Taylor Swift says Dublin Eras Tour public album ‘Folklore’ was inspired by Ireland

Taylor Swift shared some insight into the creative origins of her 2020 album Folklore during her recent tour stop in Dublin.

Speaking to fans at the Aviva Stadium, Swift revealed that Ireland had been a key inspiration for the album’s fictional universe.

“Folklore in general is just Irish,” Swift told the crowd after her performance of “Cardigan” Saturday night.

She highlighted how Irish narrative traditions influenced the album’s narrative and character development.

According to the Grammy-winning artist, Folklore marked a turning point in her songwriting style, focusing on linear storytelling and characters experiencing love and heartbreak.

Swift recalled creating the album at the start of the pandemic, highlighting her daily creative escape into an imaginary world that felt eerily like Ireland. That connection, she noted, felt like a natural fit for the themes and moods of folklore.

The singer’s concerts in Dublin, which marked her return to Irish stadiums since her 2018 Reputation Stadium Tour, attracted huge interest.

According to The Irish Times, demand was so high that more than 500,000 fans signed up for the approximately 165,000 tickets available when they first went on sale in July 2023.

Swift’s affinity for Ireland extends beyond her performances, with nods to Irish culture throughout her shows.

During her show, she celebrated Irish pride, incorporating elements like the colors of the Irish flag into her wardrobe choices and having her dancer address the crowd in Irish.

After her concerts in Dublin, Swift’s Eras tour will continue across Europe, with stops in Amsterdam and a return to London. Her performances continue to captivate audiences around the world, reaffirming her status as a pop icon.