From Kenmare to the World. An Extraordinary Week for Our Little Town in Ireland

When NBC's TODAY Show came to Kenmare, the world got a glimpse of something we have known for generations: there is nowhere quite like our beautiful little town in County Kerry.

Friday, 16th October 2026 will be remembered as a truly special day in Kenmare's history.

With the autumn sunshine illuminating our beautiful town, the cameras of NBC's iconic TODAY Show brought the warmth, hospitality, culture and extraordinary community spirit of Kenmare to television audiences across America.

For a town of approximately 2,500 people, it was an incredible moment.

But while the international exposure was extraordinary, what made this occasion truly unforgettable was something much closer to home. The people of Kenmare.

A Warm Irish Welcome on the World Stage

The excitement had been building for weeks as Kenmare prepared to welcome the NBC production team and presenters, including Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker, Carson Daly, Craig Melvin and their TODAY Show colleagues.

From the spectacular surroundings of Sheen Falls Lodge to the colourful streets of Kenmare, our town became the setting for a wonderful celebration of Irish life.

There was music, dancing, laughter, local characters, wonderful food and drink, and the unmistakable warmth of a community delighted to share its home with the world.

Schoolchildren waved their handmade signs, Irish dancers showcased our rich cultural traditions, local businesses embraced the occasion and residents turned out to offer the warmest of welcomes. And the sun shone and it was Kenmare at its very best.

From Sheep Farms to Irish Dancing: A Celebration of Everything Irish!

The four hour broadcast was packed with unforgettable moments, showcasing not only Kenmare but the extraordinary people, places and traditions that make Ireland such a special destination.

The TODAY presenters certainly embraced the Irish experience! Craig Melvin, Al Roker and Dylan Dreyer visited the wonderful Kissane Sheep Farm, where they tried their hand at sheep herding, while Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones enjoyed traditional Irish experiences, including soda bread making, falconry and seaweed baths in nearby Sneem.

Closer to home, Savannah Guthrie and Carson Daly explored Kenmare's colourful streets, meeting local characters and soaking up the atmosphere. The entire presenting team enjoyed an evening of traditional music, dancing and plenty of craic at Crowley's Bar, with Al Roker even trying his hand at the bodhrán!

Irish food and hospitality were very much in the spotlight too, with cooking demonstrations featuring Catherine Fulvio, Mark Treacy of Sheen Falls Lodge, Mark Moriarty and Gemma Stafford.

There was plenty of star power, with Irish actress and writer Sharon Horgan joining the presenters for a lively conversation, complete with some of her favourite Irish treats. Actor Domhnall Gleeson made an appearance, enjoying a traditional Tayto crisp sandwich, while Cork native Samantha Barry showcased Irish fashion and style.

And what a finale! The spectacular Riverdance performers brought the celebrations to a close against the breathtaking backdrop of Kenmare Bay.

A Very Special Irish Homecoming for Carson Daly

One of the most touching moments of the entire broadcast came when presenter Carson Daly discovered more about his Irish ancestry.

Having traced his family history back through generations with the assistance of genealogist Fiona Fitzsimons, Carson was surprised live on air by members of the Daly family from Kerry, who gathered to welcome their American cousin home.

In a particularly meaningful moment, Senator Mark Daly presented Carson with an Irish tricolour that had flown from the historic building associated with the first flying of the Irish flag in 1848.

It was a beautiful celebration of the enduring connections between Ireland and America, and a reminder of how deeply our shared histories and family stories continue to connect us across the Atlantic.

Kenmare on Irish Television Too!

The excitement extended beyond American television screens, with Virgin Media's Ireland AM joining the celebrations.

Presenter Eric Roberts travelled to Kenmare, interviewing NBC personalities Al Roker and Carson Daly and bringing the excitement of this remarkable occasion to audiences throughout Ireland.

For Kenmare, it was another wonderful opportunity to celebrate our town, our community and the extraordinary international attention surrounding this historic visit.

A Very Special Thank You to NBC, Tourism Ireland and Sheen Falls Lodge

Kenmare Tourism extends its warmest congratulations and sincere thanks to our colleagues at Sheen Falls Lodge and Tourism Ireland for bringing this extraordinary international production to our town.

The significance of welcoming such a major American television programme to Kenmare cannot be overstated. It represents an exceptional opportunity to introduce our beautiful corner of Ireland to an enormous international audience.

We would also like to acknowledge the entire NBC TODAY Show team, from the presenters and producers to the camera operators and production crew.

Their generosity with their time, genuine warmth and enthusiasm for our community were remarkable.

Whether chatting with local people, engaging with excited schoolchildren or embracing our Irish traditions, the team made so many people feel part of something truly special.

For many of our youngest residents in particular, these are memories that will last a lifetime.

Building International Connections for Kenmare

Kenmare is ideally positioned as a base from which to discover the very best of southwest Ireland.

From the spectacular Ring of Kerry and Beara Peninsula to the Wild Atlantic Way, our visitors can experience breathtaking scenery, outdoor adventures, wonderful food, independent shops and genuine Irish hospitality, all while enjoying the charm and character of Kenmare.

Our ambition is to ensure that more international visitors discover not only our beautiful town but the extraordinary experiences available throughout the surrounding region.

The Power of Community

Behind the television cameras and excitement was an enormous amount of preparation.

Over the preceding weeks, businesses, residents and volunteers worked together to accommodate filming arrangements, road closures, production requirements and the many practical challenges involved in welcoming a broadcast of this scale.

The Kenmare Tourism committee worked tirelessly behind the scenes, coordinating communications, sharing information, supporting preparations and helping our business community make the most of this exceptional opportunity.

We are immensely proud of our committee members, who voluntarily give so much of their time, energy and expertise to promoting Kenmare. But our gratitude extends far beyond the committee.

To every business owner, employee, volunteer, performer, schoolchild and resident who contributed, thank you.

Your enthusiasm, cooperation and community spirit helped make this an unforgettable occasion.

Generations of People Have Made Kenmare What It Is Today

While we celebrate this wonderful milestone, we are also conscious that Kenmare's success did not happen overnight.

Generations of dedicated individuals, businesses, community organisations and volunteers have worked tirelessly to establish Kenmare's reputation as one of Ireland's most welcoming and beautiful destinations.

We are simply continuing their work, just as others will continue it long after us. Kenmare's success belongs to its entire community, past, present and future. That enduring spirit of collaboration is one of our town's greatest strengths.

The Excitement Doesn't Stop Here!

As the NBC cameras depart, Kenmare is already looking forward to more wonderful occasions.

Our Halloween celebrations are just around the corner, followed by another exciting television production as Neven Maguire's Christmas Special is filmed at The Lansdowne Kenmare from 1st to 5th November.

These occasions offer further opportunities to celebrate our town, showcase our hospitality and introduce new audiences to everything Kenmare has to offer.

And of course, Kenmare is a destination to enjoy throughout the year.

From cosy winter evenings beside a roaring fire to lively summer streets, spectacular scenery and an exceptional food scene, there is always a reason to visit.... especially in winter.... you'll live like a local!

From Our Little Town to the World

As we reflect on an unforgettable week, one thing stands out above everything else. Kenmare's greatest asset is its people. The generosity, pride, creativity and commitment of our community are what make this town truly extraordinary.

We are deeply grateful to Tourism Ireland, Sheen Falls Lodge, NBC and everyone who helped make this historic occasion possible. To the wonderful people of Kenmare, thank you for showing the world what makes our town so special.

The cameras may have stopped rolling, but the memories, friendships and opportunities created by this visit will continue long into the future.

We have always known how special Kenmare is. Now the world is discovering it too.

Kenmare Tourism is dedicated to promoting our beautiful town, supporting local businesses and showcasing Kenmare as one of Ireland's most exceptional places to visit.

Discover Kenmare at www.kenmare.ie

Photography: Karen Rees on behalf of Kenmare Tourism