The foundation for any outfit should always start with your footwear. Whether heading out for a day in the field or braving the big city, your feet should come first. When the mercury plummets and the cold nights draw in, a beautifully made pair of boots should be your first consideration if you’re aiming to look good whilst staying warm and dry. So we’ve decided to focus on one of our favourite brands who are really going places when it comes to finding the best boots out there.
Origins in Galway: A Legacy Begins
In the heart of Galway on Ireland’s breathtakingly beautiful West Coast lies the small town of Ballinasloe. Located at a crossing point of the River Suck, the town has been a meeting place since ancient times and is also home to one of the oldest horse fairs in Europe. It was in this bucolic setting that the company Dubarry was established in 1937 to provide local employment for the growing population. In those early days, the company drew on the expertise of hardworking craftsmen and women to design and manufacture fine leather shoes, gaining them a reputation that would spread far and wide.
A Name Inspired by European Influence
The name Dubarry was chosen by the owners as they sought to differentiate themselves from other Irish brands, wishing to introduce a continental European flavour to their new enterprise. The inspiration was Jeanne Bécu, born in Lorraine, France—the daughter of a seamstress—who rose to become Madame du Barry, a celebrated courtesan and mistress of King Louis XV of France. Her story of ambition and influence captured the elegance and refinement the Dubarry brand aimed to represent.
Galway’s Heritage: From Sailing to the Countryside
Aside from French aristocracy, further inspiration for Dubarry came from the wild West Coast of Ireland and Galway’s impressive sailing heritage, alongside the magnificent countryside surrounding them. Nearly 80 years on, the company’s continued success has seen them expand their footwear range whilst incorporating premium performance clothing and accessories into the brand. Their sourcing network now reaches internationally, maintaining their commitment to the highest standards of materials and design.
The Galway Boot: An Icon of Function and Style
Dubarry of Ireland’s most popular ladies' boot, ‘the Galway’, is a classic example of how their expertise merges luxury with high-performance functionality. The Galway boot is crafted to endure country living while still being perfectly suited to town settings, offering a seamless balance between durability and style. Built with premium leather and Gore-Tex technology, these boots provide breathable, waterproof protection all year round.
Shop our full range of Dubarry Boots, Clothing and Accessories.
