Hats the way to Nashville...

New air route reflects strong country music links to fans in Ireland

- KEITH FALKINER

IRELAND is more than 6,000km away from the epicentre of country music in Nashville but a new study shows our love of the genre and its culture is growing all the time.

New research found that a staggering 71% of Irish adults describe themselves as country music fans.

And it appears to be going down a treat through all the generations in Ireland.

Gen Z is now the age group most tuned into this genre, with an impressive 87% listening to country music regularly.

The mainstream appeal of country music culture is fuelling this trend, with 48% attributing its rise to pop culture sensations such as Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter album.

It's no surprise that 68% are eager to experience 'Music City', cementing Nashville's status as a bucket-list destination for all ages.

It comes as Aer Lingus has launched a new Nashville route, which will be a four-time weekly service that will make it easier than ever for music fans to reach the home of the Grand Ole Opry and more music museums than any other city in the world.