CLONAKILTY has a new-look logo and branding inspired by traditional Irish language sign-painting.

The town will now be known as The Soul of West Cork as part of a major overhaul of its brand, thanks to graphic designer Nina Cáit Gilbert.

The new branding was inspired by Clon’s colourful buildings and the iconic Irish language signs painted by shopfront designer Tomás Tuipéar.

Signage around the town, branded merchandise and the official Clonakilty website will soon appear in the new design.

‘I was inspired by the Celtic writing and signs,’ said Nina Cáit.

‘For at least 40 years that’s been synonymous with Clonakilty and I wanted to pay homage to that style. Tomás Tuipéar’s work is on 70% of the shops and I love his work.’

Graphic designer Nina Cáit Gilbert

Nina Cáit’s family ran Twohig’s butchers on Ashe Street for many years, which also had Tuipéar’s Celtic lettering on the labels of its sausages and black pudding.

The graphic designer, who studied at Limerick School of Art and Design and worked in London for five years, said the artwork in her parents’ shop was an inspiration from a young age.

‘This project is really close to my heart and I wanted the design to be a nod to the past but at the same time give it a modern feel through fresh colours,’ she added.

Clonakilty Chamber of Commerce started the initiative last year and has shared news of the new design with its social media followers.

The chamber is continuing a long tradition of enticing people to experience the town’s businesses, festivals, beaches and sights.

In the late 1960s the potential for tourism in the area was recognised and there were horse-drawn carriage holidays to Clonakilty run by West Cork Travel.

Tomás Tuipéar’s shop front designs first appeared in Clonakilty in the 1980s, and they include De Barra’s, An Súgán and Bluetts pharmacy among many others.

His work can also be seen on the lancet windows at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, showing around 40 different scenes from Clonakilty’s history.

Nina Cáit’s recent creative work was praised on social media, with Isabelle Mannico writing: ‘The branding is so effortless and it feels like it’s always been there, but clearly so much thought went into getting it there.’

Paul Hayes said: ‘Looks great, and love the nod to our rich history and heritage.’

On top of the new design eventually going on street signage, t-shirts, hats, tote bags and other merchandise, the official clonakilty.ie website is also getting a full overhaul, officially relaunching in September.

‘We were thrilled to work with Nina Cáit who is so passionate about the town. The new branding really captures the spirit of Clonakilty and we’re looking forward to seeing it around Clonakilty,’ said Orla O’Donovan, chairperson of Clonakilty Chamber of Commerce.