Ken Black Toys & Nursery

Ken Black Toys & Nursery began in Portlaoise and grew into a family-run retailer with stores in four Irish towns: Portlaoise, Carlow, Kilkenny, and Wexford. Its scale feels less like an anonymous big-box chain than a shop designed around different stages of family life—from a first stroller to the gift a child has been waiting for. The company says it has been in the business for more than four decades and also operates an online store that ships across Ireland.

The shelves bring familiar brands such as LEGO, Barbie, Hot Wheels, Bruder, VTech, LeapFrog, and Fisher-Price together with board games, dolls, books, puzzles, and art and craft supplies. The selection extends to outdoor play—trampolines, bikes, swings, and water toys—and a nursery department with travel systems, strollers, cribs, car seats, feeding supplies, and home-safety products. That range can make one visit useful for several different errands, though shoppers looking for a bulky item or a specific model should check availability at their chosen store first.

The website organizes its catalog by age, category, and brand, and highlights new arrivals, campaigns, and sale items; inventory and promotions change. For an in-person visit, Portlaoise is the company’s original location and one of its four stores. Carlow, Kilkenny, and Wexford extend the retailer’s reach, while the online shop lets customers compare options before setting out. Ken Black is more than a toy store: its offering connects play, learning, outdoor activity, and the everyday needs of babies and families.