If you've been half-heartedly refreshing flight price alerts while mentally promising yourself that this will be the summer you actually go somewhere new, Aer Lingus may have just made your decision a lot easier. The airline has announced seven brand-new routes for summer 2026, departing from Dublin and Cork, and the destinations on the list are worth getting excited about.
We're talking northern Spain's wild green coast, the sun-drenched south of France, a Norwegian capital with fjords on the doorstep, and a Scottish city that's having a serious pop-culture moment right now. There's something on this list for every type of family or travel group, whether you're after beaches, culture, easy city breaks or a proper adventure.
New routes from Dublin
From Dublin, Aer Lingus and Aer Lingus Regional (operated by Emerald Airlines) will launch services to five new destinations this summer.
Asturias, often described as northern Spain's best-kept secret, will be served twice weekly from 2nd May. Tucked between the Cantabrian Sea and the Picos de Europa mountains, the region has over 200 beaches, a striking pre-Romanesque old town in Oviedo and food that will genuinely stop you in your tracks. It has all the charm of the Spanish coast without the crowds, which, if you've ever tried to navigate a packed Malaga airport with three small children and a buggy, is no small thing.
Oslo joins the schedule from 2nd May, with four flights a week. It's a city that somehow manages to be both properly cool and completely relaxed, with world-class museums, the iconic Opera House and the Oslofjord islands all within easy reach. If your lot are outdoorsy types, this one is worth serious consideration.
Montpellier in the south of France will take off from 19th May, twice weekly. With 300 days of sunshine a year, its own Arc de Triomphe and a buzzing central square, it's an underrated pick for anyone who wants French culture without the Paris prices.
Tours, the heart of the Loire Valley, is a new Aer Lingus Regional seasonal service starting 6th June and running on Saturdays until 29th August. Loire castles, wine tastings, slow river walks and effortless French charm — honestly, just reading that is enough to make you want to book a babysitter.
Inverness in the Scottish Highlands will get a year-round twice-weekly service from 21st May. Beyond the drama of the landscape itself, the region has found a new wave of fame recently as the filming location for The Traitors UK and the Harry Potter Jacobite steam train route. If you've got kids obsessed with either, this one practically sells itself.
New routes from Cork
Cork passengers are getting two brilliant new options this summer.
Nice on the Côte d'Azur will be served twice weekly from 2nd May. The Promenade des Anglais, the colour and noise of the Vieux Nice, and the quieter villages of Villefranche-sur-Mer and Èze all within a short drive. It's one of those places that looks exactly like the photos, which is rarer than you'd think.
Santiago de Compostela will be served from Cork twice weekly from 1st June (with additional Wednesday and Saturday flights in October). The city is the endpoint of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, but you don't need to walk 800km to appreciate it. The Casco Antiguo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is genuinely one of the most beautiful old towns in Europe, full of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, tapas bars and the kind of streets you could wander for hours.
It's also worth noting that Aer Lingus has extended its Cork–Prague route to a year-round service, so European city breaks from the south are looking well covered.
What to know before you book
On fares, Aer Lingus Saver tickets include a 10kg bag as standard, which can be checked in free of charge or carried on board for a fee. Susanne Carberry, Aer Lingus Chief Customer Officer, said: "Our summer 2026 schedule is our most diverse yet, introducing a carefully curated selection of charming destinations. From the urban culture of Oslo to the awe-inspiring scenery of Asturias, Aer Lingus has a destination that is sure to appeal to every type of explorer."
She added: "Our Saver fares, which include a free 10kg bag that can be checked in for free, offer our customers added convenience and reassurance as they prepare for that all-important getaway."
For full details and to book, visit the Aer Lingus website directly and check current pricing and availability there.
