A new direct flight between Dublin and North Carolina’s Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is set to launch in spring 2026, providing a faster connection between Ireland and the American Southeast.
The route will offer Irish travellers access to North Carolina’s vibrant culture, including food halls, barbecue, live bluegrass, and leafy college towns.
For travellers flying from the U.S., Ireland will also become easier to reach, with Dublin Airport providing U.S. Preclearance for a smooth arrival.
Officials said the route aims to support two-way travel: encouraging Irish visitors to explore North Carolina, and North Carolinians to experience Ireland.
Two-Way Travel Opportunity
The new connection is expected to strengthen tourism and cultural exchange between the two regions.
Irish visitors will discover the best of North Carolina, while North Carolinians can experience Ireland’s castles, coastlines, and culture.
Why Irish Travellers Should Visit North Carolina
The direct route places passengers in the heart of North Carolina’s “Research Triangle” region, comprising Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill.
The area combines innovation, culture, and Southern hospitality, making it ideal for both urban experiences and outdoor adventures.
Raleigh: Culture, Parks, and Family Attractions
Raleigh is known as the “Smithsonian of the South,” with free-entry museums like the North Carolina Museum of Art offering sculpture trails and parkland.
The James B. Hunt Library, with glass walls, touchscreen displays, and a robotic book delivery system, is a highlight for design enthusiasts.
Families can enjoy Pullen Park, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, and the interactive Marbles Kids Museum.
Food and Drink Highlights
Food is a key part of Raleigh’s appeal. Award-winning chef Ashley Christensen operates acclaimed restaurants including Poole’s Diner and Death & Taxes.
Food halls such as Morgan Street and Transfer Co. Food Hall offer a variety of local cuisine, ranging from Carolina barbecue to fresh bagels.
The state’s barbecue tradition is notable, with Eastern-style vinegar sauces competing against Western-style tomato sauces.
Beer enthusiasts can visit the Raleigh Beer Garden, holding a world record with more than 350 brews on tap, alongside over 40 breweries along the Raleigh Beer Trail.
Music with an Irish Influence
North Carolina’s Appalachian folk and bluegrass traditions reflect the influence of Irish and Scots-Irish heritage.
Annual events, including the IBMA World of Bluegrass in Raleigh, celebrate these musical roots, giving visitors a sense of connection to Ireland’s cultural legacy.
Durham and Chapel Hill: Cultural Hubs
Durham, 20 minutes from RDU, features restored tobacco warehouses, creative spaces, and the Sarah P. Duke Gardens.
The city also hosts a thriving food and brewery scene and the Durham Bulls minor league baseball team.
Chapel Hill, 30 minutes from RDU, offers leafy streets, arts venues, and the historic Morehead Planetarium, once used for astronaut training for NASA’s Apollo missions.
Outdoor Adventures Nearby
William B. Umstead State Park, just outside Raleigh, features 22 miles of trails for hiking and biking.
The Mountains-to-Sea Trail, stretching 1,000 miles, connects the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean.
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, 30 minutes from downtown, provides boating, kayaking, and family camping.
Pinehurst, a legendary golf destination, is just over an hour south of Raleigh.
Festivals and Year-Round Events
The North Carolina State Fair, held each autumn, showcases local food, rides, and music.
The Research Triangle region hosts concerts, theatre, and live music performances year-round, from bluegrass to international touring acts.
Why North Carolinians Should Visit Ireland
North Carolinians flying to Ireland will benefit from Dublin Airport’s U.S. Preclearance, clearing customs before departure.
Ireland offers a rich historical landscape, including medieval castles, monastic ruins, and Georgian streetscapes.
Cities Full of Character
Kilkenny, Cork, and Galway provide cultural attractions, medieval streets, and vibrant shopfronts.
Dublin celebrates literary heritage, pubs with traditional music, and modern restaurants.
Galway hosts festivals and street performances, while Belfast has developed into a cultural hub.
Food, Drink, and Coastal Experiences
Ireland’s food culture blends traditional dishes with contemporary seasonal menus.
Coastal towns offer fresh seafood, while cities feature Michelin-starred restaurants.
Pubs provide Guinness, craft beer, and whiskey, along with a welcoming atmosphere.
Outdoor Adventures Across Ireland
Within an hour of Dublin, visitors can hike in the Wicklow Mountains and explore Glendalough.
The Wild Atlantic Way offers dramatic cliffs and surfing towns, while the Waterford Greenway is ideal for cycling.
The Fermanagh lakelands provide kayaking opportunities, and Ireland’s golf courses rank among the best in the world.
Southern and Irish Hospitality
Irish and Southern hospitality share warmth, generosity, and friendliness.
Visitors from North Carolina will find Ireland familiar yet full of new experiences, from landscapes to local encounters.
Flights Launch in Spring 2026
The new Dublin-RDU route launches in spring 2026, providing a direct connection for cultural, recreational, and tourist travel.
Passengers are encouraged to book early for the inaugural flights.