For more than a decade, Home and Away has built a passionate global fanbase, and its beloved stars continue to draw enthusiastic crowds far beyond the shores of Australia.

Recently, that international affection was on full display when longtime cast members Shane Withington and Lynne McGranger traveled to Ireland, where their visit turned into

a memorable celebration of the show, its legacy, and the powerful connection between actors and fans.

Withington, now 66, has been a cornerstone of the series since 2009 through his portrayal of the famously grumpy—but ultimately warm-hearted—John Palmer. Over the years, John has evolved from a stubborn outsider to one of Summer Bay’s most recognizable figures, making Withington one of the soap’s most familiar faces worldwide. Meanwhile, McGranger, who plays the outspoken and fiercely loyal Irene Roberts, has long been considered one of the show’s emotional anchors. Together, the pair represent two of the most enduring characters in the history of the series.

Their trip to Ireland was designed as a chance to meet the show’s dedicated fans, many of whom have followed the drama for years. The actors appeared at a series of special meet-and-greet events, beginning with two sold-out gatherings at the Grand Canal Hotel in Dublin. For fans who had spent years watching their favorite characters navigate the drama of Summer Bay, the opportunity to meet the actors in person was an unforgettable moment.

Attendees described the events as lively, emotional, and filled with laughter. Withington and McGranger shared stories from behind the scenes, reflected on their long careers with the series, and answered questions about the show’s most memorable moments. Fans eagerly lined up for photos, autographs, and conversations with the stars who have become such familiar figures in their daily television routines.

The tour then moved south, bringing the pair to additional events across Ireland. Stops included appearances at venues in Cork and Limerick, where fans once again packed the rooms to see the iconic actors up close. For many, the experience felt less like a promotional event and more like a reunion among friends who share a deep affection for the long-running series.

Throughout their stay, the actors documented parts of their journey on social media, offering fans a glimpse into their travels beyond the meet-and-greet events. McGranger even shared that she tuned in to local television broadcasts while in Ireland, including programming on Virgin Media One, embracing the local culture during the visit.

But once the official appearances wrapped up, Withington decided to extend his stay in Ireland, taking the opportunity to explore more of the country. His travels eventually brought him to the historic city of Kilkenny, a destination famous for its medieval streets, vibrant pubs, and iconic landmarks.

There, the actor enjoyed a relaxed afternoon with a close friend, sharing lunch and taking in the atmosphere of the charming Irish town. In one particularly memorable moment that delighted fans online, Withington posted a photo of himself enjoying a pint of Guinness—an experience many visitors consider essential when visiting Ireland.

His social media caption captured the warmth of the day, as he wrote about sharing lunch with his friend Salvador in Kilkenny and enjoying what he described as a wonderful day in the historic city. The post also hinted at the emotional side of his journey, expressing gratitude for time spent with friends while acknowledging how much he had come to appreciate Ireland during his visit.

While in the city, Withington also took time to visit one of its most famous landmarks, Kilkenny Castle. The stunning 12th-century structure has long been one of the country’s most recognizable historical sites, and for the actor, the visit offered a chance to soak in a bit of Ireland’s rich cultural history.

Fans quickly responded to the actor’s social media updates, filling the comments with excitement and humor. Some joked about the surreal experience of imagining the fictional John Palmer casually sitting in an Irish pub, enjoying a drink like any other visitor.

One fan wrote that it would be incredible to walk into a pub and suddenly see “JP—John Palmer himself” sitting there with a pint, calling the thought “immense.” Others expressed their appreciation for the actors’ kindness during the fan events, noting how generous Withington and McGranger had been with their time.

Many attendees from the meet-and-greet events also shared heartfelt messages thanking the stars for taking the time to speak with fans personally. Several commented that the actors’ warmth and approachability made the events even more special, turning what could have been a simple promotional tour into a meaningful experience.

“You are both so kind for taking the time to meet all of us,” one fan wrote online, adding that they hoped the actors would return to Ireland again soon.

The enthusiastic response highlights just how far the influence of Home and Away extends. Although the series is set in the fictional coastal town of Summer Bay in Australia, its stories of family, friendship, romance, and resilience have resonated with viewers around the world.

For actors like Withington and McGranger, these international trips serve as a powerful reminder that the show’s impact stretches far beyond its filming locations. Meeting fans face-to-face allows them to see firsthand how deeply the characters and storylines have become part of people’s lives.

And if Withington’s relaxed afternoon in Kilkenny proved anything, it’s that even television icons sometimes enjoy stepping away from the spotlight to savor simple pleasures—like sharing a drink with friends in a historic Irish town.

For fans lucky enough to spot him there, however, it must have felt like Summer Bay had briefly arrived in Ireland.