Celebrating 125 years of making colour in Ireland

Believe it or not, we are proud to have been manufacturing paint from our Cork plant since 1885 and this year we'll be celebrating in store. Pop along to your nearest participating stockist to join in the fun. There is the chance to win our iconic Dulux cuddly toy dog, €125 worth of Dulux paint and a grand prize of €5000 cash!

125 years ago the Shandon Works on the Commons Road Cork was established for the manufacture of fine chemicals by Messrs William Stanley and Ignatius Harrington under the title of Harrington Bros.

One of the most popular products at the time was a rather specialist product which was consistently in demand: coffin paint!
The firm Harringtons Limited was formally incorporated.
Harringtons Limited was the largest paint and varnish manufacturer in the country. At the time the largest importers of paints into Ireland were Goodlass Wall & Company Limited of Liverpool. It was agreed to merge the combined interests of both companies in Ireland North and South and the name of the company changed to Harringtons & Goodlass Wall Ltd HGW Paints.
The 1930's saw HGW develop technical contracts with the international giant ICI.

One of HGW's major collaborations was with the Cork Ford Car manufacturing plant which produced the first non-fading red paint for cars: revolutionary for its time!
ICI Paints division suggested a joint marketing and technical investment to capitalise on the rapidly expanding markets for industrial and automotive finishes in the Republic.
The iconic and much-loved Dulux dog came into our lives!
ICI Paints Division suggested that HGW undertake the manufacturing and marketing of Dulux products in the Republic of Ireland.
Dulux launches Paint Pod - a revolution in decorating; making painting faster, cleaner and easier than ever before
ICI and the Dulux brand was acquired by global giant, AkzoNobel.