Expansion of transatlantic network with launch of direct Dublin–Nashville route

Aer Lingus is charting a bold new course across the Atlantic, and it’s got a country twang. As the airline prepares to launch its brand-new direct route from Dublin to Nashville on 12 April, new research reveals a surprising shift in musical tastes: country music is officially cool in Ireland, especially among the younger generation.

According to the airline’s latest survey of over 1,000 Irish adults, a whopping 71% say they’re fans of country music. But it’s Gen Z leading the charge, an impressive 87% of them regularly tune into the genre, with cultural crossovers like Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album helping push country into the pop mainstream. With 86% of Gen Z saying a holiday to Nashville is on their radar and 63% having already attended a country music concert, the connection between Ireland and Music City has never been stronger.

A route made for music lovers (and foodies)
The new Dublin–Nashville service will fly four times a week, making it easier than ever for fans to experience the magic of the Grand Ole Opry, Broadway’s honky-tonk scene, and a city steeped in musical history. Aer Lingus’ state-of-the-art Airbus A321XLR is at the heart of this transatlantic expansion, enabling longer, more efficient routes to previously unserved destinations.

But Nashville isn’t just for country die-hards. From the bluesy edge of Jack White to pop powerhouses like Taylor Swift, the city has become a melting pot of musical talent. And let’s not forget the food—Nashville’s culinary rise is another big draw for Irish travellers. Dubliner Trevor Moran’s celebrated restaurant Locust is earning accolades left and right, even landing spots on prestigious lists from Food & Wine and The New York Times.

A gateway to the south, and the world
With Nashville now one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the US, Aer Lingus’ new route isn’t just about music and food. It’s about opportunity. The service will provide seamless connections through the airline’s Dublin Hub to major European cities like London, Paris, Rome, and Amsterdam. And thanks to Dublin Airport’s US Pre-Clearance, passengers will arrive in Nashville as if they’re stepping off a domestic flight—no lengthy queues, no stress.

Whether your clients are die-hard Dolly Parton fans, foodies on a mission, or just looking to soak up some Southern charm, Aer Lingus' newest transatlantic route offers the perfect excuse to dust off their boots and say “Howdy” to Nashville.