Aer Lingus’ New Nashville Route Hits All the Right Notes as Younger Generation Joins the Country Culture Craze

Aer Lingus research reveals 71% of adults in Ireland listen to country music, with the figure rising to 87% of Gen Z.

86% of Gen Z say a holiday to Nashville is on the cards, while 63% of this age group have been to a country music concert.

Nashville now one of the fastest-growing cities in the US.

Aer Lingus’ new Airbus A321XLR aircraft key to this new transatlantic route.

Aer Lingus’ new flight to Nashville will take to the skies on April 12^th as new research from the airline shows a surge in the appeal of country music culture across all generations.

A survey* of more than 1,000 adults in Ireland shows that 71% of adults in Ireland describe themselves as country music fans. Gen Z is now the age group most tuned into this music genre, with an impressive 87% listening to country music regularly. The mainstream appeal of country music culture is fuelling this trend, with almost half (48%) attributing its rise to pop culture sensations such as Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album. It’s no surprise that over two-thirds of Irish adults (68%) are eager to experience ‘Music City’, cementing Nashville’s status as a bucket-list destination for all ages.

Aer Lingus’ new Nashville route will be the first to fully utilise the Airbus A321XLR aircraft’s extended flying range, enabling the advance of Aer Lingus further into the US and opening up previously unserved destinations. The four-time weekly service will make it easier than ever for music fans to reach the home of the Grand Ole Opry and more music museums than any city in the world. As well as being renowned for its country music scene, Nashville is home to artists of all genres, including Jack White, Sheryl Crow, Taylor Swift, Keb Mo, The Black Keys, and more.

Research shows that the city’s musical heritage and southern cuisine were the top attractions for Nashville-bound visitors. Over the past 15 years Nashville’s culinary scene has taken centre stage, winning numerous accolades and awards. Dubliner Trevor Moran’s Locust restaurant was recently named Restaurant of the Year by Food & Wine, while it also made USA Today’s Restaurants of the Year list, and The New York Times’ America’s Best Restaurant list.

As one of the top 30 metro areas in the United States, Nashville presents a significant opportunity for Aer Lingus to solidify its status as a leading transatlantic airline. The new route will enhance direct connectivity between US cities and Europe via the Aer Lingus Dublin Hub, catering to the needs of a growing city and its businesses. This service is set to drive strong demand, offering seamless links from Dublin to major European destinations such as London, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, Rome, and Paris. With 10% of Tennesseans claiming Irish ancestry, the route will also serve those tapping into their heritage.

Lynne Embleton, Aer Lingus Chief Executive Officer, said: “There has been huge anticipation around this new route on both sides of the Atlantic, with Nashville now one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. Nashville’s mass appeal makes it an attractive new destination as Aer Lingus continues to become a bigger airline, flying 22 transatlantic routes this summer and strengthening our position as a leader across the Atlantic.

The new route to Nashville is a milestone for the airline, enabling us to advance our ambitions and reach further into the US, flying to previously unserved markets in North America, including Indianapolis, which commences in May. The new Airbus A321 XLR, with its extended range, and our geographic position on the Western edge of Europe opens up exciting new destinations and opportunities for Aer Lingus, and most importantly for our customers. Aer Lingus’ new Dublin – Nashville route delivers further connectivity through our Dublin Hub, providing a direct connection between Europe and Nashville.”

Deana Ivey, President and CEO, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, said: “Nashville and Ireland have long shared deep musical roots, and this new flight strengthens that connection at an exciting time for our city. We’ve built a strong relationship with the Irish travel trade and media over the years, and we’re confident in the success of this new route. We look forward to welcoming visitors from Ireland and beyond to experience Music City’s exceptional music, acclaimed dining and vibrant culture.”

Doug Kreulen, president and CEO of Nashville International Airport® (BNA®), said: “We are thrilled to welcome Aer Lingus to Nashville, marking an exciting new chapter in the strong relationship we’ve built with Ireland. This new nonstop connection between Dublin and Music City strengthens the bond between our communities and celebrates the cultural ties we share. Nashville’s legendary music scene and rich heritage make it a must-visit destination for Irish travelers eager to experience the heart of country music. We look forward to sharing our Southern hospitality and deep-rooted passion for live entertainment with visitors from Ireland as they explore everything our city has to offer.”

Customers flying with Aer Lingus to Nashville or any other North American destination can avail of Dublin Airport’s US Pre-Clearance facility. The service allows customers to pre-clear all US immigration and customs formalities, meaning you’re effectively on US soil once you’re cleared.

For more information, visit aerlingus.com