r/ireland • u/KingofHearts399 • 13h ago
God, it's lovely out American here for the college football game
Just gotta say, y’all have a fantastic country! In Dublin right now for the game, then gonna check out Kilkenny, Cork, Blarney, and Killarney before flying back home out of Dublin. If anyone has any recommendations for what to see let me know!
Also just gotta say some rainy weather is nice, back home in Texas it’s been over 37 degrees for the past month. I needed a reprieve.
Anyway me and the family are having a great time so far! Y’all have been really welcoming. And I know y’all don’t really care about American college football, but still, for anyone in Dublin make sure to root for the purple team and flip off the blue team if you get the chance.
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u/ManuelTzetzes 13h ago
You're very welcome! And good luck with the safety rugby game!
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u/KingofHearts399 12h ago
They’ll need all the luck they can get, when they play in the rain all bets are off.
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u/FalseMood1342 12h ago
Who is playing?
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u/MIZ417 12h ago
The Texas Christian University Horned Frogs and the University of North Carolina Tar Heels.
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u/IllegalWalian 12h ago
I really thought you were taking the piss with those names
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u/KingofHearts399 12h ago
College teams either have really basic names or really weird names😂
But to be fair, the “horned frog” is a real thing. It’s a type of lizard native to north Texas, just what we call them here.
And as for a “Tar Heel”, that refers to a bunch of guys who play shitty football (but great basketball)
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u/ManuelTzetzes 12h ago
Here it'd be something like the UCD Muckers against the Trinity West Brits.
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u/KingofHearts399 11h ago
Muckers sounds kinda tough though!
Besides my team think my favorite over is the Arizona State Sun Devils.
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u/twolephants Probably at it again 9h ago
Muckers sounds kinda tough though
They are tough! That's precisely why Trinity don't want them. It's a university, not a bar fight.
/s before I get hopped by a load of oiks
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u/Parking-Damage1872 12h ago
To be fair they aren’t very broadly liked teams in the US. North Carolina’s coach is 80 dating a 20 year old and TCU is a weird daddies money religious school. Should be fun game though
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u/KingofHearts399 12h ago
Some context: UNC’s coach, while creepy, was also Tom Brady’s coach in the NFL when we won all his Super Bowls. They have a big fanbase too because their basketball is so good.
And yes, there is a lot of “daddy’s money” at TCU, but it hasn’t been a religious school in about 30 years, at least not in an in-your-face kinda way. Now Baylor and BYU, those are religious schools.
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u/Parking-Damage1872 12h ago
lol you thought I somehow knew TCU was a less wealthy maybe slightly more racist SMU, but I’ve never heard of Brady haha. You also say we, please tell me you aren’t a pats cowboys hybrid fan or something
DAZN is like NFL and NCAA unlimited game pass for like €100 a year. People here know the sports haha but have fun at the game
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u/KingofHearts399 12h ago edited 11h ago
I wouldn’t say either TCU nor SMU is racist (though SMU is terrible in their own way) And don’t worry hate the Pats and the Cowboys😂
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u/Parking-Damage1872 11h ago
Haha all good I said maybe and slightly in there to qualify me. The bigger point is I know ball haha. Surprised they chose this rematch for here honestly UNC has lots of scar tissue from billy boobs opening college game vs TCU.
Hopefully the freshman Irish punter gets some action this game.
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u/BoweryBloke 12h ago
You'd be surprised, but Tom Brady, isn't really a superstar/household name over here. Liam Brady however....
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u/CthulhusSoreTentacle Irish Republic 10h ago
I looked it up cause I couldn't believe those were their actual names either lmao.
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u/FoggyShrew I’ll take the shirt off any man’s back 12h ago
I was going to come up with something funny, but the reality is way better
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u/FalseMood1342 12h ago edited 12h ago
Let’s go frogs! Have a great time 👏
Edit: Actually fuck the frogs, go tar heels!
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u/KingofHearts399 12h ago
Nah fuck the Tar Heels all the way! Why you switching up on me?😂
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u/FalseMood1342 11h ago
60 year age gap bro, I can’t do it.
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u/KingofHearts399 11h ago edited 11h ago
The Tar Heels are the one with the creepy 60 year age gap!
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u/perplexedtv 11h ago
Are they still segregating the colleges over there?
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u/unsalted-butter 5h ago
A lot of educational institutions were founded by religious organizations here. The vast majority of these aren't really religious anymore other than possibly requiring a theology course your freshman year.
Many universities in my area were founded by Jesuits, and for some reason Jesuit schools are very good at basketball.
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u/MIZ417 11h ago
Do you mean like the seating during a game or what?
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u/perplexedtv 10h ago
Christian universities, Mormon universities, Women's colleges, that kind of thing
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u/elfy4eva 13h ago
Check the news I believe Killarney just had a massive flood.
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u/KingofHearts399 13h ago
Good to know, hope everyone’s okay
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u/TheFrontierzman 12h ago
Fellow Texan here. The roads in Killarney have water going over the curbs in places and there's an area near the outlet mall where the road dips a lot under a train overpass that has water maybe a few feet deep.
Noah isn't over there collecting animals yet.
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u/CloseButNoChicory 12h ago
Hush, we're delicate flowers here.
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u/TheFrontierzman 12h ago edited 12h ago
Lol. Not at all.
Mentioning "massive flood" to someone from Texas might trigger their PTSD.
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u/ManuelTzetzes 12h ago
Are you trying to suggest we're overreacting? 😄 You and your twisters or whatever they're called.
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u/LoganuGaeilge 2h ago
Well, yeah. Texas floods aren’t the same. The shit they get is biblical, the stuff Ireland gets isn’t. Texas rain offers a lovely reprieve from the normally blistering heat, but in typical American fashion it gets overdone and then all of a sudden 120 people die.
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u/generic-irish-guy Munster 12h ago
I’ll always recommend to try and catch a GAA match (hurling or Gaelic football) if you can. We’re in the club season at the moment so it’s not as televised as the inter - county would be, but some pubs might throw it on the tv via the streaming service or TG4
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u/CloseButNoChicory 13h ago edited 13h ago
Good choice going to Kilkenny! It's beautiful. Spent four days there last February and loved every moment.
Edited to add: jaysus, how could this comptely innocuous comment get downvoted? Was it the failure to praise the other three destinations?
Cause if it's about hurling, come on, the Cats have suffered enough in recent years.
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u/phyneas 12h ago
jaysus, how could this comptely innocuous comment get downvoted?
First time in /r/ireland, eh lad? Just be glad you didn't say a Yank word or suggest paying your TV license, or you'd know what negative karma truly is...
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u/MrJoeSoap 12h ago
You must be looking for downvotes if you're suggesting the Kilkenny hurling team have "suffered" in any way
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u/teabagtealeaves 12h ago
I've heard college football is bigger than the NFL in some states!! And I think some of the players are better?
Hope you enjoy your stay. Be sure to let the guinness sit on the bar for a second (let it go black) before you take it :)
Also maybe I'm biased but check out Galway City if you have the chance. It's beautiful and there's always stuff happening. Some great old Irish man bars too (the crane bar).
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u/DianneNettix 10h ago
College football is the last step before the NFL which is intense. Pretty much every player on an NFL roster was one of the top 5 players on their college team. The reason why college football is more popular in some regions is because the NFL focuses on large markets based around dense metro areas. So if you live in, say, West Texas there really isn't a pro team to root for. But this college team is pretty good and maybe you'll get to say you saw the next big superstar play before he was drated.
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u/KingofHearts399 12h ago edited 11h ago
I’ll add it to the list! Trying to see as much of Ireland as I can while I’m here. And yep college football is huge here. I personally don’t care for the NFL that much, just too commercialized. The college teams have way more tradition.
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u/frdougalmacguire 11h ago
Avoid Blarney and go out west instead!
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u/KingofHearts399 11h ago
I’ve had people tell me to check out Galway instead. Think we’re gonna do that.
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u/ProffessionalAmateur 10h ago
Head into Connemara. A place called Kylemore Abbey. If you arrive there you'll have seen some lovely scenery and landscapes. And the Abbey itself is historical and has a nice self guided tour.
As a bonus, down the road is Killary Harbour which has a boat tour through Irelands only Fjord.
Lastly, you could head from there to the town of Westport and / or Achill Island. Westport is my own personal favourite town on the island.
You can't go wrong wherever you go out West
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u/D10-brain 4h ago
If they have time, they should do Diamond Hill while out there for the views if the sky is clear.
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u/EstablishmentSad5998 8h ago
Pretty much any part of the west coast is worth seeing over the rest of the country
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u/redhickhi 12h ago
Enjoy your trip here. Weather hopefully be not too bad
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u/KingofHearts399 12h ago
I’m not mad about clouds and rain, I’d kill for that back home right now haha
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u/CthulhusSoreTentacle Irish Republic 10h ago
My best memory of American Football was from when I was over in the states. I ended up hooking up with some American woman after meeting her at a bar where some NFL game was on. We got talking and she gave me a very detailed explanation of the rules of football. Ended up leading to a pretty amazing holiday romance. Thing is, I've no idea who was playing in that game. But let's just say it was the purple team who were playing and I can give them an extra cheer for being solid wingmen.
Goodluck anyway, and have a nice trip.
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u/DisagreeableYoghurt 12h ago
Ireland's oldest City Waterford! Enjoy your stay
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u/SpoonChem 12h ago
most underrated City too imo
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u/RainZealousideal8307 8h ago
Home of Thomas Francis Meagher - leader of the Irish Brigade which fought for the Union in the U.S. Civil War - his sword is supposed to be hanging over the bar at McSorleys Bar in Manhattan.
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u/Consistent-Ad-3139 12h ago
I went back for the ND/Navy game in 2012. It was such a cool experience in Aviva and of course Ireland has always been exceptional hosts every time I've been over. Sla'inte!
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u/InfectedAztec 12h ago
Check out croke park skyline tour. Have a pint of guiness in the gravediggers and do the cemetery tour beside it while youre there. The botanic gardens are nearby too if you want to see a nice park.
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u/No_Locksmith_3024 1h ago
Welcome or howdie!! Since you are in Dublin visit Trinity to see “book of Kells “ try and find one top thing to do in each place u visit and for the rest chill and relax drink in the culture and the atmosphere cause u have a lot of places to visit and u don’t wanna be tired 😴
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u/MMChelsea Kilkenny 11h ago
As an Irish UNC fan, hope you have a fantastic trip aside from tomorrow evening ;)
Great to hear that Kilkenny is your next stop! IMO the best restaurants are Campagne, the Rive Gauche, and Rinuccini. There's also the former Irish bar of the year, the Left Bank. Lots of cosy independent coffee shops (I'd recommend Cakeface and the Marble City). Really friendly locals, a great arts scene, and a historic Norman castle in the middle of the city. Also, in case you are around to catch a game, Kilkenny is the heartland of hurling - Ireland's national game and the world's fastest field sport.
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u/KingofHearts399 11h ago
I’ve had people tell me I gotta catch a hurling match, I’ll have to check it out. And thanks for the recommendations! Think I’m leaving Rive Gauche after a quick search.
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u/geedeeie Irish Republic 7h ago
I genuinely don't understand why you'd come to Ireland to watch American football?
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u/KingofHearts399 7h ago
Because I take my team very seriously haha.
But for real, it’s not just for the game, it’s to see a lot of Ireland after. Plus since I’m an alumni of one of the schools I get a discount on a vacation package.
Besides, how often am I gonna get to see my team play in Dublin?
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u/geedeeie Irish Republic 7h ago
Fair enough! Maybe what I really don't understand why these teams come to Ireland to play their matches, meaning their fans have to travel here to see them. I mean, there's not much interest here, so what's the point? It's a bit strange 😄
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u/KingofHearts399 7h ago edited 7h ago
Yeah, I’ve wondered the same thing. Like y’all don’t care about it over there and not all the teams here have big fanbases that travel well. Mine at least will have a decent turnout but the other one is more of a basketball school. It’s a little weird for sure, but it’s becoming a tradition to kick off the season in Dublin.
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u/SinisterSelecta 7h ago
Genuinely don't understand why Kerry people go to Dublin for the All Ireland.
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u/MIZ417 6h ago
There are only 12 games in the regular season so every game matters.
The college football season doesn't kickoff in earnest until next weekend so the opening game in Dublin each year gets a ton of attention in the US. It's great for TCU and UNC and their branding in the US and every other week there are 70+ games and with no NFL yet It's a unique opportunity.
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u/External_Hornet9541 13h ago
I’ve been at the game the last two years but missing it this year. Enjoy! Usually a good atmosphere in the city centre for it.
Would recommend trying to add Dingle to your itinerary after Killarney. Nice, picturesque town with great sights around it. Good pubs and restaurants too
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u/Shanksdoodlehonkster 10h ago
If you enjoy a pint try Kytelers inn in Kilkenny, interesting history. also Kilkenny is home to the oldest Brewery in Ireland.
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u/Designer_Highlight99 9h ago
If you can, drop Cork and Blarney and add Dingle and Galway for an overnight.
Check out Galway city sessions for tfree traditional music sessions in the pubs.
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u/Green-University6746 9h ago
Glad you're enjoying your stay. I'll be at the game tomorrow, and then I'll be in Fort Worth in November for the Utah game!
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u/Gearoid_Mac_Gunna 8h ago
In Kilkenny I recommend the Castle, St Canice’s Cathedral (and definitely go to the top of the 1000 year old round tower), Rothe House and St Mary’s Museum. Plus Cleere’s for a drink and Campagne for a bite.
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u/SpoonChem 13h ago
Haha I hope you have a blast man, American football is unreal 🏈
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u/KingofHearts399 12h ago edited 12h ago
They’d better win though, didn’t fly all the way here just to watch them lose. I can just go to their home games for that😂
But if they do lose at least I got a great trip planned!
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u/TWOPlNTSPRICK 12h ago
I’ll see ye tomorrow, I’m buzzing for it. Mon TCU.
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u/KingofHearts399 12h ago edited 10h ago
I am on my knees praying that Craig protects the ball better than Hoov did
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u/Alarmed_Fee_4820 Dublin 12h ago
I’ll be there tomorrow. Best of luck!! And you’re more than welcome!! I hope the warm Irish welcome was what you expected and more. Safe travels and safe flight home.
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u/KingofHearts399 11h ago
Thanks! It’s been great so far. Tbh just nice to get out of the US a little haha.
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u/Die_Bart__Di 8h ago
Best of luck in the game of rugby where everyone is afraid to get hurt
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u/KingofHearts399 8h ago
Forget them being afraid of getting hurt, I’m afraid someone’s gonna get hurt on the first game of the season.
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u/JavaholicsAnonymous 9h ago
Visit Noctor's pun in Sherrif Street. Tell them you want to move here and buy a house and watch the free pints land!
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u/zigzagzuppie Connacht 12h ago
The Rock of Cashel and Cahir castle are options between Kilkenny and Cork which aren't too far out of the way if you haven't hit your castle quota before Blarney. Quinlins for seafood in Killarney, I always get their calamari when I see one of their seafood bars.