Irish holidaymakers looking for a new place to spend their free time can book a trip to the glamorous city of Vegas to enjoy the thrills of the magnificent gaming hub.
The ties between the Republic of Ireland and the United States have always run deep, with both nations sharing history, cultural connections and mutual admiration.
This bond is more important than ever as transatlantic travel becomes more popular due to increased direct routes, growing demand for tourism and shared economic ventures.
The ease of travelling between the two nations has made it effortless for Americans to explore Ireland and for folks from the Emerald Isle to bask in the bright lights of Las Vegas.
Record-breaking travel numbers
Ireland is surprisingly exceeding expectations when it comes to transatlantic travel. The Island nation of just over five million has the highest per capita travel to the US in Europe and third globally.
This number shows how deeply connected both nations are and how much the US appeals to Irish travellers.
The first half of 2024 saw travel from Ireland to the US rise by over 14 percent, finally surpassing pre-pandemic numbers. Strategic expansion and competitive pricing moves yielded the desired results.
Airlines such as Aer Lingus, Delta and JetBlue currently operate over 200 direct flights from Ireland to 19 cities in the US every week.
That number climbed from 18 to 19 following the opening of the highly-anticipated Dublin-to-Las Vegas route in October.
Dublin to Vegas promises to deliver thrills
Vegas has rightly earned its famous reputation as the entertainment capital of the world and is now just one flight away from the Emerald Isle.
Aer Lingus now takes flights three times a week, connecting Ireland to the vacation destination renowned for its bright lights, iconic shows and high-stakes casinos.
Irish holidaymakers looking for a new place to spend their free time can book a trip to the glamorous city of Vegas to enjoy the thrills of the magnificent gaming hub.
There are all sorts of distractions, from luxury resorts to Michelin-starred restaurants and national wonders such as Red Rock Canyon.
Travellers looking for sporting action can enjoy live games at the majestic and modern Allegiant Stadium in Nevada, home of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Allegiant Stadium, the second-most expensive stadium in the world, is slated to host WrestleMania 41 next year, and Irish fans will be looking to get lost in the festivities. Music powerhouses such as U2 and Adele are also mainstays.
Vegas is also where big business deals go down. The city hosts massive conventions such as the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and the Global Gaming Expo (G2E), drawing professionals across technology, tourism and the gaming industry.
Irish casinos and the Vegas connection
Vegas spiritually resonates with Ireland – another destination famous for its boisterous online casino culture.
Irish players who frequently visit top Irish casino sites in search of entertainment can now experience the real deal with a visit to The Bellagio or Caesar’s Palace.
Online gambling has flourished in Ireland, allowing players to enjoy an immersive gaming experience from the comfort of their homes. However, many Irish players will be eyeing a trip to where it all began.
Vegas is the ultimate pilgrimage for casino fans. It is a chance to bask in the glamour, learn the history and witness the innovation that has come to define the gambling industry.
There is also a growing synergy between offline and online gaming, tightening business ties. Irish gaming technology and software development companies have become highly sought-after at global expos and seminars held in Vegas.
The two markets are beginning to share expertise to improve the overall gaming experience.
Shared tourism benefits
The Ireland to US travel route will not be a one-way street. Just as Irish travellers are trooping to the US, more and more Americans are discovering the Emerald Isle.
More than 1.7 million Americans travelled to the island last year. US visitors are one of Ireland’s most valuable tourist markets.
These travellers enjoy Ireland’s rich culture, picturesque landscapes and historic landmarks. American visitors spend more time and money than any other market, making them a lucrative segment of the Irish economy.
Ireland has also put together some exciting initiatives such as Tourism Ireland’s social media campaigns and trade partnerships to bolster the appeal of the Emerald Isle across the US.
Ancestry tours are becoming popular. Many Irish immigrants moved to the US during the famine of the 19th century, and these people are curious about their lineage.
Ireland is also perfect for a luxury castle getaway, delivering quite the experience for US travellers looking for adventure.
The US-Ireland travel connection will become even stronger with the addition of Denver and Cleveland routes, opening new possibilities for Irish travellers.
Ireland is also the only European country with US Customs preclearance, which moves that tedious check out of the way, making it an appealing destination for US travellers.
The prices are affordable, and with more routes opening, both nations will enjoy mutual benefits from this travel relationship for years.