Booking flights to Ireland from Nashville used to be a massive headache. You’d have to trek up to Chicago O'Hare or sit in Atlanta for four hours just to see the Atlantic. Honestly, it was exhausting. But the game changed recently. Now, BNA (Nashville International) is basically a mini-hub for getting to the Emerald Isle.
If you're still looking for flights the "old way," you're probably overpaying. Or worse, you're picking a connection that adds six hours to your travel day for no reason.
The Nonstop Dream: Aer Lingus EI76
Let's talk about the big one. Aer Lingus officially kicked off nonstop service from Nashville to Dublin back in April 2025, and it has stayed a staple for 2026. This isn't a daily flight, though. It usually runs four times a week—typically Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Flight EI76 leaves Nashville around 6:40 PM or 7:00 PM. You're in the air for about eight hours. You sleep (hopefully), and you land in Dublin Terminal 2 around 8:30 AM local time. It is, without a doubt, the fastest way to get there. The plane is an Airbus A321LR. It’s a "narrow-body" plane, meaning just one aisle, but it’s built for long-haul. You still get your seatback screens and decent meals.
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Prices for this nonstop route fluctuate wildly. I've seen them as low as $491 round-trip in the "shoulder season" like March or late October. But if you try to book for July? Be ready to drop $1,000+.
Why Layovers Still Matter
Sometimes the nonstop doesn't fit your schedule, or you’re trying to save a few hundred bucks. Layovers aren't always the enemy. In fact, if you want to see the west coast of Ireland (The Wild Atlantic Way), flying into Shannon (SNN) is often better than Dublin.
Since there’s no direct flight to Shannon from BNA, you’ll have to connect. United and American are the big players here. United loves to route you through Newark (EWR) or Dulles (IAD). American will send you through Philadelphia (PHL).
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A tip from someone who’s done this way too many times: Watch your connection time in Newark. Anything under 90 minutes for an international connection is a gamble you probably won't win. If you lose that bet, you’re stuck in New Jersey while your Guinness is being poured 3,000 miles away.
The Icelandair Alternative
You’ve probably seen Icelandair pop up in your search results. They fly from Nashville to Dublin with a stop in Reykjavik (KEF).
- The Perk: You can do a "Stopover" for up to seven days at no extra airfare cost.
- The Catch: The Nashville to Iceland leg is about 7 hours, then a 2.5-hour hop to Dublin.
- The Vibe: KEF is a tiny, efficient airport. It’s way less stressful than Heathrow or JFK.
When to Pull the Trigger on Tickets
Timing is everything. For 2026, the data shows that November is actually the cheapest month to fly from Nashville to Ireland, with average round-trip prices dipping near $400. February and March are also solid for budget travelers, provided you don't mind the "soft" Irish rain (which is just regular rain, let's be real).
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If you’re aiming for St. Patrick’s Day, forget about "cheap." Everyone wants to be in Dublin for the parade. If you must go in March, book at least 4 months out. For any other time, the "sweet spot" is usually about 8 to 10 weeks before departure.
Hidden Costs: Don't Get Burned
Airlines are getting sneaky with "Basic Economy" on international routes. You’ll see a price of $450 and think you’ve struck gold. Then you realize:
- You can’t pick a seat (hello, middle seat for 8 hours).
- Checked bags cost $75 each way.
- You’re last to board.
Aer Lingus and British Airways are pretty transparent, but always check if "Saver" fares include a bag. If you’re planning on bringing back three wool sweaters and four bottles of Jameson, you’re going to need that checked bag.
Practical Steps for Your BNA to Ireland Trip
Don't just hit "buy" on the first Google Flights result. Do this instead:
- Check the Aer Lingus "Vacations" site first. Sometimes they bundle the flight with a car rental or a hotel in Dublin for less than the cost of the flight alone. It sounds like a scam, but it’s a legit way they move inventory.
- Use the BNA "International" Wing. Remember that Nashville's terminal has changed. The new International Arrivals Facility (IAF) is much faster for customs than it used to be, but give yourself time to navigate the new parking garages.
- Verify your Passport. It needs to be valid for at least six months beyond your stay. Don't be the person crying at the check-in counter because your passport expires in three months.
- Download the VeriFLY or airline app. Even in 2026, having your digital boarding pass and document verification done before you hit the airport saves you 30 minutes in line.
Focus on the mid-week departures—specifically Wednesdays—to shave another $50-$80 off the price. If you can handle a Tuesday departure on the nonstop Aer Lingus flight, that’s usually your best balance of price and convenience.