Exploring Ireland: Preparing for the 2026 Aer Lingus Classic
8/29/2025 10:22:00 AM | Football, General
This is the first in a three-part series in advance of the 2026 Aer Lingus Classic
Members of the TCU Athletics staff recently spent three days in Ireland. This is the first in a three-part series on things they experienced in and around Dublin in advance of the 2026 Aer Lingus Classic against North Carolina, scheduled for Aug. 29, 2026. Travel and hospitality packages are available at Frogs2Ireland.com.
Travel to Dublin: Aer Lingus
In Irish, Aer Lingus means "air fleet" and is the flag carrier of Ireland. After a two-hour American Airlines flight from DFW Airport to Chicago, the Aer Lingus flight departed at 9:15 p.m. and arrived at Dublin Airport at 10:40 a.m., with a flight time of seven hours. The airline codeshares with Oneworld, which serves as a great partnership with American Airlines. Through Aer Lingus, American Airlines offers one direct flight from DFW Airport to Dublin Airport each day.
Each seat on Aer Lingus is equipped with a screen for viewing TV shows, movies, flight maps and games. A full meal was served as well as light snacks before a breakfast sandwich with choice of coffee or tea was available in the morning, shortly before arrival.
The Venue: Aviva Stadium
Aviva Stadium is home to the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. The game between the Tar Heels and the Horned Frogs will be the seventh American Football Game played in the stadium, which opened in 2010. Aviva Stadium seats 49,000 and is nestled up against neighboring houses. The wavy overhang of the roof covers the seating area which will be a comforting advantage for any rainy weather. The first American football game at Aviva Stadium was between Notre Dame and Navy on Sept. 1, 2012.
Aviva Stadium sits on the same grounds as Lansdowne Road Stadium which stood from 1872 to 2007. It is home to the Irish rugby union team and the Republic of Ireland football team. The stadium has hosted several international sporting events and concerts, including most recently the 2024 Europa League final.
Teeling Whiskey Distillery
Of the many things in Dublin that are over a century old, Teeling Whiskey Distillery is not one of them. However, in a city rich of whiskey history, Teeling Whiskey Distillery has the distinction of being the first new distillery in Dublin for over 125 years after opening in 2015. The place offers guided tours for a chance to experience the whiskey-making process. All tours conclude with a tasting. If you're short on time, head right to the Bang Bang Bar and order the Irish Coffee and try to think of a time you've tasted a better one. If you want to drink an Irish Coffee with your face on it, you can do that too, or maybe one with your favorite team's logo.
Leopardstown Racecourse
Leopardstown is Ireland's premier racetrack and is located five miles south of the center of Dublin. The track opened in 1888 and is 1.75 miles in length. The 220-acre estate includes an 18-hole golf course in the infield. Aside from the horse racing, Leopardstown is a place that hits a variety of entertainment options including a karaoke bar, comedy club and live music. Patrons can place bets in person or online.
