Working with the best artisans in contemporary Ireland, ORLA has designed a range of heirloom pieces, true to these values but reimagined in a modern way.
Orla, Órla, Órlaith, or Orlagh (pronounced OR-lah) is an Irish female name and the name of our founder.
It was a very popular name in 12th century Ireland and several Irish queens and princesses held that name. The root form of the name is Órfhlaith, meaning "golden princess" as it combines the Gaelic elements ór ("gold") and fhlaith (literally "prince").
Our name connects us with strong Irish female leaders.
Órla, Órlaith, Orla or Orlagh (pronounced OR-lah) is a female given name of Celtic origin.
Some historical figures of note with the name Orla
Órlaith íngen Cennétig, Queen of Ireland, died 941
Órlaith Ní Maoil Seachnaill, Queen of Mide, died 1066
Órlaith Ní Mael Sechlainn, Queen of Connacht, died 1115
Órlaith Ní Diarmata, Princess of Moylurg, died 1252
Órlaith Ní Conchobair, Princess of Connacht and Abbess, died 1283
ORLA references the beauty and simplicity of thousands of years of Irish design and history, from the ancient bronze torc to the elegance of Georgian silverware.
About Orla
ORLA is founded by Orla Dunlea. Orla is a lawyer from Dublin, she is married to John and they have 3 gorgeous (her words) young children. Orla was born in Dublin but has strong country roots through her mother’s family from Durrow, Co. Laois.
She holds special memories of her childhood Easters spent in Cork with her cousins and holidays in Connemara, Co. Galway where her grandfather had a house. Orla loves Irish history and the language and spent a year of her schooling in Colaiste na Rinne, Co. Waterford.
Her love of flowers was fostered through her paternal grandmother who loved gardening, as her own Mum does today. The ORLA copper bud vase is the perfect vessel for a simple blossom, which Orla hopes will bring joy to your everyday.
The ORLA butter* dish harks back to a room known as the dairy adjacent to the kitchen in her grandparents home in Durrow (*and of course Orla loves butter). ORLA evokes a nostalgia for an Ireland past but reimagined for today’s Ireland.
Each Orla piece has been specially created and designed by Orla for you, in collaboration with the talented craftspeople.
