Dublin, 26th September: Aer Lingus today welcomes the Pittsburgh Steelers to Dublin ahead of Sunday’s much-anticipated game in Croke Park, where they’ll play the first-ever regular season NFL game to take place in Ireland.
The Steelers arrived at Dublin Airport this morning aboard a specially chartered Aer Lingus Airbus A330, carrying the team, management and support staff. Aer Lingus worked closely with the Steelers to ensure a seamless journey.
The game in Ireland is a special one for the Pittsburgh Steelers, one of America’s most iconic football franchises, as the team has deep ties to the Emerald Isle through its owners, the Rooney family, whose rich Irish heritage dates back to the 1840s. The team’s hugely dedicated fanbase, Steeler Nation, have also travelled across the Atlantic in huge numbers to see their team play on Irish soil.
Susanne Carberry, Aer Lingus Chief Customer Officer, said: “It is a great privilege to welcome the Pittsburgh Steelers and Steeler Nation to Dublin for this history-making game at Croke Park – Ireland’s first ever NFL regular season game.
“We take great pride in delivering a warm Irish welcome to all our customers and today is especially meaningful given the Steelers’ rich Irish heritage through the Rooney family.
“As an airline, we’re focused on connecting North America with Ireland and beyond through our Dublin Hub, and this landmark event celebrates sport, our diaspora, and the enduring cultural ties we share with the United States. A huge welcome to the team, the Rooney family and, of course, Steeler Nation.”
Steelers president, Art Rooney II said: “The opportunity for the Steelers to play in Ireland is truly special, both because of the Rooney family’s deep ties to the island and the chance to play in front of our passionate and growing Irish fans.
“With Aer Lingus as our partner, this historic game will celebrate the bonds between Pittsburgh, Ireland, and the game of American football.”
To celebrate the Steelers’ landing in Ireland, Aer Lingus is today unveiling a brand-new food phenomenon that celebrates Ireland and Pittsburgh’s most iconic culinary creations. Behold the Steel Bag, which blends the unmistakable homegrown delicacy of a Spice Bag with Pittsburgh favourites like melted cheese and meats. Steelers legend Brett Keisel will also be rolling up his sleeves to serve up this treat, which is available from 12 noon- 3pm today at Earlsfort Terrace.
Dublin is expected to turn Black & Gold this weekend as Steelers fever kicks off, with events taking place throughout the city. A Steelers Fan Tailgate at Merrion Square, presented by Aer Lingus, will also take place over the weekend, with football-themed fun for all the family. Fans can learn more about all the Black & Gold activities taking place in Ireland on the Steelers website.
The Steelers’ incredible achievements to date include six Super Bowl victories and eight American Football Conference (AFC) championships. Earlier this year, the Steelers entered a four-year partnership with Aer Lingus, establishing the airline as the Official Airline of Steelers Ireland and a Founding Partner of Steelers Ireland.
Aer Lingus offers convenient travel options for fans from the US making their way to Dublin for the game, with the airline flying 21 direct routes from North America to Ireland in 2025. The airline also flies 70 routes from Europe and the UK to the Irish capital. In 2026, Aer Lingus will fly two new transatlantic routes from Dublin to Cancún, Mexico, and Raleigh-Durham in the US.
