Donegal Pens - A Writers Companion

Donegal Pens was established in 2009, by teenagers Ronan and Conor McGarvey, from Loughanure. The homemade pens are individually turned, polished, waxed and then carefully examined to ensure a high quality and the perfect gift. The pens are made mostly from Irish bog oak which is proving to be a winner, with pens being sold in more than 50 countries worldwide via the internet.

The boys, working diligently from a shed at the back of their house have seen their pens find their way as far as Australia! Visitors from Germany, France and of course Ireland have all visited the workshop, including Mary from Dungloe. They also take their trade to a wide variety of events and many local people buy and send the pens as gifts to their family and friends worldwide.

Ronan and Conor were featured on Dragons Den. Dragon Ramona Nicholas, who lives in Bundoran awarded them a €2,000 bursary, and showered them with praise: “You both are a complete and utter inspiration. Not only have you done your county proud but you have done Ireland proud and well done to you both”. Equally impressed Dragon Peter Casey even placed a €2,000 order.

Donegal Pens even grace the desk at The White House. When the boys found out the Obamas were coming to Ireland, they contacted the embassy where the G8 Summit was being held. They were delighted to receive a call back accepting their offer. 4 pens were made and sent to the U.S consulate in Belfast where the pens were presented to the Obamas.

The pair are now venturing towards having company logos laser engraved on the wooden part of the pen as this is proving popular among the corporate market and with schools, clubs, etc.

Ronan and Conor have enjoyed wide media coverage, via T.V, Radio Newspapers and magazines all clambering for an interview with the boys.... looks like its onwards and upwards for Donegal Pens!