The business began in 1985 by husband and wife, Len and Ann, along with their friend Anne, out of pride and love of their Irish Heritage and Catholic Faith. Ann and Anne met while working together as nurses in a local hospital and have remained close friends to this day. Ann’s parents immigrated to the USA from County Meath and County Cavan, Ireland.

For the first 10 years of the store, Len, Ann, and their children, Erin and Tim, would vend at Irish Festivals from Boston to Baltimore, and the Jersey Shore to the Poconos, just about every summer weekend. The store grew in size over the years and moved into several locations in Hamilton Township, NJ, until the store moved into its current, permanent, location in October 2007. Ann and Len specifically designed the current store’s white storefront to resemble a cross between a Cathedral and an Irish cottage.

Len, who sadly passed away in March 2017, managed the store for 30 years, cementing it as a fixture in the community. His tireless effort allowed the store to grow and get bigger and better each year.

Today, the tradition continues with owner Ann leading the store and her son, Tim, managing the store. Our family is blessed with an amazing staff, which still includes Anne, and our Assistant Manager, Jessica. When you enter the doors of our store, you are greeted with a ‘Welcome to The Cross and Shamrock’. We want people to feel at home and very welcome in our shop.

Ann is the proud grandmother of five grandchildren. Erin has two daughters- Carolan and Brigid. Tim has three sons- TJ, Noah, and Owen. We are very blessed.

We invite you to check out our website or visit our family store in person!