Texas Christian University (TCU) and the University of North Carolina…
The University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) will open the 2027 season against…
The thrill and excitement of high school American football will return to Ireland.
Truly experience the wonders that the Emerald Isle has to offer.
The ultimate Gameday experience.
Official tickets of the College Football Classic.
Voted in the top 10 friendliest cities in the world, and once you visit, you will understand why!
The land of myths and legends and the birthplace of Irish culture where vibrant history and modern life meet.
Experience Ireland's Hidden Heartlands and tap into the relaxed rhythm that defines this beautifully unspoiled part of Ireland where life moves at its own pace.
Experience what's been named "one of the greatest drives on earth", or explore the Giants causeway at the tip of County Antrim.
Stretching 2,500km along our western seaboard, the Wild Atlantic Way is the longest coastal touring route in the world.
May 18th 2026
The 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic is lining up to be an exciting matchup for a number of reasons. It will be both TCU & UNC’s first ever time playing a college football game overseas, TCU become the first ever Texas based team to take part in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic series and also because UNC recently recruited Irish Punter Adam McCann Gibbs who is set to make his college football debut in the Aviva Stadium later this Summer.
Gibbs, who grew up in Newry Co.Down only began kicking an American Football for a number of months before his potential was recognised across various Division 1 College Football Programs. While many were interested, it was Bill Belichick's Tar Heels who secured the Kicker/Punters signature. Incredibly, Adam’s first game for UNC will not be in front of his home fans in Chapel Hill but will be in front of his home nations fans in the Aviva Stadium this August.
Before the season officially kicks off, we had the opportunity to bring Adam and four of his UNC teammates across Ireland for a unique experience: introducing them to Adam’s roots, Irish culture, and the places that helped shape his story to get where he is today.
Day 1
We began with a visit to Adam’s GAA club (Glenn GFC), where his sporting journey first started. Returning to the pitches and to meet with some familiar faces that helped develop him as an athlete was a special moment, not only for Adam but also for his teammates, who had the opportunity to see the importance GAA culture has in communities across Ireland while also giving the sport a go themselves!
The group then visited St Marys Barr Primary School, where the players were greeted by ‘Welcome to Barr’ signs, music performances and lots of energetic students excited to meet the players and hear about their journey’s to signing with one of America’s biggest college football programs, UNC. For these kids, it was an opportunity to see American Football players in real life for the first time, and having a local in Adam being part of that was special, showing what is possible!’
From there, the UNC players spoke with students about sport, life in college athletics, and the opportunities that come through hard work and commitment at Adam’s secondary school (Abbey CBS) where he finished studying only a few months ago. The visit finished with a kicking competition involving the schools MacRory Cup winners who were highly talented!
Finally, the group headed north for a tour of Belfast city, where they linked up with the guys at Talkin Balls and got a feel for the city's character.
Day 2
Saturday morning began with a visit to Deramore Park, home of The Belfast Trojans, 6x time Shamrock Bowl Champions. Thre group were given an insight into the growth of American Football on the island of Ireland by club President, Hassan Jaafar. From there the five players joined PFI's Michael McQuaid for a live panel discussion which you can listen to - HERE. Finally, the group got to enjoy watching some Women's Flag Football action as the Claddagh League was in play before they finished.
Before leaving Belfast, the group stopped off at the Titanic Experience Belfast. Learning the story behind one of history’s most famous ships gave the players a chance to experience a different side of Irish history and culture. The interactive exhibits and atmosphere made it one of the standout stops of the week.
Later, the group travelled to Dublin where they met with influencer James Doyle before hopping aboard the iconic Viking Splash Tour. Few experiences can match driving through Dublin in an amphibious vehicle while taking in the city's landmarks — and it certainly provided plenty of laughs along the way!
Day 3
On day three, the players headed to the village of Howth, to take in a beautiful coastal tour and boat ride with our friends from Howth Adventures. The stunning scenery, sea views, and local atmosphere offered a completely different experience from what many of the players were used to back in North Carolina.
The evening finished with one of the most authentically Irish experiences of the trip. A visit to Johnnie Fox’s for a traditional Hooley Show! Local Irish food, Music, dancing and Irish hospitality combined to give the players a night they won't forget anytime soon.
Day 4
As the trip moved closer toward football focus, day four brought the group to the Aviva Stadium. This August, the stadium will become the centre of the college football world as UNC opens the season in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. Standing inside the venue months before kickoff made the occasion feel very real. After a tour of the stadium, the team took to media duties with lots of photos and fun content capturing with Irish influencers, content creators and others involved in promoting the event. For Adam, there was something special about being back in Ireland, standing inside the stadium where he'll soon represent UNC in front of a home crowd - "It feels like a dream getting the opportunity to play my very first game of College Football here"
The trip also included a special visit to the Mansion House in Dublin, where the group took part in a photoshoot with the Lord Mayor of Dublin thanks to our partners at DCC. The visit was a unique opportunity to connect sport with the city’s culture and history, while also highlighting the growing excitement surrounding the Aer Lingus College Football Classic coming to Dublin this August. For Adam and his teammates, it was another memorable moment that showcased the warm welcome and support they received throughout their time here in Ireland.
The next morning, the group met with Minster Peter Burke before they went to the airport to return back to North Carolina!
