‘Doolin’s moment’: NBC’s TODAY puts Clare village in the American spotlight
Savannah Guthrie’s Irish adventure begins in Doolin with a Cliffs of Moher cruise and a transatlantic love story.
DOOLIN, COUNTY CLARE, IRELAND – October 16th, 2026:
Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher feature in NBC’s TODAY Ireland special today, following a visit by co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, who joined Doolin Ferry owners Liam and Erin O’Brien for a cruise beneath the iconic cliffs.
The County Clare visit forms part of TODAY’s special Ireland coverage, with the flagship American morning programme broadcasting all four hours live from Kenmare, County Kerry, today, sponsored by Tourism Ireland. The programme will also feature snippets from Cork and Kerry, showcasing more of Ireland’s scenery, culture and hospitality.
Guthrie’s Irish adventure began on Wednesday, October 14th, when she landed at Shannon Airport and travelled straight to Doolin, the coastal village that serves as a gateway to the Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands.
Liam and Erin welcomed her aboard Doolin Ferry to experience the cliffs from the sea. Alongside the spectacular scenery, Guthrie discovered a transatlantic love story: Erin, originally from New York, met Liam at Doolin Pier while visiting Ireland. Twenty years and four children later, the couple shared how that chance encounter became a life together on Ireland’s west coast.
During the cruise, Liam and Guthrie chatted about the cliffs’ cinematic connections, including their appearance as the Cliffs of Insanity in The Princess Bride and as a backdrop in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The boat trip offered a fresh perspective on a landscape familiar to film fans worldwide.
Reflecting on the visit, Liam O’Brien said: “This is Doolin’s moment to share its magic with America and put our small village – the gateway to the Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands – in the spotlight. It was a pleasure for us to welcome Savannah and the NBC TODAY crew and show them the spectacular cliffs from the sea. So many visitors know the iconic view from the top, but seeing the cliffs from below offers a completely different perspective. We hope it inspires viewers to come and experience it for themselves.”
Guthrie then explored the clifftop, meeting local landowner Martin Guerin, who shared stories of his family farm and the private tours he offers in this remarkable setting.
Her final County Clare stop was Doonagore Castle, the 16th-century tower house overlooking Doolin and the Atlantic Ocean. From there, she greeted TODAY viewers live, describing Ireland as beautiful, magical and enchanting, reflecting on how it touches your heart and encouraging her American audience to pack their bags and visit.
The visit puts Doolin’s scenery, hospitality and personal stories before an American audience, offering viewers fresh inspiration to include County Clare in their Irish travel plans.
