Bridget's: An Irish Tradition
ALL IN THE FAMILY
BRIDGET'S: A MOTHER-DAUGHTER GIFT SHOP
Thirty-five years ago, in 1987, Bridget Daly and her daughter Lorraine Ryan opened their first Irish gift shop in Plymouth, MA, aptly named Bridget’s - An Irish Tradition.
Originally from Tullamore in County Offaly, the Irish mom and daughter had a good instinct that the shop would be a success and were well aware of the demand for authentic Irish products in the area. After all, Boston’s South Shore has the highest percentage of people with Irish ancestry in the nation, according to the U.S. Census.
“From the beginning, we knew there was a need for it,” Bridget said in a local interview. “Every time we went to Ireland, people would say to us, can you bring me back a sweater, can you bring me back a cap?”
Quality Products at Bridget's
After
opening the Plymouth shop, they opened a second shop at the Walpole Mall, which also flourished for many years. And then, ten years ago, they re-located their entire operation to its current location at 88 West Main Street (Route 123) in Norton, MA (pictured left).
Ireland’s well-established traditions of high-quality, hand-made clothing has especially created a steady demand.
“We sell a lot of woolens - Ireland is famous for wool, lots and lots of sheep - including sweaters and men’s caps," Bridget says. "Also popular are Claddagh rings, wedding rings, Celtic knots, Tara broaches and Celtic jewelry. We have a large inventory of food - especially chocolates like Crunchies and Flakes, Taytos and Barry’s Tea. And we have the famous bread which my son Kevin and his wife Sue make.”
Inside the store at Bridget's
Daughter Lorraine, a graduate of College of the Holy Cross, says the best thing about the shop is the friendly atmosphere when you walk into the store. You’re greeted by knowledgeable, experienced sales associates, including Bridget, herself! The store prides itself on personalized service.
It’s a place you feel welcome to browse, ask questions and try on items, all the way enjoying the Irish music that fills the air.
Bridget's: An Irish Tradition, Norton, MA
The current location in Norton is perfectly located for residents from across the South Shore and greater Boston area, and easy to reach from Routes 93, 95 or 495. “We hope to be here for a very long time,” Bridget says.