I recently came across this brilliant photo of Mother Redcaps, taken in June 1995 by Fraser Donachie. It instantly brought me back to childhood trips there with my mother. Tucked away in the heart of Dublin’s Liberties, Mother Redcaps was truly one of a kind—a hidden gem for collectors, antique lovers, and anyone drawn to the quirky and nostalgic. Its blend of old world charm and unmistakable Dublin character made it a favourite with both locals and visitors. Although it closed its doors in the early 2000s, the place left a lasting impression on me that I still carry today.
The market took its name from a legendary 18th-century Dublin pub landlady, an infamous, no-nonsense woman known for her fiery temper and trademark red cap. The name suited the market perfectly: bold, eccentric and steeped in local folklore. Nestled between Thomas Street and Patrick Street, Mother Redcaps welcomed visitors into a maze of ever changing stalls, each bursting with personality. From vintage Guinness mirrors and enamel signs to pub memorabilia, bric-a-brac, rare Irish photographs, old posters, and home decor—you never knew what treasure you might find.
But what really set Mother Redcaps apart was its atmosphere. It wasn’t just a market—it was a meeting place for Dubliners with stories to tell and curios to share. Every weekend, traders, collectors and browsers came together in a space that buzzed with energy. There were no flashy lights or glossy displays, just worn wooden tables, crates of oddities, the smell of old books, and radios playing quietly in the background. One moment you’d be chatting with someone about a 1920s biscuit tin, the next you’d be caught up in the story behind a weathered Irish enamel sign. For many, a visit to Mother Redcaps was more than a day out, it was a ritual. A Sunday well spent.
In a world of fast furniture and fleeting trends, places like Mother Redcaps feel more relevant than ever. It stood for sustainability before it was a buzzword—giving old things new life, and celebrating history, character and craft. Though the market is gone, the spirit of it lives on.
That spirit is something we’ve tried to capture at Rare Irish Stuff. Our shop is built on the same love of the old, the unique, and the storied. We specialise in vintage Irish posters, authentic pub décor, quirky bric-a-brac, collectibles, and antiques—each item carefully chosen for its charm and history.
So whether you’re hunting for vintage Irish pub mirrors or signage, searching for old Irish photos and posters, decorating a modern space with a touch of Irish soul, or just looking for a gift with real character... chances are, you’ll find something that sparks your imagination—just like Mother Redcaps once did.
