From Sheepdogs to Guinness: Today Anchors Share Their Ireland Magic

KENMARE, COUNTY KERRY — There’s a special kind of warmth you can’t manufacture in a television studio, and last week, the Today Show team found it in abundance across the Atlantic. On Friday, October 16, the beloved morning program broadcast all four hours live from the breathtaking grounds of Sheen Falls Lodge in Kenmare, County Kerry, thanks to Tourism Ireland. It was more than a broadcast; it was a journey into the heart of a country rich in beauty, history, and hospitality, and for the anchors, a chance to bond in ways that simply don’t happen back in New York.

Broadcasting From the Emerald Isle

This was no ordinary remote shoot. For the first time ever, the entire Today team, Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin, Al Roker, Dylan Dreyer, Carson Daly, Jenna Bush Hager, and Sheinelle Jones, travelled together for a trip unrelated to a major news event. They set up shop at Sheen Falls Lodge, surrounded by the rolling green hills and shimmering waters that make County Kerry famous. Leading up to the big broadcast, each anchor got out to explore: Savannah marvelled at the rugged grandeur of the Cliffs of Moher; Jenna and Sheinelle took flight literally during a falconry lesson, complete with an owl encounter; and the rest of the team found their own adventures waiting.

Every Anchor’s Unforgettable Moment

The highlights were as varied as the personalities themselves:

• Dylan Dreyer beamed with pride, recalling her afternoon at Kissane Sheep Farm alongside Al Roker and Craig Melvin. “I’m going to brag about myself for a second,” she laughed. “We learned how to herd sheep. There’s this whistle that’s really difficult to use. The shepherd taught us, and I picked it up, but Al and Craig couldn’t do it!” Her delight in mastering the challenge was infectious.

• Craig Melvin knew exactly what his standout memory would be before the trip even ended: stepping into Crowley’s Bar, a welcoming spot that has stood since the 1800s. “Going to a pub and having a Guinness,” he said simply. “I did it with my friends and colleagues, and it did not disappoint.”

• Al Roker cherished the togetherness above all else. “It’s almost like summer camp,” he reflected. “Back home, the show ends, and everyone scatters to their families and lives. Here? We finish filming, and we get to hang out with the crew, producers, writers. It’s just a good group, and that’s what makes this special.”

• Jenna Bush Hager summed up the group spirit best: “That’s the fun part of taking road trips like this to laugh and have a Guinness or two together.” She even joked about taking a Tylenol afterward, proof that the joy of late nights and hearty meals is worth every moment.

• Sheinelle Jones painted a vivid picture of their feast: “Phones are away. Carson’s saying ‘Order the salmon.’ Savannah’s like, ‘Let’s get the fries.’ Suddenly we look like little piglets with a table piled high with food. I stayed up way too late, and it was all worth it.”

• Carson Daly, the team’s self‑proclaimed “Irishman on board,” felt the connection deeply. “We’ve all been through a lot,” he said. “Coming here to a place that’s family‑run, small‑business, community‑oriented it feels like home. Even Uncle Al’s 12 percent Irish! Savannah’s got some Irish roots. I’m going to dig into my full ancestry. We fit right in.”

Bonding Beyond the Studio

What makes this trip truly extraordinary is how it has strengthened the ties between colleagues who are used to seeing each other under tight deadlines and bright lights. Away from the scripts and schedules, they discovered new sides of one another: Dylan’s quick study with the shepherd’s whistle, Craig’s appreciation for tradition, Carson’s heartfelt connection to his heritage. They shared meals, raised glasses, and laughed without worrying about the clock. As Al put it, this is the magic that happens when you step away from the daily grind: you remember who you’re working alongside and why it matters.

Ireland: Family, Roots, and Welcome

For Savannah Guthrie, the journey holds even deeper meaning. She has shared plans to return with her own children to explore her mother’s Irish homeland, a reminder that every visit can plant seeds for the next generation. Carson spoke of finding his ancestry; Jenna, Sheinelle, Dylan, Craig, and Al all found pieces of themselves reflected in the warmth of the people they met. Whether it’s a shared heritage or simply the kindness of strangers, Ireland embraced them fully and they embraced it right back.

A Trip That Feels Like Coming Home

From the windswept Cliffs of Moher to the cosy corners of Crowley’s Bar; from sheepdogs and whistles to salmon and fries; from falcons in flight to toasts among friends this journey will live long in memory. As the cameras pack away and the team returns to Studio 1A, they carry something priceless with them: a renewed sense of joy, belonging, and friendship. And as they’ll surely tell you, that’s the best souvenir of all.