New Dublin streetwear brand “Rare Aul Times” has the city at its heart

Started by two Dublin friends with no retail experience, the first drop sold out in minutes.

The t-shirts and hat designs feature the iconic Haepenny Bridge and the Lady on the Rock statue, a stalwart in Dublin homes.

Abbreviated to RAT (Rare Aul Times) some of the designs feature a Dublin rat and a commemorative coin has been made in his honour.

Founders Christoper Cleary and Sean Anthony O'Connor were initially aiming to help local bands and businesses make their own merchandise.

"We had contacts in the industry, so the idea was to try and help local independent businesses and bands with their stuff and maybe down the line try and do something ourselves," Cleary told JOE.

"Then we thought; 'Why wait? Let's go for it'. It initially started out with a different name, but RAT actually hit me first, then had a think and Rare Aul Times seemed perfect. It's just grew legs from there.

"We're Dublin focused in the design and name but we don't want it to be boxed into Dublin forever, but thats where the the heart of it is. So new designs are coming, and we want it to be universally worn.

"We had some ideas and rough sketches of what we wanted. Our mate who is a tattoo artist simplified it for us, he brought it to life.

"We had no retail experience but always an interest in clothes, t-shirts came first, then hats, we've done collabs for jewelry, coins, and pendants. I think we'll always do jewelry."

A jewelry collab with Lauren Owens Jewelry, a local goldsmith, has a number of silver rings and necklaces on limited run.

After a sold out first launch, the second clothing drop for Rare Aul Times was held in Dublin Ink on Saturday.

"We're available through pop ups at the minute but a website is coming," Cleary added.

"The first run sold out so quick we didn't even have to make the website."