Zirkulu is a new spot to shop sustainable outdoor and adventure gear in Kinsale
Gen Z shoppers are driving the demand for sustainable fashion.
Now two local entrepreneurs, Fionn McCarthy and Jack Norman, are bringing the people what they want, opening a brand new ‘base camp’ for their fashion brand Zirkulu on Market Street in the heart of Kinsale.
The duo, both graduates of UCC and natives of the seaside town, launched Zirkulu with a range of products made using bio-based and renewable materials, including the popular Endurance shell jacket made from sugarcane bi-product and recycled plastics.
It’s a first venture for both founders, who are juggling day jobs, Jack with his family business, the Giles Norman Photography Gallery in Kinsale, and Fionn’s work with Amazon as a project manager, with getting their fledgling company off the ground.
View this post on Instagram
“We decided to open the shop in Kinsale because it is our hometown and we wanted to start building a community in Kinsale. In 2023 we focused on in-person events to meet customers and get feedback about the products. At the start of this year, we tried the online side of stuff but felt it would be better to have a physical retail space as well.
“We did a pop-up in Kinsale for the summer months and then decided it was time to look for a more permanent base camp.”
Adventure-ready goods
The name “Zirkulu” comes from the Basque word for “circle,” reflecting the brand’s commitment to the circular economy and its connection to Ireland’s Basque heritage. The iconic four diagonal lines across the vertical line on the Zirkulu logo are inspired by the Ogham alphabet.
Zirkulu’s current offerings include T-shirts and hoodies, with plans to expand their product range:
“Over the next six to 12 months we hope to release about 10 new products,” adds Fionn.
“These will include accessories link lunch boxes and flasks to accompany you on hikes, keyrings and bracelets made with recycled Irish fishing nets, running shorts and T-shirts and a new trail jacket that will be a lighter, packable jacket that is perfectly suited for running, trail running and hiking in the spring and summer.”
Zirkulu’s shop is located in Kinsale and is open to the public from Tuesday – Saturday 10am to 6pm and on Sundays from 11am to 4pm. You can also shop online over here.
