I'm waffling between 3 and 4 stars on this one - their online customer service is pretty nonexistent, but their actual store is pretty great. So 3 1/2?
Long story short, Lee River Belt Co. was a vendor at a festival I went to over the summer, and I purchased a bracelet for a friend from them. I also wanted a bracelet, but they didn't have the one I wanted in stock, so they suggested I email the company and have one made and sent to me from Ireland. Cool. I emailed right away, and got a reply from the store about a week later, to which I replied with a couple of quick questions before finalizing my order. I never heard back after multiple emails, so I shrugged it of and figured I'd wait until I went to Ireland (or the next festival), which wasn't a huge deal to me, but not everyone has that luxury!!
So, I finally make it to Cork, and head into the actual physical store, which is delightful. Flagstones on the floor, aged wood on the walls, an antique style counter, and tons of bags, belts, wallets, accessories, and the like. The store smells deliciously of leather, and the folks working there were friendly and welcoming, bantering amongst themselves and with customers as they worked to set up a display of bags. The whole place had an old-timey feel, and they do custom work on-site, as the gentleman in front of me was having a belt tailored to his size and a buckle added, which he was going to pick up later in the day.
I was super excited to see that they had the exact bracelet I wanted (in the right color and size) sitting on the counter, just like it was waiting for me! I snatched it up, and in no time at all it was boxed and wrapped up nicely for me and I was on my way again, finally triumphant!
My bracelet is beautiful, and the quality is first-rate. I'd say that if you're looking for some great leather goods in Cork, Lee River Belt Co. should be your first stop. If you're looking to order something online from the states, though, you're probably going to have to be pretty persistent. read more
