IT’S BEEN THREE years since Taylor Swift last played in Ireland, so anticipation is high (oh, so jaysusin’ high) for her upcoming Croke Park gigs this Friday and Saturday night.
And naturally, anyone with a ticket for her Reputation Stadium Tour is keen to get an insight to what to expect over the next two nights.
We mean it’s Tay, lads, so an epic performance is a given, but what about the pre-concert suss, info on the venue, scoop on the setlists, and, let’s be real here, what about the weather?
We are flat-out thinking about the weather.
So with all that in mind, here is a comprehensive overview of all things Swift-related.
Pre-concert prep
Word on the street says the woman herself has been living it up down south since arriving via private jet (natch) this week. Soaking in the sights and sounds of Munster was apparently top of Tay’s list after touching down.
Some of her dancers, on the other hand, have been getting their pampering on at a city-centre spa. And sure, aren’t they dead right?
Croke Park Info
Right, we all know Charli XCX and Camila Cabello are supporting the woman herself, but now it’s time to devle deeper and start syncing watches.
Lads, it’s gates at 5.45, then Charli XCX does her thing at 6.30 before Camila takes to the stage at 7.15pm.
As the time of Taylor’s on-stage appearance is up for discussion, we’ll leave you to do the math and make sure you’re where you should be when Tay makes herself known.
Oh and quick reminder, there is to be no overnight or pre-gates queuing as we know Croke Park is located in a residential area.
Setlist
Right, let’s talk songs. (Oh Christ, we’re already buzzing.)
Anyway, common sense would dictate we refer to her recent UK gigs to get an idea of what we should expect in Croker this weekend, so we did.
If you want to be surprised, look away now.
Act 1
…Ready for It?
I Did Something Bad
Gorgeous
Style / Love Story / You Belong With Me
Act 2
Look What You Made Me Do
End Game
King of My Heart
Act 3
Delicate
Shake It Off
I Knew You Were Trouble (Acoustic)
Dancing With Our Hands Tied (Acoustic)
Act 4
Blank Space
Dress
Act 5
Bad Blood / Should’ve Said No
Don’t Blame Me
Long Live / New Year’s Day
Act 6
Getaway Car
Call It What You Want
We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together / This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things
Weather
The last couple of days have suggested we’ve waved goodbye to our annual ‘Exam Weather’, but look, it’s all about being prepared, so take heed of the good folk at Met Éireann, who have the skinny on this one.
Let’s talk Friday:
It will start off dry with some bright spells. Cloud will increase through the day with showers developing through the afternoon and into the evening. Highest temperatures of 15 to 17 degrees in moderate southwest winds, backing southerly.
And onto Saturday:
The last of the rain will clear eastwards on Saturday morning with sunny spells and showers following. A few of the showers will be heavy with a risk of thunder, especially in the north. These will die out during the evening. Highest temperatures of 14 to 17 degrees in moderate to fresh west to southwest winds.
In other words, stick a light rain mac on, then get your game face on. But remember, umbrellas are not permitted.
And some other things to note:
Storage facilities are not available, so pack light – think small bags, ladies – and remember the following locations have storage facilities.
- Ned Kelly’s, 3 O’ Connell Street Upper
- Extreme Ireland, Tourism Office, 37 College Green
- Busáras Station, opposite Connolly train station
Be sure to check your ticket in advance to ensure you arrive at the correct entry point and if you or your party have specific needs, contact a staff member on the day or call in advance with any queries.
In addition to the aformentioned forbidden umbrellas, there are a number of other items which won’t endear you to stewards. These include:
- Glass
- Cans
- Alcohol
- Banners with poles
- Go Pros
- Selfie sticks
- Flares
(Extensive list of prohibited items on www.mcd.ie)
Now go forth and rep, people.
