Aer Lingus’ new flight to Nashville will take to the skies on April 12th 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.

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.