Fans flock to the Aviva for opening night of Taylor Swift’s Dublin shows

Gráinne Ní Aodha and Cate McCurry, PA

Glitter-clad fans have flocked to the Aviva Stadium to see global pop phenomenon Taylor Swift for her opening show in Dublin.

Thousands, many wearing outfits styled to the themes of Swift’s albums, were buzzing as they queued from Friday morning, despite the stadium not opening until 3pm.

Fans are hoping the US superstar will use some words of Irish, as her song Sweet Nothing makes reference to her holiday to Co Wicklow.

Arriving fans Aine Feny, from Cork, said “her nod to Ireland is amazing”, while Tara O’Keefe, a teacher also from Cork, said there is a huge sense of camaraderie between the fans, who trade friendship bracelets during concerts.

The singer’s billion dollar Eras Tour, which sees her play hits across her discography, has travelled through the Americas, Asia and now hits Europe.

Around 50,000 fans are expected to descend on the Aviva for each of the three Dublin gigs, with some travelling from abroad to see the pop spectacle.

Businesses surrounding the stadium have embraced the Taylor-mania, with The Bridge Pub announcing a list of album-themed cocktails to mark the blockbuster shows.

Elsewhere in Dublin, businesses have got into the spirit with Taylor Swift-themed brunches, bracelet-making classes, quizzes, and spin classes featuring her music.

On Thursday, Irish Swifties queued up to buy jumpers, hoodies and t-shirts at Dublin’s 3Arena stadium.

Fans have travelled from the USA to Dublin to see the star, some of whom said they had already seen an Eras Tour performance.

Some who had missed out on tickets for the shows in the UK – for scheduled shows in Edinburgh, Liverpool, Cardiff and London – said they had managed to nab some for the Irish leg.

The musician is expected to take to the stage from 7.30pm and perform for around three and a half hours.

Swift’s blockbuster show is expected to boost businesses in the cities she performs in, a phenomenon which also happened during Beyonce’s Renaissance tour as it pulls masses of tourists to regions.

The concert is one of several events taking place in Dublin over the weekend.

Dublin’s Pride Parade, the All-Ireland Senior Football quarter-finals, Longitude and Shania Twain will also be drawing crowds to the city.