Calling all Swifties! In celebration of Taylor Swifts Eras Tour coming to Dublin this week, EPIC have put together a unique guided tour for lovers of Swift!
Did you know Taylor Swift’s Irish roots can be traced throughout Dublin?
In 1866, Taylor Swift’s great-great-grandfather, George Findlay, enlisted in the Royal Navy and later settled in the UK after meeting Emma Maria Whiffin in South Africa. Their son George was born in Southampton, but they separated shortly after.
He then recorded himself as a bachelor when he married Louisa Anna Darling in Dublin in 1880. The Findlay family, with their artisan roots, were members of Dublin’s Hosier’s Guild for at least three generations, moving through neighbourhoods like Phibsborough, Portobello, and Harold’s Cross as their fortunes improved.
Before Love Story
On September 12, 2008 Taylor Swift rose to fame with her single ‘Love Story’. This was her first exploration of the themes of romance, personal growth, and in some respects, heartbreak and tragedy. However this wasn’t the beginning of her relationship with these themes. There was a love story before ‘Love Story’.
172 Years Before the Hit Single, on Saturday 11th of June 1836, two young people emigrated from Ireland to the USA, aboard the ship AMY sailing from Derry. Along with some friends, they sought their fortunes in Philadelphia. Susan Davis was a 21-year-old dressmaker, Francis Gwynn a 21-year-old weaver.
Their chance encounter sewed the seams of a tale that would transcend generations, and create a global impact far greater than either could have ever imagined. Their two-month-long voyage culminated in the ship docking in Philadelphia on August 20th.
It’s unclear if Susan and Francis departed together and went their separate ways, or if they stayed in touch. What is clear is that: 3 years later, the pair married.
Their love burned bright, and delivered them six children; Ann, John, William, Francis, Joseph, and Mary. Although sadly, five of those children predeceased Susan and Francis, they were survived by daughter Mary Gwynn, who is Taylor Swift’s great-great-grandmother. Mary laid the loving couple to rest, a mere two months apart. Some might speculate the latter died of a broken heart, or that might just be folklore.
Swiftie Guided Tour at EPIC
EPIC’s one-of-a-kind guided tour explores the Irish roots that shaped Taylor Swift.
Discover Yeats’ influence in her songs and the love story of her ancestors. Hear tales of the bluegrass beats from Ulster emigrants, and uncover how the Clancy brothers were rocking the Aran jumper long before Taylor made it iconic. Celebrate her collaborations with Ed Sheeran and Rihanna, and enjoy the magic of the ‘Irish pub’.
The guided tour is on daily from June 22nd-27th every 3pm.
Tickets cost €23 for an Adult and €11.50 for a under 18’s. book, visit https://epicchq.com/event/the-love-story-before-love-story-swiftie-tour/.
Experience Taylor Swift’s journey through music, love, and Irish heritage!
