URÚ began with an Irish queen, a worn-out T-shirt and a return to something I’d almost forgotten I loved.

On a day out in Dublin with my sister and nephews, a conversation about our family name led to the story of Queen Gormlaith, a formidable woman woven into the history of Viking Dublin, wife of Brian Boru and mother of Sitric Silkenbeard.

I went home wanting to know everything about my ancestor. When I couldn’t find an image that captured the woman I’d begun imagining, I picked up a pencil and drew her myself. It was the first time I’d drawn or painted properly in years.

One drawing opened a door.

I started disappearing down rabbit holes of Irish history, mythology and folklore, queens and goddesses, selkies and ancient symbols, the Irish language, the natural world and all the strange, beautiful stories that have travelled through this island for centuries.

Around the same time, my favourite vintage T-shirt was finally giving up after years of wear. I’d searched everywhere for something to replace it and couldn’t find anything I loved.

So I thought: I’ll make my own.

And somewhere between the sketchbook and the stories, URÚ was born.

The name came during an eclipse. Urú is the Irish word used for an eclipse and it felt right for something created during a period of change, creativity and rediscovery. URÚ is about looking at old things differently: taking fragments of Ireland’s stories, folklore and imagination and letting them become something new.

Every URÚ design begins with an original idea and a drawing. They’re made for people who want to wear something a little unexpected — something with a story, a bit of mystery and perhaps even a little magic.

Old stories. New worlds. Wear a little magic.