From Kenmare to New York and Back Again: A Special Welcome for NBC's TODAY Show

An unexpected visit to New York, a warm welcome at NBC Studios and a little taste of Kerry ahead of one of the biggest moments in Kenmare's tourism history.

There's something rather special happening between Kenmare, County Kerry, and New York City this October.

On Friday, 16th October 2026, NBC's iconic TODAY Show will broadcast all four hours live from Kenmare, bringing the beauty, heritage, hospitality and people of Ireland to millions of American viewers.

For a small town of approximately 2,500 people, nestled between the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara on Ireland's spectacular southwest coast, it's an extraordinary occasion.

And in a lovely twist of fate, Kenmare Tourism found itself bringing a little piece of Kenmare to New York just days before the TODAY team was due to make the journey in the opposite direction.

A Little Piece of Kenmare Arrives in Manhattan

Kenmare Tourism representatives Aileen and Patrick Hanley travelled to New York in early October for a family funeral. With NBC's landmark Irish broadcast just days away, the timing presented an unexpected opportunity. During preparations for the broadcast in Kenmare, Oliver Kirwan of Redline Event Management, who is coordinating the town elements of the production, suggested that while they were in New York, it might be a lovely gesture to call into NBC Studios and personally deliver a small welcome from Kenmare.

Oliver kindly made the introduction to Erin Feeney, Senior Production Manager with NBC, who arranged to meet them.

And so, armed with Kenmare Guides, locally made gifts and plenty of Kerry goodwill, they made their way to the famous NBC Studios at Rockefeller Center.

The visit was an opportunity to say hello, thank the production team for choosing Kenmare and share a little of the town they would soon be visiting.

Erin gave them a wonderful welcome and was delighted with the thoughtful gesture. Even better, she subsequently shared that the TODAY talent had been thrilled to receive their gifts.

What began as a simple idea had become a lovely personal connection between Kenmare and the people preparing to introduce it to an American audience.

From Kerry, With Love: A Taste of Kenmare for the TODAY Team

The gifts were carefully chosen to reflect the character, creativity and hospitality of Kenmare and the surrounding area.

Rather than traditional large gift hampers, Kenmare Tourism wanted to create something personal, memorable and easy for the American team to enjoy.

The selection included:

• "I'd Rather Be in Kenmare" mugs, a cheerful reminder of the town awaiting their arrival.

• Kenmare Golf Club caps featuring Irish shamrocks and flags, along with complimentary green fees kindly offered by the club for the visiting team.

• Handmade chocolates from Lorge Chocolatier in Kenmare.

• Copies of the Kenmare Guide 2026, introducing the town's accommodation, restaurants, shops, attractions and local experiences.

• Best of Beara, a beautiful book by local author Tessa Dennison, celebrating the landscapes and character of the neighbouring Beara Peninsula.

• Kenmare Christmas keepsakes, fridge magnets and a few fun Irish sheep souvenirs.

It was a collection intended to tell a simple story: Kenmare is a place of independent businesses, talented makers, beautiful landscapes and genuine Irish hospitality.

And there was a practical advantage to delivering the gifts in New York. The TODAY team could enjoy them ahead of their visit without worrying about fitting everything into their luggage for the journey home.

For Kenmare Tourism, it was also important that the gifts celebrated local businesses and producers, the very people who make the town such a special place to visit.

A Visit to Tourism Ireland in New York

The Kenmare connection didn't stop at Rockefeller Center.

Just a short walk away, at 200 Park Avenue, is Tourism Ireland's New York office.

Tourism Ireland has played a central role in bringing the TODAY broadcast to Ireland, working alongside NBC and Sheen Falls Lodge to showcase the destination to American audiences.

While Ruth Moran, who has been closely involved in preparations for the broadcast, had already traveled to Ireland, Aileen and Patrick received a lovely welcome from members of the New York team, including Paul McDonagh Trad & Industry Engagement Manager and Claire Duffy Publicity & Communication Intern.

They brought along copies of the Kenmare Guide and a box of Lorge chocolates as a small gesture of appreciation for the work being done to promote Ireland internationally.

It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with the people who work throughout the year to encourage American visitors to discover Ireland, and to share a little more about Kenmare's distinctive tourism offering.

Two Places, One Special Connection

The relationship between Ireland and New York runs deep.

For generations, Irish people have travelled across the Atlantic in search of new opportunities, carrying with them their stories, traditions, music, food and an enduring connection to home.

New York has long been an important part of the Irish American story, and today that connection continues through family ties, tourism, culture and business.

For Kenmare, the connection has an especially charming detail.

Believe it or not, our little Kerry town has its very own New York Street!

Located just off Kenmare's colourful town square, New York Street is a wonderful reminder of the historic connections between this part of Ireland and the wider world.

There's something rather fitting about a television programme normally broadcast from Rockefeller Center in Manhattan making its way to a small Irish town that has a New York Street of its own.

Two very different places, separated by the Atlantic Ocean, but connected by people, stories and a shared sense of welcome.

And while New York may be famous for its skyscrapers, Kenmare has a skyline of its own: the mountains of the Iveragh and Beara peninsulas, the waters of Kenmare Bay and the colourful streets of a heritage town surrounded by some of Ireland's most remarkable scenery.

Why Kenmare? A Small Town With an Extraordinary Story

Visitors discovering Kenmare for the first time often find themselves surprised by just how much this small town has to offer.

Situated on the Wild Atlantic Way, where the Ring of Kerry meets the Ring of Beara, Kenmare has long been celebrated for its hospitality, food, culture, scenery and independent spirit.

Despite its modest population, Kenmare is home to an exceptional collection of hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, pubs, galleries and independent shops, including two five star hotels and two Relais & Châteaux properties.

Kenmare's appeal goes far beyond its hospitality.

Its history stretches back centuries, from ancient stone circles and archaeological sites to the traditional craft of Kenmare Lace.

Its surrounding countryside offers spectacular walking trails, mountain adventures, coastal experiences, golf, kayaking and some of the most beautiful touring routes in Ireland.

Its food culture is rooted in the land and sea, with talented chefs, farmers, fishers, artisan producers and family businesses celebrating the exceptional ingredients of Kerry.

And perhaps most importantly, Kenmare is a living, working community where visitors are welcomed not simply as tourists, but as guests.

That warmth is something we hope American viewers will experience when they tune into TODAY on Friday.

A Global Spotlight on Kenmare

The broadcast on Friday, 16th October, will be presented from the magnificent Sheen Falls Lodge, overlooking the meeting of the Sheen River and Kenmare Bay.

The programme will also showcase Ireland's landscapes, heritage, culture, hospitality and experiences, introducing viewers to the people and places that make the island such a remarkable destination.

Plans also include filming in Kenmare town itself, offering an opportunity to share its colourful streets, independent businesses and local personalities with an international audience.

For Kenmare Tourism, the occasion has brought together local businesses, Kerry County Council, community groups and tourism partners, all working to ensure the town is looking its very best and that our American visitors receive a memorable welcome.

We are particularly grateful to Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland for their support, to Sheen Falls Lodge for hosting this landmark broadcast, and to the many local businesses and individuals who have embraced the occasion with such enthusiasm.

From New York to Kenmare: The Welcome Goes Both Ways

Our unexpected visit to NBC Studios was a small gesture, but one that captured something important about Kenmare.

Hospitality isn't simply something we provide when visitors arrive at our hotels, restaurants or shops.

It's part of who we are.

Sometimes that means welcoming visitors to our little town on the Atlantic coast.

And sometimes, by a wonderful coincidence, it means bringing a taste of Kenmare all the way to New York City.

To Erin, the TODAY production team, the presenters and everyone preparing to make the journey to Ireland, we cannot wait to welcome you to Kenmare.

And to the millions of American viewers who will discover our town on Friday, we hope this is just the beginning of your own Kenmare story.

Because once you've discovered Kenmare, you may just find yourself saying:

"I'd Rather Be in Kenmare!"

Céad míle fáilte from all of us in Kenmare, County Kerry.

Discover more about Kenmare, where to stay, what to see and the experiences waiting for you at www.kenmare.ie