Hundreds of Taylor Swift fans - dressed up in cowboy hats, boots and friendship bracelets - have been boarding buses, coaches and trains to Dublin to catch the first of the Fearless singer’s three sold-out shows.
The billion dollar Eras Tour, which sees the Pennsylvanian singer 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 Stadium for each of the three gigs, with some travelling from abroad to see the pop spectacle.
Children and adults alike are sporting handmade friendship bracelets, a colourful feature of the Swiftie fandom.
Zoe Meeks from Bangor has been preparing for the concert for more than a year.
“I’m completely ecstatic, it hasn’t felt real up until this moment,” she says.
“It’s been such a big build up, and I’m so excited to hear the songs from Speak Now - it is my favourite era.”
Speak Now may be her favourite record from Swift but as part of her Eras outfit, Zoe has embroidered a bespoke jacket inspired by the singer’s Reputation album.
“It didn’t actually take that long to put together.
“I embroidered the back way last year and then I just ironed it on, and I’ve got a whole bag full of friendship bracelets ready to trade,” she said.
Whilst on tour Swift has developed a new tradition - one which involves inviting celebrity guests on stage to perform with her.
So far, she has performed alongside six other artists including Marcus Mumford, Phoebe Bridgers, Sabrina Carpenter and Gracie Abrams.
Belfast Swifties on their way to Dublin made their predictions as to who might join her next, with one name cropping up more than most.
“We’re hoping she’s going to do a collab with Gary Lightbody,” says Mary O’Brien who is travelling from Belfast to Dublin with her daughter Muirinn to catch the billion-pound pop spectacle.
Several fans revealed hopes that the Snow Patrol front man would make an appearance and perform The Last Time, a power ballad which the pair wrote for the Swift’s Red album which was released in October 2012.
The last time Swift and Lightbody played the song live was in Sacramento during her Red tour in 2013. However the track has already featured as a surprise addition to the Eras Tour in 2023 when Swift performed it in Pittsburgh. Although she was not accompanied by Lightbody.
“But we’re most excited to see Taylor,” Mary added.
“She’s just wonderful, if she comes down and wants a wee cup of tea, she’s welcome any time.”
The concert is one of several cultural events on in Dublin this weekend, described by a deputy commissioner of Ireland’s police force as a “jam-packed” three days.
Dublin’s Pride Parade, all four quarter-finals of the GAA senior football championship, the Longitude festival and Shania Twain will also be drawing crowds to the Irish capital.
