Ed Sheeran Surprises Fans with Pub Performance in Wexford

Global music sensation Ed Sheeran delighted fans with a surprise performance at The Sky and The Ground pub in Wexford, Ireland, on a recent Tuesday night. This unexpected appearance took place during the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025, a celebration of traditional Irish music, and was supported by Guinness Ireland. Sheeran’s intimate set is set to be remembered as a highlight in the local music scene for years to come.

Taking a break from his sold-out European Mathematics Tour, Sheeran entertained a small crowd with a series of spontaneous performances. He shared the stage with an impressive lineup of talented Irish artists including the energetic Beoga, soulful Biird, emerging stars Amble, and charismatic Aaron Rowe. The atmosphere buzzed with joy as attendees enjoyed traditional tunes and sing-alongs, all while savoring the scent of freshly poured pints.

Wexford holds deep personal significance for Sheeran. As a child, he visited the county several times a year to connect with family and friends. Reflecting on his Irish roots during an appearance on The Louis Theroux Podcast, he remarked, “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.” His grandmother, Anne, was born in an 18th-century farmhouse near Gorey, where Sheeran spent many summer holidays as a child.

This familial connection inspired his song “Nancy Mulligan,” which tells the love story of his grandparents who married across religious boundaries. His grandfather, William, was a Protestant from Northern Ireland, while Anne left home during World War Two to train as a nurse in London, where she met William. The couple eventually returned to Wexford in 1983 after raising a large family.

The unexpected performance at The Sky and The Ground is part of Sheeran’s ongoing “Old Phone” pop-up series. Previously, he constructed a temporary pub in Ipswich, Massachusetts, and showcased it at events like Coachella. This time, it found a home in one of Ireland’s esteemed traditional pubs, further enriching the local music culture.

Caolán Barron, a member of the family that operates The Sky and The Ground, expressed his excitement about hosting Sheeran. “We’re delighted to welcome Wexford-man Ed Sheeran to The Sky & The Ground during The Fleadh Cheoil 2025. We’ve the spare room made up for him, and my mother has made him a chicken curry in case he needs feeding, all thanks to our closer partner Guinness for making it possible,” Barron stated.

Fans and locals alike are buzzing about the surprise gig, which symbolizes the strong bond between Sheeran and his Irish heritage. The evening served as a reminder of the power of music to connect communities, celebrate culture, and create lasting memories.