JetBlue has launched its inaugural flight to Dublin — and I was fortunate to be among the first passengers onboard.

JetBlue has landed in Ireland — specifically Dublin — and I can attest that the journey was as delightful as the destination.

First announced in October, Flight B6 841 departed from New York’s JFK on the evening of Wednesday, March 13, arriving in Dublin on Thursday morning. However, the festivities for this inaugural flight kicked off long before departure.

As I walked past a huge balloon display spelling "DUB" at the heart of Terminal 5 on my way to Gate 14, I realized I was in the right spot. The atmosphere was electric, filled with more balloons, Irish flags, and special signage, transforming what would usually be a mundane airport evening into something special.

Before boarding, travelers enjoyed a selection of Irish treats such as corned beef and cabbage, Dublin coddle—a hearty sausage and potato stew—and delightful shamrock-shaped sugar cookies. The festivities peaked with an energetic performance by Irish step dancers, followed by speeches from JetBlue and JFK executives and a ceremonial ribbon-cutting event.

"Dublin embodies the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day — we’re thrilled to launch this route," JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty shared with Dinogo after the ribbon cutting. "This highlights the fantastic routes and opportunities JetBlue has to expand our product and service into new markets."

In the wake of JetBlue's recent decision to end its potential merger with Spirit Airlines, Geraghty emphasized the new route and the upcoming inaugural flight to Edinburgh in May as symbols of an optimistic outlook for the airline.

"We are a resilient company that has withstood competition for over two decades," she remarked. "We’ll amplify our efforts to highlight what sets JetBlue apart. Our strong brand, outstanding product, excellent service, dedicated crew members, and an impressive array of destinations will be fully utilized."

The flight to Dublin is JetBlue's newest transatlantic offering, following London’s launch in 2021, and will operate seasonally from JFK and Boston's Logan International Airport until September 30. The airline has also added routes to Paris and Amsterdam since then.

As I prepared to board the Airbus A321neo, I found my seat in JetBlue's Mint section, their business-class option, which felt like a personal living room. I was lucky enough to be in the Mint Studio, featuring an extra seat in the pod for additional space. All Mint configurations come with lie-flat seats, sliding doors for privacy, and cozy blankets and pillows by Tuft & Needle, along with new amenity kits debuting on this flight alongside the Dublin route.

The updated amenity kits feature skincare products from Dr. Dennis Gross, along with essential in-flight items like an eye mask, earplugs, socks, and a toothbrush (which was a lifesaver since I forgot mine). The real highlight, however, which Geraghty loves, is that the kit itself—designed by New York City-based sport bag and accessory company Caraa—can convert into a drawstring backpack, perfect for exploring your destination.

As for the dining experience, JetBlue's Mint service offers meals crafted by the New York-based Delicious Hospitality Group (think popular venues like Charlie Bird and Legacy Records), and I truly enjoyed it. Fortunately, the airline crew provides an "express service," presenting all three courses at once—my selections were kale salad, burrata, and spinach lasagna. This approach allows passengers to relax without interruption after their meal, which, for me, was a delightful outcome.

Upon my arrival, I made my way to Anantara The Marker Dublin, located at Grand Canal Square in the city's Docklands area. With its sleek, modern facade designed to evoke the Cliffs of Moher, the hotel and its surroundings infuse a futuristic essence into a city steeped in history. The interior decor, from the lobby to the hallways, is rich with references to the nation's heritage, and the rooftop offers a stunning 360-degree view of the city.

The hotel features 187 rooms, a spa, and several dining options crafted by chef Gareth Mullins, all of which I look forward to experiencing.

My luck continued as one of my first activities was a visit to the hotel’s spa for a rejuvenating 60-minute massage. To elevate my post-flight self-care routine, I also used the Dr. Dennis Gross Ultra Gentle Daily Peel from JetBlue's amenity kit, which provided an instant refresh for my skin.

For the remainder of the weekend, which will culminate in prime viewing of the St. Patrick's Day parade on Sunday, I'll immerse myself in various activities around Dublin, including a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. My itinerary, crafted with assistance from Anantara The Marker Dublin, also features culinary adventures like a fishing trip and a whiskey and Irish coffee masterclass hosted by Mullins.

As I wrapped up day one of my journey, my anticipation for discovering this city—after a refreshing night's sleep—matched the excitement I felt upon arriving at the airport.

What’s next for JetBlue? Geraghty stated, "We’re not sure yet, so stay tuned."