Taylor Swift tells Dublin Eras Tour audience album ‘Folklore’ was inspired by Ireland

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

Speaking to fans at Aviva Stadium, Swift revealed that Ireland served as a key inspiration for the album's fictional universe.

"Folklore in general, it just belongs in Ireland," Swift remarked to the crowd following her performance of “Cardigan” on Saturday night. 

She emphasized how Irish storytelling traditions influenced the album's narrative and character development. 

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

Swift reminisced about the album's inception at the onset of the pandemic, highlighting her daily creative escape into an imaginary world that bore a striking resemblance to Ireland. This connection, she noted, felt like a natural fit for Folklore's themes and atmospheres.

The singer's Dublin concerts, which marked her return to Irish stadiums since her 2018 Reputation Stadium Tour, drew immense interest. 

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

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

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

Following her Dublin shows, Swift's Eras Tour will continue through Europe, with upcoming stops in Amsterdam and a return to London. Her performances have continued to captivate audiences globally, reaffirming her status as a pop icon.