NBC’s TODAY show broadcast live from Kenmare, Co Kerry on October 16, 2026, marking its first international live broadcast and a strategic push to promote Ireland as a year-round destination. The four-hour event, sponsored by Tourism Ireland, featured hosts like Al Roker and Jenna Bush Hager, alongside Irish cultural showcases and logistical efforts involving 100 crew members and 20 pallets of equipment.
Logistics and Scale of the Broadcast
The live broadcast from Sheen Falls Lodge required a massive logistical operation, including 100 crew members, 20 pallets of gear, two generator trucks, and extensive cabling, according to Lunavirekosatu. Brian Loughnane, general manager of Sheen Falls Lodge, described the setup as “extraordinary,” with a stage overlooking Kenmare Bay. The event, which aired from 12pm to 4pm local time, involved all seven TODAY hosts, including Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker, and Jenna Bush Hager. This marked the first time in the show’s history that all anchors traveled to an international location, as noted in Discover Kerry.
NBC's TODAY show broadcasts full programme from Kenmare | RTÉ News
The production featured 100 crew members, 20 pallets of equipment, two generator trucks, and meters of cables, according to Irish Examiner. Brian Loughnane, general manager of Sheen Falls Lodge, stated that the logistics were “incredible,and he had promised the U.S. crewblue skies,which held despite occasional showers. The stage, set against Kenmare Bay, was praised by Loughnane asextraordinary,” per Radio Kerry.
Cultural Highlights and Guest Appearances
The broadcast highlighted Irish culture, featuring performances by the Riverdance troupe, actors Domhnall Gleeson and Sharon Horgan, and segments on Irish cuisine led by chefs Mark Moriarty and Gemma Stafford. Students from Coláiste Íde taught hosts basic Irish phrases. RTE reported that the show also included clips from across Ireland, from Doolin to Belfast. The Riverdance troupe performed live, with Discover Kerry noting their presence as the event approached.
America's number one morning TV show – NBC's TODAY – broadcasts from Kenmarehttps://t.co/52Suaggfoh
Irish guests included journalist Samantha Barry, who spotlighted modern Irish brands, crafts, and food, as reported by Lunavirekosatu. The show also featured a live segment from Kenmare town itself, with Discover Kerry stating that the four-hour programme offered viewers an introduction to Ireland’s people, culture, heritage, and experiences.
Al Roker’s Irish Roots and Reactions
Veteran host Al Roker shared a personal connection to Ireland, revealing his mother’s grandmother was a Smith from Ireland. Roker also joked about the autumnal sunshine thanks to Met Éireann’s Gerry Murphy.
Carson Daly, another anchor, discussed his Irish ancestry during the broadcast, with Discover Kerry noting that he worked with genealogist Fiona Fitzsimons of Eneclann to uncover family history. Daly, who grew up with stories of Irish roots, said, I know that my family is from the Ancient East, and they were coal miners, but that’s about it. For better or worse, I’m going to find out more today.
Tourism Ireland’s Strategic Goals
Siobhán McManamy, Tourism Ireland’s Director of Markets & Partnerships, called the event the culmination of years of planning, aiming to leverage the show’s audience to boost tourism.
Photo: Thejournal
The broadcast was part of a long-planned initiative by Tourism Ireland to promote the country to a competitive U.S. market, with McManamy stating that the show’s audience—over three million daily viewers and 20 million social media followers—was invaluable. Discover Kerry noted that Tourism Ireland’s sponsorship aimed to highlight Ireland’s appeal as a destination.
Highlights Local Economic and Cultural Benefits from the Event
Patrick Hanley, owner of the Lansdowne Hotel and a member of Kenmare Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, called the event Kerry’s Ryder Cup moment, praising local organizations for making the town attractive to the show. Radiokerry reported that the broadcast was anticipated to generate significant local economic and cultural benefits.
America's number one morning television programme, NBC's TODAY show, was broadcast live from Kenmare, Co Kerry today. The show attracts a large American audience with more than three million viewers tuning in every dayhttps://t.co/blyGjcaeTs
Local businesses and residents welcomed the event, with RTE noting that the show’s presence highlighted Ireland’s appeal. The broadcast also included a segment on the town’s tourism efforts, with Discover Kerry stating that the event provided a platform to showcase Kenmare’s unique charm.
Al Roker & Carson Daly Chat to Ireland AM as NBC's TODAY Broadcasts Live from Kenmare
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TODAY stars broadcast live from Kenmare | #RTENews #TODAY
NBC’s Today show has broadcast live from Kenmare in Co Kerry, showcasing Ireland to millions of viewers in the US.The programme regularly attracts a daily audience of three million across America, alongside a social media audience ten times that size.Tourism Ireland sponsored… pic.twitter.com/WT6QgmGA5g
