Exploring Ireland: Preparing for the 2026 Aer Lingus Classic
11/25/2025 10:55:00 AM | Football, General
Give the gift of Ireland this holiday season
In July, members of the TCU Athletics staff spent three days in Ireland. This is the second in a three-part series on things they experienced in and around Dublin in advance of the 2026 Aer Lingus Classic against North Carolina, scheduled for Aug. 29, 2026. Travel and hospitality packages are available at Frogs2Ireland.com.
By Land and Sea: Howth Adventures
About a 40-minute ride from the center of Dublin is the coastal town of Howth. Our explorer guide, Shane, took us on a scenic hike around the coast, presenting beautiful overlook of the Dublin Bay that empties into the Irish Sea. During our hike, we came across a herd of goats and gathering of steer. It was fitting for the football matchup with the Tar Heel mascot and an animal more representative of the state of Texas. The goats were happy in a field of purple flowers, which Shane told us it meant winter is coming.
Our skipper, Maggie, then took us on a boat around Ireland's Eye, an island near the coast. Home to numerous birds, we were told people come from all over the world with the hopes to see a puffin. Much to the delight of everyone on board, two puffins were spotted. Upon exiting the docks, there are several seafood restaurants. We stopped at Beshoffs Sea Grill for some of the best fish and chips in the area.
Malahide Castle & Gardens
Castles are replicated across the island of Ireland and are an attraction for tourists. Our group visited Malahide Castle & Gardens, which dates back to the 12th century and is home to the Talbot family for nearly 800 years. Delve deeper into the castle's rich heritage with a behind the scenes tour. The garden was developed by Lord Milo Talbot de Malahide with plants that he collected from the Southern Hemisphere. Near the garden is the butterfly house, home to hundreds of exotic butterflies from around the world.
FIRE Steakhouse
Immediately next to the Lord Mayor's house is FIRE Steakhouse & Bar. The building was constructed in 1864 and has been home to FIRE since 2005. The restaurant offers a three-course meal for €69/$80 and features primarily seafood and steak. FIRE sits in an area of Dublin between St. Stephen's Green, where a pep rally will be held for both TCU and UNC, and Trinity College Dublin.
