In a heartwarming detour far from the fictional shores of Summer Bay, Home and Away favorite Shane Withington has offered fans a charming glimpse

into his Irish adventure—complete with a perfectly poured pint of Guinness and a reunion with dear friends in the historic city of Kilkenny.

The 66-year-old star, best known for portraying the gruff yet deeply lovable John Palmer on the long-running Australian drama Home and Away, has been

a fixture of the series since 2009. Over the years, Withington has transformed John Palmer from a cantankerous outsider into one of Summer Bay’s most layered and endearing figures. His sharp tongue, hidden vulnerabilities, and unwavering loyalty have made him a fan favorite across continents.

That international devotion was on full display last week as Withington and his longtime co-star Lynne McGranger—who has portrayed the indomitable Irene Roberts for more than three decades—touched down in Ireland for a whirlwind series of meet-and-greet events. The pair were greeted with sold-out crowds at Dublin’s Grand Canal Hotel, where eager fans lined up for autographs, selfies, and heartfelt exchanges with the stars who have soundtracked so many evenings in Irish living rooms.

The excitement didn’t stop in the capital. After their Dublin appearance, the beloved duo traveled south for additional fan events in Cork and Limerick, where audiences once again turned out in force. At The Address Cork and The Absolute Hotel in Limerick, fans shared stories of how the show has shaped their lives—how Irene’s resilience helped them through hardship, or how John Palmer’s blustering sincerity reminded them of someone close to home.

The dynamic between Withington and McGranger off-screen mirrors the camaraderie viewers see on screen. Longtime colleagues and friends, the two radiate warmth in each other’s company. Social media posts from their Irish tour captured moments of laughter backstage, candid snapshots with fans, and even a cheeky nod to tuning into local programming—McGranger shared that she caught a bit of Virgin Media 1 during her stay, delighting Irish followers with her down-to-earth enthusiasm.

But while the professional obligations of the tour were undeniably special, Withington’s journey took on an even more personal tone after the meet-and-greets concluded. Rather than immediately returning home, the actor chose to linger in Ireland, venturing to Kilkenny for a more relaxed chapter of his trip.

Kilkenny, famed for its medieval charm and rich cultural heritage, provided the perfect backdrop. Withington met up with his friend Salvador for lunch, sharing a smiling photograph of the pair enjoying each other’s company. “Lunch in Kilkenny and a wonderful day,” he captioned the post, clearly savoring the slower pace and the joy of reconnection.

A visit to the majestic Kilkenny Castle followed—a fitting stop for an actor so accustomed to dramatic landscapes. The 12th-century fortress, with its sweeping grounds and storied halls, offered a striking contrast to the sun-drenched beaches of Summer Bay. Yet there was something poetic about John Palmer—at least in spirit—standing amid ancient stone walls, a world away from the caravan park he famously oversees.

And, of course, no Irish sojourn would be complete without sampling the country’s most iconic export. Withington was photographed raising a pint of Guinness in a traditional pub, the creamy stout catching the warm amber glow of the bar lights. The image quickly sparked a wave of delighted reactions online.

“Imagine walking into the pub and seeing JP—John Palmer—there. Immense,” one fan wrote, perfectly capturing the surreal thrill of spotting a soap legend in such an everyday setting. Others chimed in with messages of gratitude and affection: “You are both so kind taking the time to meet and greet us all. Enjoy the rest of your trip in Ireland. Hope you both come back soon.”

The affection flowing from Irish fans underscores the global reach of Home and Away. For decades, the series has enjoyed enormous popularity in Ireland and the UK, often airing at prime evening slots and becoming a staple of family viewing. Characters like Irene and John feel less like distant television figures and more like extended relatives—flawed, familiar, and fiercely human.

Withington’s portrayal of John Palmer has been particularly resonant. Introduced as an antagonist with questionable motives, John gradually revealed layers of insecurity and heart. His battles with self-doubt, his struggles with relationships, and his steadfast loyalty to friends have given viewers ample reason to root for him. Seeing the actor behind the character enjoying a carefree pint in Kilkenny felt, for many, like a reward for years of emotional investment.

Meanwhile, McGranger’s enduring presence as Irene Roberts continues to anchor the series. Irene’s journey through addiction, redemption, and hard-won stability remains one of the show’s most compelling arcs. Together, McGranger and Withington represent an era of Home and Away defined by character-driven storytelling and emotional authenticity.

As Withington later reflected on social media, he felt a twinge of wistfulness about leaving Ireland. Though he expressed delight at spending time with friends elsewhere, he admitted he wished he could have extended his stay in what he described as “beautiful Ireland.” The sentiment was mutual; fans flooded his page with invitations to return, promising even warmer welcomes next time.

In an industry often defined by fleeting fame and relentless schedules, moments like these—shared meals, historic landmarks, a simple pint among friends—serve as grounding reminders of what truly matters. For Withington, the Irish trip was not merely a promotional tour. It was a celebration of connection: between actors and audiences, colleagues and companions, past and present.

And as the star of Home and Away raised his Guinness in a Kilkenny pub, he wasn’t just toasting a successful tour. He was honoring decades of storytelling, friendships forged on and off screen, and the enduring magic that allows fictional characters from a sunlit Australian bay to feel right at home in the heart of Ireland.