Hanna Hats’ journey began back in 1921 when David Hanna cycled over 100 miles from his home in Belfast in the hope of securing an apprentice position with McDaid tailors in Donegal Town. David was successful and shortly after his apprenticeship began fate intervened when McDaid, the master-tailor, died leaving no heir interested in taking over the business.

Both resilient and resourceful, David took the reins and Hanna Hats, as we know it today, was established in 1924. David initially focused on tailoring suits, but fate intervened again when David was commissioned to make a hat, and subsequently discovered he had a flair and passion for headwear. The company evolved to specialise in designing and creating handcrafted hats and caps.

David’s son John and his brothers joined the business. John had a passion for beautiful fabrics, customer service and upholding the impeccable quality standards set by his father. Today, you’ll find John’s children, Eleanor and John Patrick, fulfilling their father and grandfather’s legacy as they continue to create timeless headwear pieces and accessories in their Donegal Town workshop. Visitors are welcome to see the expert craftspeople creating headwear pieces and browse the collection at the Hanna Hats workshop and shop in Donegal town.

From Pavarotti to Britney Spears, and from Jackie Charlton to Patrick Dempsey, Hanna Hats have found homes on many notable heads over the years.