Rothar was established in late 2007, opening its first workshop in 2008, selling anything on two wheels that could keep cash-strapped Dubliners moving despite the recession. We opened other shops, on the Southside in the suburbs, but business moved a lot online so we decided to be full time Northsiders in August 2019, at our new fancy shop on 167 Phibsborough road.

 

A SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

Rothar Velo is a well established bicycle shop with a social heart. It started in 2008 as an earn a bike  recycling project working with youth groups in Ballyfermot, Ballymun and The Liberties. The first shop opened  in 2009 in Phibsborough, followed by Fade street (Dublin 2) in 2010, and Dun Laoghaire (2012). It developed strong links with local authorities (DLR County Council and DCC) and collected bicycles from the Ringsend  Recycling Centre as well as the Ballyogan Recycling Centre.  

Through its volunteer program, Rothar trained more than 100 people in bicycle mechanics but also in  customer service and in barista skills thanks to its cafe in Dublin City Centre. In 2014, Rothar started working  very closely with Bridge Project and the Changeworks programme, which is designed to meet the needs of  adult males with a history or pattern of violent offending. Thanks to this collaboration, Rothar started the first  accredited programme in bicycle mechanics in the country in 2015. 

In 2023, Rothar partnered with the Rediscovery Centre to establish the first Cytech training programme in Ireland - an internationally recognised programme for bike mechanics. 

Thanks to this accreditation and the experience in working with at risk learners, Rothar was able to establish a  network of satellites in the country, furthering its education purposes. Rothar’s links with the industry are well established, as well as its reputation as a reliable, high  quality and inclusive bicycle shop. It is also well known for its advocacy work in sustainable urban transport. 

Thanks to its social work with at-risk young people and ex-offenders, Rothar and its founder Anne were awarded the following: Social Entrepreneurs Ireland award in 2009, David Manley Award for Social Enterprise in 2011, the Arthur Guinness social enterprise award in 2012 and the Lord Mayor Award in 2013. It works closely with the Rediscovery Centre in Ballymun, the Sustainable Energy CommunitIES in Phibsborough, Stoneybatter and Cabra, and is active in projects to mitigate climate change. 

Rothar has also worked with the Bohemian Climate Cooperative in Dalymount, establishing a kids' bike library, enabling low income families to access good quality children's bikes. 

In 2026, Rothar is one of the founding members of Cycle Industries Ireland, the representative body for cycle professionals in Ireland.