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Co-Owners Michael Joy and Richard Kosmacher first met in Madison, WI over 20 years ago, where they become friends and started a long-lasting business partnership. In 1985, they founded Joy of Ireland. Richard works in the Chicago store, a busy six days a week, trying to keep up with all of the special requests and day-to-day operations. If you have a problem in the store, Richard is the man to see! He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and holds a degree in political science. Richard is also newlywed. He and his wife, Melissa, hope to start a family soon.

Richard first traveled to Ireland in the summer of 1980 during a summer away from college, and experienced the country on the seat of his bicycle, traveling from Cork to Galway to Dublin. Little did he know that Ireland would become such a major part of his life. Since the establishment of Joy of Ireland in 1985, Richard has returned to Ireland every year, along with Michael, to attend Showcase Ireland, the premier craft and gift trade show in Dublin.

Michael was inspired to go into this business for many reasons, not the least of which was his proud Irish-American mother (née Eileen Kelly) and his great aunts, the Coyne sisters—all nine of them—of Cornamona, Co. Galway. His relatives in America preserved the ways from back home, such as enjoying never ending cups of tea and a small piece of bread with butter throughout the day. And you can be sure that Michael's mother and aunts always kept their Waterford Crystal and Belleek China safely stowed away. (Using these nearly sacred treasures was out of the question!)

Michael has traveled extensively throughout Ireland for some 25 years. In addition to visiting friends and family, these trips provide Michael with the opportunity to tour many of the small companies that supply Joy of Ireland with everything from Aran Fisherman Hand-Knit Sweaters to Nicolas Mosse Pottery.

In addition to supervising the development of the Joy of Ireland web site, Michael also conceived and designed the Joy of Ireland Tea Room & Café and personally oversaw an extensive store renovation project in the summer of 1999. Michael is a graduate of University of Wisconsin-Madison and holds a degree in journalism. Michael and his wife, Anna, are the proud parents of two wonderful children, Matthew and Veronika.

Our Chicago Store
Where is Joy of Ireland located?
What are your store hours?
How can I contact Joy of Ireland?
What products does Joy of Ireland carry?
Visit the Joy of Ireland Tea Room & Café.
Meet Michael Joy and Richard Kosmacher, co-owners of Joy of Ireland.
What makes Joy of Ireland different, or "Why We Love Our Work."