Tipperary Bear

Bears, once native to Ireland are unfortunately long extinct, with the exception of these wonderful little Tipperary natives. Edel Grace handcrafts this burnt orange bear with a lambswool scarf, exclusively for the Irish Design Shop. Handmade in her Teddy HQ in Grousehall she uses Irish tweed and lambswool sourced from local John Hanly weavers.

The bear was long revered by our ancestors, its strength and power making it a powerful totem animal, the family name McMahon, meaning son of the bear, still owes its origin to this tradition. 

Our other Tipperary Native, the Tipperary Hare is available to meet here too.

Each standard Bear is about 33cm tall with moveable joints. They are CE approved, so safe for curious little ones to play with.

The miniature Bear is approx. 12cm tall, his joints don't move like the standard one.

Edel Grace handcuts, sews and stuffs each animal at her Teddy HQ in Grousehall, Tipperary.

Originally in administration, Edel was inspired to make a tweed teddy bear for her children after seeing a photograph of a toy her mother had as a child, long lost at that point. The result was so successful, it inspired her to make her own business 'Pieces Of Great' in 2013. Word quickly spread of these charming teddys, and Edel now makes these creations full time.

All her fabric is sourced from John Hanly in Nenagh, and the buttons, wool, and fastenings are purchased from small shops in Templemore and Clonmel.