You'll find the lilt of Irish laughter at Galway Traders in Ballard

You'll find the lilt of Irish laughter at Galway Traders in Ballard

Thursday, March 14, 2002

By KATHY MULADY
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

Step into Galway Traders in Ballard, and suddenly you are steeped in all that is Irish.

Every room in the cozy Ballard house is brimming with wool sweaters, Irish linen, ceramics, boxes of Bewley's Irish tea, jars of marmalade, pewter jewelry, books and music.

It's not like this only during the week before St. Patrick's Day, but every day of the year -- for almost 20 years now.


	Eveline Murray, left, co-owner of Galway Traders, chats and shares a laugh with customer Sara Jolivet in the store on 15th Avenue Northwest. Phil H. Webber / Seattle Post-Intelligencer Click for larger photo

A peat brick, called turf, smolders in the fireplace, filling the store with a sweet, earthy aroma.

In one nook, two customers speak softly in Irish.

Eileen Kilgren, who has worked at Galway Traders for 11 years, smiles warmly as she helps customers find just the right item from among the thousands of pieces in the store.

One visit, even two, isn't enough to absorb all that is here -- children's clothes, lace-up dancing shoes, boxes of crackers and cookies, newspaper clippings and family photos on the walls.

A collection of Scottish and Welsh items are given space in a room of their own.

The business is owned by Hugh and Eveline Murray.

Hugh's parents are from Ireland.

However, it's Eveline's soft German accent that mystifies customers. She is from Germany, but fell in love with Ireland during many visits there with her husband.

In 1982, with their children were grown, Eveline Murray thought it would be fun to run a small business selling Irish wares.

They bought the small house on 15th Avenue Northwest, and Eveline opened her shop.

It wasn't until after they signed the closing papers that they noticed the shamrocks adorning the eaves of the 90-year-old house at 7518 15th Ave. N.W.

Kilgren has done some research and found out the house was built by descendents of Irish immigrants and that the shamrocks were part of the original construction.

Buying the house also turned out to be good luck and a good business move.

"Our business plan is a smart one; we own the property, so we are free of a landlord," Hugh Murray said. "There are no bankers breathing down our neck telling us to sell more shamrocks.

"Besides, it's the Irish dream to own your own place."

Galway Traders has grown into more than a place to buy Irish. The store offers a cultural connection for those with Irish roots and is a resource for learning more about Ireland. A bulletin board in the store is loaded with business cards, advertisements for Irish language lessons, Irish dance lessons and Celtic harp performances.

Kilgren publishes the "Celtic Calendar" filled with Irish events in the community.

This weekend, Galway Traders will take part in the Irish Week festival at the Center House in the Seattle Center.

Liam O Baoighill, came to Seattle four years ago from Ireland. He visits the store regularly, looking for new Irish books and music.

"It is a small store, but crowded with things," O Baoighill said. "You can spend a long time winding through the rooms. It makes me feel like I am back home.

"And there is always a good chance you will run into someone who speaks Irish; that is nice."

P-I reporter Kathy Mulady can be reached at 206-448-8131 or kathymulady@seattlepi.com

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