25 June 2024: Taylor Swift fans are buzzing with anticipation for her upcoming Irish concerts, eager to know if she’s already back on Irish soil. Taylor’s love for holidaying in Ireland and her grá for the humble geansaí are both well-documented; she created an international focus on the traditional Irish jumper by wearing one to promote her album, “Folklore”.
In celebration of this and her love for short breaks in Ireland, Fáilte Ireland has created a bespoke cardigan for Taylor, knitted by internationally acclaimed, young Irish-designer, Gabrielle Malone, which beautifully represents the locations in Ireland that Taylor has already visited.
“We are delighted to welcome Taylor Swift back to Ireland. Over the years, she has been a frequent visitor here – her love for Ireland translates into her music with subtle nods to places she’s visited woven through her lyrics. This inspired us to work with Gabrielle Malone, an incredible young designer, to create this cardigan for Taylor that is representative of Ireland. For all the Swifties out there, we have curated a list of Taylor-inspired stays around Ireland for you to visit – not only that, but we have also released the knitting pattern for anyone who wants to try their hand at creating their own version of our Taylor cardie – visit DiscoverIreland.ie [linked here]”. Emma Woods, Head of Marketing Communications at Fáilte Ireland.
Here are the Fáilte Ireland recommended ‘Taylor-inspired’ locations 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. She was pictured enjoying the sand under her feet at Donegal’s Ballymastocker Bay in Portsalon, and it’s well-known she spent a Christmas with her then-boyfriend in the historic and beautiful town of Glin in West Limerick, where she even purchased a Glin GAA Lotto ticket in a local pub. Why not gather your friends and take the ultimate road trip to Portsalon Luxury Camping or Fanad Lighthouse in Donegal and walk along the very same shores as Taylor. While there, take a dip at Ballyhiernan Bay or try a surf lesson with Adventure One surf school.
Escape to the Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands for a “Folklore” inspired short break
In 2021, it was rumoured that Ms. Swift nestled up in Cavan. Like Taylor, you can also enjoy the peace and tranquillity of 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. Inspired by her 2020 album, “Evermore”, Offaly is the perfect spot for a magical short break. Take in the stunning scenery at Birr Castle and Demense which spans over 120 acres of vibrant parklands and gardens – the perfect location for you to ‘shake it off-aly’.
Create your own “Love Story” in Ireland’s Ancient East
Taylor has also visited many locations in Co 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?”
Inspired by her song, “Sweet Nothings”, follow in Taylor’s footsteps and visit Lady’s Cove in Greystones, Co Wicklow to walk in Taylor’s footsteps and cherish the beauty of the Irish coastline. Nearby, Powerscourt House and Gardens is perfect for a Taylor inspired contemplative stroll with a coffee in hand, who knows what poetic inspiration awaits you.
The ‘Dublin’ Poets Department
Taylor Swift then made a discreet return from Wicklow, successfully keeping a low profile while staying in a charming old coach house in Dublin 6, near the vibrant neighbourhood of Ranelagh.
You can walk the same streets as Taylor, if you take a short break in Ranelagh, one of Dublin’s coolest neighbourhoods. Take a stroll through the beautiful park in Dartmouth Square, or visit the popular Ranelagh Village Market, before enjoying dinner in The Butcher’s Grill, one of the best places in Dublin to sate your desires. And for any budding songwriters or musicians, Windmill Lane recording studio is in the nearby vicinity of Dublin 4. Here, here you can take a studio tour or record your very own original song! Or visit MoLI – the Museum of Literature Ireland for some poetic inspiration which has just launched a new collection dedicated to Dublin’s unique literary heritage.
‘Pack your dolls and a sweater, we’ll move to Ireland forever’
Inspired by Taylor’s love for Irish knitwear, why not pay a visit to Mayo’s Foxford Woollen Mills Visitor Centre to uncover the incredible story of craftsmanship from over the years. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also stop by Simply SUP for a cruise along Lough Conn and the River Moy.
Taking inspiration from Taylor’s Irish short-break stays, the cardigan created for Taylor in collaboration with Fáilte Ireland, represents the places she has visited beautifully through Gabrielle’s bespoke hand-stitching:
· Wild Atlantic Way is represented with a Honeycomb stitch, a traditional Aran stitch inspired by beekeepers in Donegal, and beautiful West Limerick where the Shannon meets the Atlantic is represented by the wave stitch.
· 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.
· 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.
· Dublin is symbolized by the Hurdle stitch, evoking the cobblestones of the city.
And if you look closely, you’ll notice that this bespoke handknit is adorned with hidden ‘Easter Eggs’: her 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!
Feeling inspired? Visit DiscoverIreland.ie to book your perfect Taylor-inspired short break.
And, if you’re interested in knitting your own personal version of the cardigan to mark Taylor’s 2024 concert and love of Ireland, visit this link to download a template.
