Ed Sheeran’s Memorable Cover of The Pogues’ ‘Fairytale Of New York’ in Dublin with Beoga, Biird, and Nizlopi

Ed Sheeran’s heartfelt cover of ‘Fairytale Of New York’ lit up Dublin’s 3Arena, joined by Irish talents Beoga, Biird, and Nizlopi.

A Festive Night to Remember in Dublin

There’s something magical about a live cover that feels like a love letter to a city's culture, and this past December, Ed Sheeran delivered just that. Closing out his ‘Loop’ tour on December 9th at Dublin’s 3Arena, Sheeran brought the house down with a spirited rendition of The Pogues’ classic Christmas anthem, ‘Fairytale Of New York’.

Ed Sheeran electrifies the crowd during his Dublin gig.

Before launching into the song, Ed rallied the crowd with a simple charge: "You will sing every single word as loud as you can Dublin. Thanks for having me and have a great Christmas." It was a moment that felt less like a concert closer and more like an intimate holiday party with old friends.

Adding to the festive vibe, Sheeran shared the stage with some incredible Irish musicians: folk group Beoga, multi-instrumentalist Biird, and the acoustic duo Nizlopi. This mix of artistry created a rich, authentic sound that perfectly honored the beloved song.

Watch Ed Sheeran’s Dublin Cover Here

Nothing beats hearing it live, but you can catch the soulful performance below and feel the Dublin crowd’s passion for this timeless tune:

The Tour That Feels Like Home

This Dublin show was the finale of Sheeran’s intimate ‘Loop’ tour, which brought him to smaller venues across Europe, including stops in Paris, Munich, Coventry, and Manchester. It was a fresh contrast to his massive stadium runs—like the multiple sold-out nights he played at Wembley as part of his ‘Mathematics Tour’.

Fans got a closer, cozier experience that felt deeply personal—almost like sitting in a living room, with Sheeran looping his signature melodies live on stage.

His connection to Ireland runs deep beyond just the music. Though born in England, Ed identifies culturally as Irish, a sentiment he opened up about earlier this year. With family roots in Belfast, he grew up immersed in Irish traditions and folk music. As he told the BBC:

“I class my culture as Irish. I think that’s what I grew up with. We’d spend all of our holidays in Ireland. My first musical experiences were in Ireland, I grew up with trad music in the house. So I identify culturally as Irish, but I was obviously born and raised in Britain.”

He’s proudly embraced this dual identity, saying, “I don’t overthink it but I do feel like my culture is something that I’m really proud of and grew up with and want to express... I don’t think there’s any rules to it. It should be how you feel and how you were raised and what you lean into.”

Ed Sheeran’s Irish Folk Roots

Sheeran’s love for Irish folk music isn’t just talk. Just a few months before the Dublin gig, he made a surprise acoustic appearance at The Sky And The Ground Pub in Wexford, enchanting locals with a mix of traditional Irish tunes and his own songs. It was a warm, unpretentious reminder of his genuine connection to the Irish music scene.

His collaboration with Beoga—an Irish folk band known for their vibrant, rootsy sound—on this cover of ‘Fairytale Of New York’ brought that connection full circle. The song itself, originally performed by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl, is a beloved staple in Irish and global Christmas playlists, capturing the grit and romance of New York’s immigrant stories with a Celtic twist.

Netflix’s One Shot and a Musical Controversy

Switching gears, Ed’s recent Netflix special, One Shot With Ed Sheeran, has stirred some debate. The Paris-based production company La Blogothèque has accused Netflix of borrowing heavily from their iconic “one-take” performance style without proper credit.

La Blogothèque, known for pioneering intimate, uncut music videos over the past two decades, posted visual comparisons showing scenes from One Shot alongside their own work with artists like Phoenix, Sylvan Esso, and Johnny Flynn. The similarities sparked conversations about originality and homage in music film productions.

In a statement posted on Instagram, La Blogothèque admitted to feeling “flattered by the tribute” but also encouraged fans to “see for yourself” by checking the side-by-side images.

The Ongoing Journey of Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran’s Dublin ‘Fairytale Of New York’ cover isn’t just a festive highlight—it’s a vivid reminder of how music bridges cultures and generations. From intimate Irish pubs to global stadiums, Sheeran continues to weave his story through melodies that resonate universally.

If you want a glimpse into his musical journey beyond the stage, check out the official trailer for One Shot With Ed Sheeran:

FAQ

• What song did Ed Sheeran cover in Dublin? Ed Sheeran covered The Pogues’ classic Christmas song ‘Fairytale Of New York’ during his show at Dublin’s 3Arena.
• Who joined Ed Sheeran on stage for the cover? He was joined by Irish musicians Beoga, Biird, and the duo Nizlopi, adding authentic folk vibes to the performance.
• What is Ed Sheeran’s connection to Ireland? Although born in England, Ed identifies culturally as Irish due to his family roots in Belfast and his upbringing surrounded by Irish traditions.
• What is the significance of the ‘Loop’ tour? The ‘Loop’ tour featured smaller, more intimate venues, giving fans a closer, more personal concert experience compared to his usual stadium shows.
• Why did La Blogothèque criticize Ed Sheeran’s Netflix special? La Blogothèque accused Netflix’s One Shot special of copying their signature one-take performance style without proper acknowledgment.

If this dive into Ed Sheeran’s Irish ties and festive spirit struck a chord, why not bring a piece of that magic into your home? Shop your favorite album cover posters and decorate your space with iconic music moments at Architeg Prints.