From Texas to Dublin: Transatlantic Connections at the Aer Lingus College Football Classic

The 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic featured Texas Christian University (TCU) and the University of North Carolina (UNC), opening the NCAA football season with 18,000 international visitors travelling to Dublin.

In it's fifth consecutive year, the Classic continues to reinforce Dublin's reputation as a world-class destination for major international sporting occasions and a gateway for deeper cultural, economic, and political engagement between Ireland and the United States.

While the game itself was the centrepiece of the week, the impact extended far beyond the stadium. Through the Much More Than A Game programme, more than 40 events took place across Dublin, including business networking opportunities, cultural showcases, official receptions, and fan experiences. These events highlighted the very best of Irish hospitality while providing visitors with valuable insights into Ireland's culture, innovation ecosystem, and economic strengths. The game was also broadcast to 5.8 million viewers on ESPN, giving Ireland valuable international exposure.

A particular highlight was the visit of a delegation from the Texas Association of Business (TAB), who travelled to Ireland for a targeted Texas-Ireland economic development programme. Discussions centred on key growth sectors including life sciences, pharmaceuticals, technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence.

TAB is Texas’ leading statewide business advocacy organization, representing companies of all sizes and industries across the state. TAB works to promote economic growth, strengthen the business climate, and advance policies that support job creation, workforce development, innovation, and competitiveness throughout Texas.

Dublin also hosted 80 legislators representing over 20 US states through the American Irish State Legislators Caucus. This bipartisan network of current and former legislators, together with friends of Ireland from across the United States, convened in Dublin for a three-day programme hosted by Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, Senator Mark Daly.

The visit provided members of the delegation with an opportunity to connect with stakeholders from both sides of the Atlantic, engage in discussions on health, higher education, business, international development and Ireland’s Presidency of the EU, along with opportunities to connect with leaders from across Ireland’s political, academic and business communities.

The visit highlighted the strong historical, political and economic ties between Ireland and the USA while providing valuable opportunities to build relationships, explore international partnerships, and strengthen transatlantic collaboration through the unique platform created by the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. The Consulate looks forward to building on the connections made and strengthening the ties between our consular region and Ireland.