On 16th October, the stars of NBC’s morning show ‘Today’ brought their vibrant energy to the picturesque backdrop of Sheen Falls Lodge in Kenmare, County Kerry, Ireland. This unique broadcast marked a significant occasion as it was the first time the entire four-hour live programme originated from a location outside of the studio, thanks to the support of Tourism Ireland.
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The crew including Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin, Al Roker, Dylan Dreyer, Carson Daly, Jenna Bush Hager, and Sheinelle Jones seized the opportunity to explore and enjoy the scenic beauty of Ireland in the days leading up to the show. Guthrie took to the Cliffs of Moher while Bush Hager and Jones engaged in falconry, an ancient craft that they found both thrilling and memorable.
Dreyer, in a light-hearted moment, revealed to People that one of her standout experiences was visiting the Kessane Sheep Farm with Melvin and Roker. “I’m going to brag about myself for a second,” she announced playfully, recalling the challenge of learning to herd sheep. “There’s this whistle that is really difficult to use. The shepherd taught us how to use it, and I picked it up because he gave really good instructions. Al and Craig couldn’t do it!” Her enthusiasm reflected the camaraderie among the group as they indulged in the local culture.
For Melvin, the trip was punctuated by a quintessentially Irish experience — enjoying a Guinness at a historic pub. He reminisced about his visit to Crowley’s, a venue said to have been around since the 1800s, and described the experience as particularly rewarding: “Going to a pub and having a Guinness with my friends and colleagues did not disappoint.”
Al Roker, reflecting on the experience of travelling together, emphasised the unique bonding opportunities that arose from the trip. “We love hanging out with each other,” he explained. “But once the show is over, everyone splits up to deal with their personal lives. On a trip like this, we get to hang out.” He likened the atmosphere to that of ‘summer camp’, relishing the time spent with both colleagues and the show’s crew, which is often difficult to replicate in the confines of the office.
In the lead-up to the live broadcast, the group shared a celebratory dinner at Sheen Falls Lodge, where good food and laughter served as the perfect prelude to the much-anticipated airing. Bush Hager, with her characteristic humour, described the occasion as “one hilarious dinner” and recounted how they all indulged in local fare. “Carson’s like, ‘Order the salmon,’ Savannah’s like, ‘Let’s get the fries.’ Before you know it, we look like little piglets,” she joked, highlighting the camaraderie and joy shared amongst the team.
Jones supported her co-host’s sentiment, affirming that the dinner proved to be a delightful bonding experience. “I stayed up way too late. It’s so fun. It makes it all worth it,” she noted, reinforcing the sense of team spirit that accompanied the trip.
Finally, Carson Daly, who proudly identified himself as the “Irishman on the crew,” expressed the connection he felt with Ireland, saying, “We’ve all been through a lot, and it feels great that our work family is coming to a place that’s so family-oriented.” His words reflected a deeper appreciation for the small community and its welcoming nature, as well as a desire to explore his own Irish heritage.
The NBC morning show’s venture to Kenmare not only showcased the stunning beauty of Ireland but also provided an opportunity for its hosts to strengthen their personal and professional relationships. As they returned to their daily routines, the memories forged during those four hours in the Emerald Isle were sure to resonate for months to come.