Aer Lingus College Football Classic

The Aer Lingus College Football Classic is an annual American college football event held in Dublin, Ireland. It aims to showcase NCAA college football to an international audience while promoting Ireland as a travel destination. This event continues the tradition of the Emerald Isle Classic from 1988 and 1989, marking the first major NCAA-sanctioned college football games in Europe.

Sponsored by Aer Lingus, the event strengthens cultural and business ties between Ireland and the United States, particularly focusing on the Irish-American community. It features high-profile NCAA games with teams like Notre Dame and Texas Christian University, along with fan engagement activities such as marching bands and tailgating parties. The event also includes live broadcasts from ESPN’s College GameDay, enhancing its visibility. The Keough-Naughton College Football Trophy, crafted by House of Waterford Crystal, is awarded to honor notable Irish-American figures, symbolizing the cultural connection between the two nations.