#Lough Tay

[tiktoklives]

[periwinkle-musings]

Did Taylor Swift write "Sweet Nothing" about Paul McCartney and his wife's summer in Wicklow in 1971?

The song "Sweet Nothing" on Taylor Swift's Midnights has always stood out to me as a bit of an anomaly. Until this intriguing quote by Paul McCartney caught my eye:

In a 2001 ABC interview about his wife Linda, who passed away in 1998, Paul McCartney said:

"I would go out for a run, think of some words, get home from the run, write them down, and make a cup a tea for Linda," said McCartney, who would bring it to her for breakfast. "I'd make a little tray, and go up, and then I'd say, 'Hey, by the way, do you want to hear some poetry?' She'd always … she'd say, 'Yeah.' And so I wrote that poem." 'Blessed.' I would come back from a run. With lines of poetry to tell. And having listened, she would say "What a mind."

This is a direct quote and exact same storyline as in "Sweet Nothing." There is NO WAY that is a coincidence. So I wanted to see if Paul and Linda had any connection to Wicklow - the place mentioned in the song. 

I think the McCartney family vacationed at the Luggala Estate in Co. Wicklow, Ireland in the summer of 1971 as an escape from the aftermath of the Beatles breakup.

A sweet Wicklow love story:

Paul McCartney has connections to Luggala going back to 1965-1966 when he partied at the estate with Guinness Brewing heir Tara Browne who was killed in a car accident a few months after his raucous 21st birthday, and inspired the Beatles song "A Day in the Life." Paul was close to Tara and his death deeply impacted him. This Rolling Stone article details their relationship and mentions that Paul has visited Luggala to visit Tara's gravesite since then on "numerous occasions." Paul had not met his wife Linda yet while Tara was alive, but this proves Paul's deep and personal ties to the family and their 5,000 acre private estate in the Wicklow Mountains, which continued to be a private retreat for celebrity guests until it was sold in 2019.

Paul McCartney has posted multiple family photos taken by his wife in the summer of 1971 that appear to be taken near the Luggala Estate in Co. Wicklow. He tweeted this photo on St. Patricks day in 2017 which a previous Reddit thread links to Wicklow in 1971. And recently on March 2022 he tweeted this photo which appears to be taken the same day judging by his shirt and his dog, and credits the photo as being taken by his wife (she was a professional photographer) in Ireland in 1971. Here you have a better view of the surrounding mountains and rocky streams (full of pebbles I'd imagine...) It's notable that the second photo was posted March 2022 around the time when Taylor would be writing and recording the Midnights album.

If you look at the aerial view of Luggala Estate (Now showing on Google Maps as Luggala Lodge), I believe that these photos were taken in one of the rocky streams that feed into the private lake...which is named Lough Tay. (I like to think it's an extra little wink from Taylor that this investigation literally led me to a lake named Lough Tay.)

This area is completely private and the closest public access is from a hiking overlook. This seems like a great place for one of the most famous musicians in the world to hide out with his two young children, 2 dogs, and Linda, who would have been pregnant with Stella McCartney (born Sept 13, 1971).

We know that the family and their dogs were in Ireland in the summer of 1971 from this newspaper article where they were photographed at an airport in August leaving Ireland, which means it's possible that they were in Wicklow a few weeks earlier in July.

Even though The Beatles broke up in 1969, it continued to be messy between members of the band and the financials involved for the next few years. During the summer of 1971 Paul McCartney and John Lennon were embroiled in a very public fight. There were lawsuits and scathing letters (dated 1971) and it's all very complicated so I won't go into it here, but this article has a good overview.

The lyric, "Industry disruptors and soul deconstructors and smooth-talking hucksters out glad-handing each other" could reference these incidents. I could see Taylor relating to Paul going through this public turmoil surrounding business with former friends, because it is similar to what she's going through with her masters.

The lyric "You're in the kitchen humming" could reference Linda's passion for cooking and vegetarian activism. She literally founded a food company and wrote a cookbook. This darling photo on her website shows her cooking at the family home in Scotland in the 1970s. Linda was also a singer and recorded many songs with Paul, so the idea that she could be "humming" makes sense.

Taylor Swift has been friends with the McCartney family for a while. She first met Paul in 2010. She collaborated with Stella McCartney in 2019 for a clothing line as part of the Lover era, and Stella also dressed her for the Evermore album cover in 2020.

Taylor and Paul McCartney famously interviewed each other for Rolling Stone's "Musicians on Musicians" in 2020. In this article they mention how they both like writing under pseudonyms.

But the most surprising thing I learned is that Paul actually wrote a song dedicated to Taylor and her relationship with her fans called "Who Cares."

Notably, the music video also features Taylor's longtime friend Emma Stone wearing rainbow makeup in an otherwise black-and-white world full of cartoonish bullies. It's notable that the music video was released Dec 2018, right before the Lover era would kick off a few months later. Perhaps Paul was showing a bit of preemptive support for Taylor as she embarked on what many of us believe was intended to be her coming out era?

Now to the William Bowery of it all:

Taylor clearly wants us to think Sweet Nothing is about Joe because of the Wicklow name drop, where Joe was papped in July 2021, which looks staged to me.

Interestingly, I can't find any photos of Taylor being seen anywhere near Wicklow, but for some reason she staged a whole photoshoot in Northern Ireland in July, where locals said she "arrived and left by helicopter in a fleeting visit."

She was also seen in several different locations in Belfast in fan photos. This article also says part of Red TV was recorded in Belfast.

Clearly she wanted to be seen and linked to Northern Ireland, and the lyric easily could have been "Does it ever miss Belfast sometimes?" (same number of syllables) but it's not.

"Sweet Nothing" does have a William Bowery co-writing credit. Would Sir Paul McCartney agree to a secret writing credit? Maybe.

I read an interesting twitter thread from a lawyer (who is a Gaylor) that discusses how William Bowery could be a name under which Taylor commissions writing "for hire." Meaning it could be Joe or multiple other people writing under that pseudonym, as opposed to the "Willam Bowery" (spelled different) which is listed as a U.S. Citizen.

Even if Paul wasn't involved in writing the song, I believe he inspired "Sweet Nothing."

---

Note: This theory was originally posted on the R/GaylorSwift subreddit Dec 22, 2022 which is currently set to private. I am the original author of the Reddit post (u/-periwinkle), and am reblogging it on my Tumblr because this theory has been gaining traction and I wanted to create a public version. This version has been slightly expanded and updated with better images. Also, I was not the first person to uncover the "what a mind" quote, and the original person who found it is tagged on Reddit.

[thethirdromana]

I'm home alone on Saturday evening, what is there to do but go to Netflix and watch a truly appalling romcom? The cat's with me and I have alcohol: it's time for Irish Wish.

I normally rate Alexander Vlahos as an actor so I'm not quite sure what's happened here. His accent is to an actual Irish accent what this is to an elephant:

Picard's son from Picard is here! He's throwing fistfuls of charm at the dubious script and some of it is sticking.

Aww, Maddie is clumsy! What an unusual trait for a character in a romcom.

Fascinated by the choice to dress the mystical Irish fairy in a silk headscarf and a salwar kameez. I mean, it works, it's just... unexpected.

The puff sleeves are awful but I'm honestly impressed that Maddie has a wedding dress that she can run in.

Maybe I'm just failing at genre conventions for this kind of romcom but it feels like it would be helpful if Paul were even a tiny bit likeable, just to give some sense of why Maddie has feelings for him, and also to make it seem like maybe Emma wouldn't be getting such a raw deal out of it.

Is it just that he's loaded and has a massive house?

I've just realised that the house is supposed to be a short journey from Lough Tay, in County Wicklow, but Maddie flew into Knock Airport. And yes, I know that expecting film geography to make sense is a mug's game, but I'm also not sure why they would choose Knock Airport and not Dublin? Is this airport product placement?

Was it that they didn't think it would be plausible for Maddie to end up on a quaint old-fashioned bus from Dublin, but it was plausible that the same quaint old-fashioned bus would drive for three hours across most of Ireland to drop Maddie at the most plot-convenient location?

Oh, and now we're at the Cliffs of Moher. A six-hour round trip from Paul's house.

Let's not even get into the James Joyce thing.

James (not Joyce) tells Maddie that it would "hardly be difficult" to move her wedding to the other side of the country the weekend before it's due to take place. And the sentiment is sweet, but as someone who has organised a wedding, I have to say: it would, in fact, be difficult. Really quite difficult.

It's just not the most straightforward location to hold a wedding, you know?

I can't believe they're doing the classic "he teaches her how to shoot" scene, but with darts.

DARTS. The sexiest leisure activity.

And the height of romance is being weirdly judgmental about someone who you've known for a day.

Picard Junior is giving it socks, in fairness. I hope he gets to do this kind of thing in a better film than this at some point.

Also, Irish fairy lady is... St Brigid? Probably best not to dig into the theological implications of St Brigid-as-trickster-spirit.

The music after the Big Damn Kiss goes on just a tiny bit too long.

It is genuinely unclear to me whether Maddie intends to write a book on the Cliffs of Moher, as in about them, or physically on them. Feels like it could be either in this film.

Well, if nothing else, I hope Knock Airport's marketing team are pleased.

[hyber-region]

Visited Lough Tay for some inspo for my region! This is the sort of Irish witness I imagine you’d see along the Hyber Region ☘️

[the-hikers-eye-photography]

A Walk Under Moody Skies

A fond look back at traipsing thru the Wicklow Mountains in Co Wicklow Ireland.

We were in Ireland late last year, and early on in our two weeks across the pond we had a chance to spend time with family down in County Wicklow just south of Dublin.

My wife and I spent a day exploring about the Wicklow Mountains between Glendalough and Lough Tay, and had a ton of fun out in nature doing so.

Let's go exploring, international edition.

[stairnaheireann]

📍Lough Tay, Co Wicklow 📸 martinosullivanphotography

Untitled

[ey-tu-chupalohh]

 Guinness Lake - Lough Tay

[mattielawsonblogs]

📷 Candid Moments in Ireland 🍀 📍Lough Tay, Co. Wicklow - Ireland 🇮🇪 🙋🏼‍♂️ Hi, I am Matt. I am currently living and traveling throughout Europe. If you want access to Amazing and Exclusive travel content, then Click the link in my bio and Subscribe to my Monthly Newsletter 🧳 Hit that Follow Button to be Inspired Weekly with the Best Travel Content and Smash that Share Button to Inspire others to Travel. 🤟🏻😊 #irelandtravel #irelandtourism #visitireland #irelandphotography (at Guinness Lake - Wicklow) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqX4C3Norm2/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[footloosetraveldiaries]

Lough Tay-Guinness Lake.

Lough Tay, well known as the "Guinness Lake" is one of the most iconic Natural Landmark, surrounded by the Wicklow mountains. This small stunning lake gets its nickname from its alikeness to a pint of Guinness, with its deep, dark waters mirroring the beer's iconic color and the sandy shore at its northern end looking like the foamy head.

Located on private property, it belongs to the Guinness family estate. Lough Tay is visible from several outlook points, including the Wicklow Way. It is a popular stop for photographers and hikers alike, drawn by its striking beauty and the surrounding hilly landscape.

The Lake sits between Djouce Mountain and Luggala, providing a dramatic backdrop of steep hills and expensive views.

The area around Lough Tay has become a favorite filming location, featured in series like Viking, which uses the lake's mystical appeal to enhance its cinematic settings.

it is restricted to access to the lake itself self but nearby trails offer breathtaking views of this unique spot, making it a must-see on any Wiclow itinerary.

Reasons visit Lough Tay:

Stunning Scenery.

Iconic Irish Landmark.

Film Location.

Proximity to Dubin.

What you can Do near Lough Tay?

Take Scenic photos.

Hiking.

Visit Sally Gap.

Picnicking.

Explore Powerscourt Estate.

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, photographer, or simply someone who appreciates natural beauty, Lough Tay and the surrounding Wicklow area provide a peaceful retreat with plenty of exploration opportunities.

[footloosetoursireland]

Lough Tay-Guinness Lake.

Lough Tay, well known as the "Guinness Lake" is one of the most iconic Natural Landmark, surrounded by the Wicklow mountains. This small stunning lake gets its nickname from its alikeness to a pint of Guinness, with its deep, dark waters mirroring the beer's iconic color and the sandy shore at its northern end looking like the foamy head.

Located on private property, it belongs to the Guinness family estate. Lough Tay is visible from several outlook points, including the Wicklow Way. It is a popular stop for photographers and hikers alike, drawn by its striking beauty and the surrounding hilly landscape.

The Lake sits between Djouce Mountain and Luggala, providing a dramatic backdrop of steep hills and expensive views.

[tiktoklives]

[crazyprinceruins-blog]

 Guinness Lake - Lough Tay

[overthinking0001]

 Lough Tay

[saurabhanandtripzygo]

Discover Ireland's Hidden Gems Guide to Must-Visit Spots in 2024!

Dreaming of exploring the Emerald Isle beyond the usual tourist hotspots? 🌿✨ Ireland is bursting with hidden gems that promise unforgettable experiences away from the crowds. If you’re planning a European adventure in 2024, be sure to include these lesser-known treasures in your itinerary.

1. Achill Island, County Mayo Discover breathtaking cliffs, pristine beaches, and serene hiking trails on Achill Island. Keem Bay’s crystal-clear waters and stunning views are perfect for a tranquil escape. 🏖️🌊

2. Glenveagh National Park, County Donegal Immerse yourself in nature at Glenveagh National Park, where a picturesque castle, lush gardens, and miles of walking trails await. 🏰🌲

3. The Burren, County Clare Explore the unique karst landscape of The Burren, with its ancient megalithic tombs, caves, and diverse flora. A truly intriguing natural wonder! 🌿🗺️

4. Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry Venture off the beaten path to the Dingle Peninsula for rugged coastlines, charming villages, and the scenic Slea Head Drive. Don’t miss the vibrant town of Dingle! 🚗🌅

5. Hook Peninsula, County Wexford Experience maritime history and coastal beauty at Hook Peninsula. Visit the historic Hook Lighthouse and enjoy peaceful coastal trails. 🌊⛵

6. Connemara, County Galway Discover the rugged beauty of Connemara with its stunning landscapes, traditional culture, and the picturesque Kylemore Abbey. 🌄🏞️

7. Aran Islands, County Galway Step back in time on the Aran Islands. Explore ancient forts, and rugged landscapes, and experience traditional Irish culture. Inishmore’s Dun Aonghasa Fort is a must-see! 🏛️⛰️

8. Lough Tay, County Wicklow Marvel at the “Guinness Lake” with its dark waters and sandy beach. Lough Tay offers breathtaking views and a serene setting perfect for relaxation. 🌅🏞️

9. Carlingford, County Louth Wander through the medieval charm of Carlingford, nestled between the Cooley Mountains and Carlingford Lough. Enjoy hiking, water sports, and the town’s rich history. 🏰🚶‍♂️

10. Copper Coast, County Waterford Explore the UNESCO Global Geopark of the Copper Coast, with its dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, and geological wonders. It’s a paradise for hikers and explorers! 🌍🗺️

[countesscupcake]

 Near Lough Tay in the Wicklow Mountains

[insomniac-morpheus]

 Lough Tay