Taylor Swift’s long-awaited Eras Tour made a dazzling entry into Dublin, marking the singer’s return to the city after a six-year hiatus. The Aviva Stadium hosted over 150,000 Swifties across three sold-out nights, beginning on Friday. The tour, hailed as the most lucrative set of concerts in history, brought an electrifying atmosphere to Ireland’s capital.
The first night saw approximately 50,000 fans filling the Aviva Stadium. Swift expressed her admiration for Ireland, exclaiming, “Dublin, we’ve arrived!” Her performance included a meticulously curated setlist spanning her entire discography, complete with elaborate production and numerous costume changes. The concert was a three-hour spectacle, featuring dozens of her greatest hits, taking fans on a chronological journey through her musical evolution.
Before the show, Swift received a warm welcome from Irish rock band U2, who sent a bouquet of flowers and a note, humorously asking her to leave some of the city standing. During the concert, Swift’s dancer engaged the crowd with a playful use of the Irish language, adding a personal touch to the evening.
Dublin’s preparations for the event were extensive. The local police, Gardaí, classified the concerts as “extraordinary events,” implementing special measures to ensure adequate security. The policing bill for the three nights is expected to be similar to the €380,000 (£320,000) spent on five Garth Brooks concerts in 2022.
Fans traveled from various parts of Ireland and beyond to witness the Eras Tour. From Belfast, 300 fans made their way to Dublin by bus, eagerly anticipating the event. The excitement was palpable, with attendees donning Taylor Swift-inspired outfits and sharing their enthusiasm for the long-awaited concerts.
The economic impact of the tour, referred to as “Swiftonomics,” is significant. The US leg of the Eras Tour was the first in history to gross over $1 billion (£792 million). The international leg is expected to increase this figure to as much as $4 billion (£3.1 billion). The Dublin Chamber of Commerce estimates a substantial economic boost, particularly from tourists traveling from overseas. Aebhric McGibney, Director of Public and International Affairs, highlighted the influx of visitors from the US, Great Britain, and Northern Ireland, noting their extended stays and spending.
Local businesses have capitalized on the event, offering special promotions and themed activities. The Bridge, a popular bar near the Aviva Stadium, created a Taylor Swift-themed menu, featuring cocktails named after her songs. Dublin Pottery Studio hosted Taylor-themed mug-making classes, which sold out quickly, reflecting the widespread excitement.
Additional public transport services were arranged to accommodate the influx of concertgoers. The National Transport Authority approved 60 bus routes to the Aviva, while Translink provided special return train services from Northern Ireland. Despite the busy schedule of concurrent events in Dublin, including Pride and Longitude, public transport and local infrastructure efficiently managed the increased demand.
The Eras Tour in Dublin was a memorable event, not only for Taylor Swift fans but also for the city’s economy and local businesses. With more concerts and events lined up, Dublin continues to be a vibrant hub for music and culture, celebrating the return of global superstars like Taylor Swift.
