been running The Rosie Lee Unique Pop Up Boutique since 2015 in empty premises around Ballyshannon with the only exceptions being the Covid years.  

“I usually run the pop up shop for five days. I saw a need for the festival goers, something different somewhere to buy a pair of shorts or flip flops if we had a very warm sunny.

ABOVE: Rosie with her afro and dear friend Cathriona O'Rourke 

day, or a warm jumper or cardigan if they got cold in the evening or a rain jacket if the rains started!

“I sell preloved quality clothing, jewellery, hats, scarves, bags, belts. I love clothes with a passion. I love finding something unique and different wherever I go, whether abroad on holidays, online sourcing or the local SVP

“I usually look for something that I know will sell at my pop up. I love colour. People like to dress differently for a festival such as floppy hats, coloured scarves, bright coloured outfits, something that might make a statement

“Buying from thrift or vintage shops can reduce the amount of waste generated from fast fashion and other products. By buying preloved clothing, jewellery, hats etc we are limiting our carbon footprint and will help our environment.

ABOVE: The pop up shop has become a familiar part of the yearly Festival in Ballyshannon

“My friends “my soul sisters” usually lend a hand when it gets busy and also my two sisters Marian and Colette. I couldn’t do it without the help.

This year I was in Saimer Court Shopping Centre on the second floor, so a big thank you to Rossa McCosker for the availability.

ABOVE: Putting the final finishes to the shop banner that was gifted to her from an Italian friend, Mauro Saglietti 

She concluded:

“I do work hard at it and I am absolutely exhausted at the end of it. But I love meeting people and I love seeing them leave my shop with a smile on their face and a bargain in their hands.”