Taylor Swift fans are buzzing with anticipation for her upcoming
Irish concerts from 28-30 June in Dublin, eager to know if she's
already back on Irish soil. Taylor’s love for holidaying in Ireland
and her passion for the humble Irish sweater are both
well-documented, she created a global focus on the traditional
Irish Aran jumper by wearing one to promote her album,
“Evermore”.
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Taylor Swift has enjoyed many stays along
the Wild Atlantic Way. In 2021, she was pictured enjoying the sands
under her feet at County Donegal’s Ballymastocker Bay in Portsalon.
(Photo: Business Wire)
In celebration of this and her love for holidays on the Emerald
Isle, in collaboration with young Irish-designer, Gabrielle Malone,
Ireland has created a bespoke cardigan for Taylor. It beautifully
represents some of the locations in Ireland that Taylor has already
visited.
Ahead of Taylor’s sold-out performances in Dublin’s Aviva
Stadium, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum and their genealogy
partners, The Irish Family History Centre, have uncovered details
of the star’s ancestral ties to the island of Ireland and shared
the research online, entitled The Love Story Before Love Story. It
reveals that the pop superstar is a descendant of Susan Davis and
Francis Gwynn, a couple who met while traversing the Atlantic
aboard a ship which set sail from Derry-Londonderry in 1836. While
in Dublin, visitors to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum can
experience Taylor Swift’s journey through music, love and Irish
heritage with special guided themed tours running daily.
Over the years, Taylor has been a frequent visitor to the island
of Ireland, with subtle nods to places that she’s visited woven
through her lyrics. This inspired the creation of the special
cardigan. Its pattern has been released for anyone who wants to try
their hand at creating their own version and is accompanied by top
Swiftie things to do while in Dublin, on Ireland.com
Here are the Taylor Swift locations that inspired the cardigan
and where fans can immerse themselves in the magic of Ireland -
just like Taylor did.
‘Stay Stay Stay’ in the Wild Atlantic Way
Taylor Swift has enjoyed many stays along the Wild Atlantic Way.
In 2021, she was pictured enjoying the sands under her feet at
County Donegal’s Ballymastocker Bay in Portsalon, and it’s
well-known she spent Christmas in 2018 in the historic and
beautiful town of Glin in County Limerick, where she even
purchased a Glin GAA Lotto ticket in a local pub.
The Wild Atlantic Way is represented in the cardigan with
a Honeycomb stitch, a traditional Aran stitch – similar to the Aran
jumper she wore to promote “Evermore” – inspired by beekeepers in
Donegal, and beautiful West Limerick where the Shannon meets the
Atlantic is represented by the wave stitch.
Escape to the Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands for a “Folklore”
inspired break
In 2021, it was rumoured that Ms. Swift nestled up in Cavan.
Like Taylor, you can also enjoy the peace and tranquillity of
County Cavan. CABÜ cabins in Killykeen Forest, located on
the glittering shores of Lough Oughter offer woodland walks, bike
rides, and forest bathing - the perfect respite for the mind, body,
and soul. Also visit Cavan Burren Park where walking trails will
take you by glacial boulders and spectacular dolmens.
Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands is represented by a seed
stitch reminiscent of the rich rural landscapes of this region,
surrounded by tranquil paths, trails and waterways to paddle,
stroll or pedal.
Create your own “Love Story” in Ireland’s Ancient
East
Taylor has also visited many locations in County Wicklow
while on a romantic holiday. Her admiration for the Garden County
is keenly referenced in her song, "Sweet Nothings," where she
reminisces:
“I spy with my little tired eye / Tiny as a firefly, a pebble /
That we picked up last July / Down deep inside your pocket / We
almost forgot it / Does it ever miss Wicklow sometimes?”
Ireland’s Ancient East is symbolized by a brick stitch,
emblematic of the historic stone buildings that lie within this
region, set against a backdrop of lush green landscapes.
The ‘Dublin’ Poets Department
Taylor Swift then made a discreet return from County Wicklow,
successfully keeping a low profile while staying in a charming old
coach house in Dublin, near the vibrant neighbourhood of
Ranelagh.
For any budding songwriters or musicians, Windmill Lane
recording studio is well worth a visit to learn about Ireland’s
rich recorded music history, and where you can record your very own
original song! Or visit MoLI – the Museum of Literature Ireland
which has just launched a new collection dedicated to Dublin’s
unique literary heritage, for some poetic inspiration.
Dublin is symbolized in the cardigan by the Hurdle
stitch, evoking the cobblestones of the city.
The bespoke handknit is also adorned with hidden ‘Easter Eggs’:
Taylor’s birth year and album title, '1989,' are subtly
stitched into the collar, her lucky number '13' graces one
sleeve cuff, and her initials 'T.S.' embellish the other.
It’s a cardigan truly tailored for Taylor!
Taylor is no stranger to Northern Ireland either. The EPIC Irish
Immigration Museum research has revealed her strong link to the
city of Derry-Londonderry in the 1800’s and much more recently, in
2021, the star stayed in Belfast and was spotted in local spots
like restaurant, Shu, and quirky cocktail bar, The Tipsy Bird. She
fit right into the city, which was officially recognised as a
UNESCO City of Music in the same year, reflective of Belfast's long
history of producing some of the music industry's brightest stars.
Production for re-release of her fourth studio album, “Red
(Taylor's Version)” took place during this time too, with home
studio “Kitty Committee Studio” (Belfast, UK) cited in the album's
credits as the location where vocal tracks for mega-hits like the
deeply emotional "All Too Well (Ten Minute Version) (Taylor's
Version) (From the Vault)," and “The Last Time" featuring Northern
Ireland's own Gary Lightbody, were recorded.
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For more media information, please contact:
Sarah Dee, Tourism Ireland +353 87 6851897
sdee@tourismireland.com