IRELAND’S MACHINERY PTY LTD BEGAN IN 1950

as  W.H. IRELAND & SONS 

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The first major expansion of W. H IRELAND & SONS took place in 1960 when Ireland’s went “across the road” to a new Caltex Service Station, machinery showroom and used machinery display area.

Built at a cost of ten thousand pounds, it took place ten (10) years after the late Bill Ireland and his wife Jean and two (2) children arrived from Penrith in 1950, they later had two more sons born in Bowral.

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Moving into the used agricultural machinery field (initially with a reversible  horse drawn road plough) followed by new equipment H.V. McKay – Massey Harris and the Horwood Bagshaw Range of equipment through the 1950’s and into the 1960’s, Ireland’s were noted for hay baling and hay handling machines, particularly New Holland equipment with whom they had a very long association and  in those days there were probably twenty (20) contractors working around the district, all using New Holland equipment. Major tractor and tillage dealerships were held, as well as a big business in used machinery.

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However, Bill and Tony could perceive the winds of change within the industry. They moved into new types of products based on small engines such as chain saws manufactured by Husqvarna and Toro lawn and garden equipment, to add to their existing range of lawn mowers, Ireland’s were the first Victa Mower Dealers in the district.

They formed a successful Hire company in the late 1960’s & another branch in Campbelltown. 

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Tony's eldest son Robert and his wife Deidre bought the workshop on the 1st of April 1994. This was when Shamrock Mower and Motorcycle Repairs began and has been operating a successful workshop ever since. Along with their eldest son William who specialises within the Motorcycle operations of the business. 

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In 2011 Ireland’s replaced the Husqvarna Range of products with the World’s NUMBER ONE BRAND of chainsaws and allied equipment STIHL which has proved to be an excellent change. In 2015 Ireland’s Machinery were elevated to an “ELITE” Stihl Dealer, currently one of only nine in Australia.

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The Hire Plant Division was sold in 1994 to the Wallis Family to make way for the construction of the 24-Hour Caltex Star Shop Convenience Store, which was remodelled in 2000 to its present state, known as Ireland’s Corner 24.

Now celebrating their 72nd year in business, Ireland’s is one of the older companies that have survived the ever changing face of the Southern Highlands NSW.

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The latest move in Ireland’s expansion came in 2013 when Ireland’s exited the fuel industry, sold their founding premises and moved to a new purpose built larger and more efficient building in Braemar (just up from Bunnings).

 

IRELAND’S MACHINERY PTY LTD owes their existence to the Founder Bill Ireland and the loyal patronage of their local customers. Ireland’s devoted team of managers, sales and office staff ensures their continued success.

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On the 24th of June 2022, Ireland's said goodbye to Tony after 70 years in the business. He continued to come to work everyday until his passing. Work had been underway for the takeover of Irelands from his son Robert and wife Deidre and on the 12th of August 2022, they became the new owners of this iconic Southern Highlands business.

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