Branigan Weavers Tweed Irish Teddy Bear

Please use your imagination and think...."Irish Accent"



Failte! My name is Kevin the Irish Tweed Teddy Bear and I immigrated to the United States from Drogheda which is in County Louth Ireland. I come from a wonderful place called Branigan Weavers where they take great care in creating woven capes, blankets and other woolen wonders like me!

My new house mate visited Ireland but did not stop in my town and I asked "Why?" Her excuse was that she and her sister only had two weeks for their trip and they wanted to see as much of Ireland as possible. She was sorry they missed my region but she did say that they managed to drive all the way around the entire island without killing each other...which I didn't quite understand being a loving and carefree teddy bear and all.

I told my house mate that the next time she is in Ireland she better high tail it up to Drogheda because there are many wonderful things to see and do. They missed seeing the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Center and Newgrange tomb which dates back to 2900 B.C. meaning it is 5,000 years old (500 years older than the Great Pyramid of Giza). What were they thinking when they missed that wonderful gem? My head is full of stuffing and I even figured that one out!

She promised she would stop there next time. In 2012 they are having a celebration in Belfast which will commemorate the building of the Titanic in their city. The Titanic set sail from Belfast on April 10th 1912 and if you know anything about history you know the fate of her voyage. Anyway, if she can make it to Ireland again she said she will swing by Drogheda....I hope she does.

Just between you guys and me....I think they were in the pubs drinking a bit of that wonderful brew that we all know and love!



P.S. You might not hear from me again as a guest blogger since my housemate might be upset that I gave away what they were REALLY doing in Ireland!

P.S.S. Do the words Bushmill's Distillery have any meaning? see I told ya...they were a little distracted....I won't say another word...



P.S.S.S. I know I am pink and my name is Kevin...I just want you to know I am ok with my feminine side! It is 2010 people!

So long....Kevin

Kylemore Castle County Galway Ireland

Kylemore Castle located in Connemara, County Galway, Ireland is the photo in the previous post. My sister and I visited this gorgeous castle while in on a trip to Ireland in 2008. It was built for a wealthy Englishman in 1868 and used as a private home. In 1920 it was bought by Irish Dames of Ypres a Benedictine Order of Nuns that were originally from Belgium and fled there during World War I. The abbey is now home to girls boarding school called Kylemore Abbey International Girl's School although we found out while on our visit there it will be closing soon. We did not tour the inside because of a time crunch if I remember correctly. Trying to circle the island in two weeks meant we had to keep on the move. The castle is set up against a beautiful hillside with gardens, lakes and woodlands. This is also the region where Connemara marble is found which is a lovely green marble. It is used to make all kinds of items such as beads, pendants, candle holders, crosses and so much more! A gorgeous stone that is unique to the Connemara region. If you ever get to Ireland make sure to stop here. The photo is a beautiful lake where the castle/abbey is located. Enjoy... Anne