It’s a ‘Cruel Summer’ for Taylor Swift fans, as Dublin City Council has not planned any special events for the singer’s upcoming concerts.
Some have criticised the council for not following the example of Liverpool, who are turning the city into ‘Taylor Town’ for the duration of her visit there, including art installations and a walking tour.
Taylor Swift will perform at the Aviva Stadium on June 28th, 29th, and 30th.
Dublin City Councillor and former mayor Mannix Flynn said the council has “taken their eye off the ball”.
“We did a fine job for the UEFA Cup,” he told Newstalk Breakfast. “We had plenty of activities, we had fan zones, we had the city at its best.
“We did the same for the Notre Dame game of American football.
“Here we have a whole series of fans coming to Dublin to spend the weekend – some of them going to all three concerts – and we didn't even register the situation.”
Cllr Flynn said he has spoken to the council, which is now going to “consider” planning something for Swifties – but it’s “beggars' belief” it was not already considered.
Banners at St George's Hall in Liverpool ahead of special artworks being installed in celebration of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour arriving in the city. Image: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo“I would like to see that we would take the summer concert series proper and right,” he said.
“Not just for the people into football – there are many concertgoers who come to this city.
“We are at our best when it comes to hospitality and people love coming to Ireland – look at Temple Bar, they’re spending €10 a pint.
“Dublin City Council needs to put together a special committee that looks at all these opportunities.”
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Taylor and Jonathan Swift
For Taylor Swift in particular, Cllr Flynn said Dublin could take advantage of her sharing a surname with writer Jonathan Swift.
“He was the author of his day, the political activist of his day... so much so that people in this country were putting his image on napkins,” he said.
“We could celebrate him as well as [Taylor Swift] - here we have a literary genius, a world icon of literature.”
Taylor Swift’s visit to Dublin coincides with Dublin Pride, which already has several plans in place such as a parade and a ‘Pride Village’ at Merrion Square.
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