The Outwest Story So Far
Hi, I'm Bec, Co-Founder of Outwest!
In November 2020, I met my now husband Shane. It was during the pandemic - when the world felt smaller. Traditional dates weren’t an option, so we connected in nature. Starting out there were no fancy dinner dates, just sea swims and hikes around the rugged Dingle Peninsula. The outdoors became our escape and the foundation of our relationship, as we faced the elements together, discovered hidden trails, and shared a love for the wild landscapes around us.
It was on one of these hikes in March 2021, that I lost my jacket at Peddlers Lake. It turned out to be a small inconvenience that sparked a much bigger idea. I spent weeks searching for a replacement - something durable, premium, and designed for the harsh Irish weather. But I couldn’t find what I wanted from any Irish brand. Frustrated, I mentioned it at a family dinner, where my dad offhandedly said, “Why don’t you create your own?”
At the time, Shane and I laughed it off. It seemed like such a wild, far-off idea. But it was two weeks later out on another hike, we found ourselves revisiting the idea again, this time more seriously. Something had shifted and we couldn’t stop thinking about it.
We thought - why not us? Why not create a brand that embodied everything we loved about the Irish outdoors?
2022
After searching through manufacturers, and countless decisions about fabrics, colours, and designs, we launched our very first collection in April 2022. We quickly learned how complex it would be to bring our vision to life, so we started small with a collection consisting of just a long-sleeve t-shirt, a sweatshirt, and a fleece - but it was ours.
From there, things moved fast. Seeing an opportunity to open a bricks-and-mortar store right in the heart of our home in Dingle town, and with the help of friends, family, and a lot of hard work, Outwest opened its doors in August 2022. Seeing our vision come to life in the place that had inspired us so deeply, was surreal. It wasn’t just a shop, it felt like the beginning of our Outwest community.
Our Outwest shop enabled us to meet incredible people from all over Ireland and beyond - fellow adventurers who connected with our story and shared our love for the outdoors.We’ve always believed in, that Outwest is more than just a brand, it’s a community of people who value adventure, connection, and the environment.
2023
In March 2023, Shane officially joined Outwest full-time. Although he had always been helping behind the scenes, his decision to fully commit to the business marked a new chapter for us. With his deep experience in endurance sports and his relentless passion for the outdoors, Shane brought fresh energy to Outwest.
Together, we balanced our strengths. I focused on design, production, and marketing, while Shane took the lead in operations and product development. Together as co-founders, we knew we could take Outwest to new heights.
2024
Another milestone came in January 2024 when Outwest became B Corp Certified. This wasn’t just a badge of honour; it was a recognition of the values we’ve held since day one, sustainability, responsibility, and a deep commitment to doing business the right way. Being part of the B Corp community means we’re not just making great products; we’re making them in a way that respects the planet and the people who inhabit it.
We also made significant strides with the expansion of our collection by launching our first waterproof jacket - a milestone we’d envisioned since day one. It symbolised everything we wanted Outwest to be: innovative, durable, and ready for anything the Irish weather could throw at it.
Around the same time, we took a hard look at our brand and refined our message:
Outwest is an outdoor apparel brand built for and inspired by the Irish outdoors.
It was clear, true, and reflected exactly who we are and what we stand for.
The Future of Outwest
Outwest was born on the side of a mountain, driven by passion and the desire to fill a market gap. The aim was to create more than products - a brand that connects people to the outdoors, just as it did for us.
Through all the highs and lows, the lessons learned, and the milestones achieved, we’ve stayed true to one core belief: Outwest is all about the journey. Just like the adventures we hope to inspire in others, building this brand has been full of twists, turns, and unexpected moments. But that’s what makes it special.
It’s not just about the destination. It's about the experiences we’ve had, the community we’ve built, and the story that’s still unfolding.
