About us: the Doire Team…

The Doire Dresses Team

Doire Dress Designs was founded in 2006 by Shauna Shiels. Shauna having been involved in Irish Dancing for many years with her daughters Tomasina and Codie had been creating dress designs for her girls as a hobby. Shauna like many other Derry mothers was extremely skilled in apparel creations having worked in Derry’s vas clothing industry since the age of 16. Her passion for Irish Dancing and dress making however started at an early age spending time with her mother Eilish Young who is an experienced dress maker. Shauna believes her skills, drive and passion for dress making and particularly Irish Dance Costumes have been inherited from her mother.

In April 2006 due to continuous demand for parents and teachers of other dancers Shauna took the brave step and entered the world of making dresses professionally at home. Since 2006 the business has flourished and is now considered by many as one of the leading Irish Dance Dress Manufacturers. The business now operates out of its own premises on the Buncrana Road, manufacturing high quality Irish dance costumes and leading the way in innovative modern designs and dress making technology. The business has acquired a committed and highly skilled workforce dedicated to producing the world’s best quality Irish Dancing Dresses.

Not only do we provide a personalised 1st class service in the design and manufacture of Irish Dancing Dresses but we also offer our customers a full makeover service, free at the final fitting of your dress if booked in advance, where you can try the latest Irish dancing accessories which are stocked by Doire Dress Designs.

Our aim is to offer a world class quality service whilst ensuring that we maintain an appreciation of the expense of having an Irish Dancer in the family. We believe our prices are a fair reflection of the quality of service and product produced.

Shauna Shiels
Founder & Head Designer
With us since April 2006

Head designer Shauna has spent the last 6 years developing all the design and innovative ideas that make Doire Dress Designs and the SS Collection one of the leading Irish Dance Dress Manufacturers in the World.

The SS Collection Design is sought after all over the world and Shauna prides herself on the unique personalised service that she provides. Shauna oversees all designs and work tirelessly with her team to ensure each dress is unique and tailored to the individual’s needs.

Shauna works twenty four seven on new ideas and concepts and is a leader in creating new and innovative designs trends in the world of Irish Dancing.

Profile picture of Elaine
Elaine Mitchell
Design Manager
With us since September 2010

Having completed a Foundation Course in Art and Design at the NWIFHE, Elaine continued her studies and graduated from Hope University with a B.A. Honours in Design in 2008. After graduating Elaine spent the next year travelling Australia working in different areas of design and clothing manufacturers.

Following her return from Australia Elaine took up her post with Doire Dress Designs and completed our design team. Elaine has brought the element of youth to our designs her effervescent personality shines through on her ideas creating an atmosphere within the team which is resulting in our most elegant and unique designs.

Profile picture of Elaine
Joanne Harkin
Design Specialist
With us since October 2009

Having completed a BTEC HND in Art and Design, Joanne continued her studies and graduated from John Moore’s University with a B.A. in fashion and textile in 2006. After graduating Joanne began work in bridal wear design and worked in this field for over 3 years including a year in Australia completing designs and learning the processes involved in fittings and alterations.

Following her return from Australia Joanne decided that she would like to adapt her skills to more intricate and embroidered designs and she found that in Doire Dress Designs. She has worked with Doire Dress Designs for over a year now and has developed her skills under the direction of Shauna to complete some of our most innovative and cutting edge designs.