Bobby and Linda pop in for a visit
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ABOVE: Actors Linda Purl and Patrick Duffy at Hayfield Manor in Cork city. LEFT: Visiting the English Market.Image 2 of 4
Visiting the English Market.Image 3 of 4
Ringing the Shandon Bells.Image 4 of 4
Patrick and Linda with chef Takashi Miyazaki in Ichigo Ichie. Tourism IrelandAlex O'Sullivan
US actor Patrick Duffy, aka Bobby Ewing of ‘Dallas’ fame, and his partner Linda Purl who played Fonzie's girlfriend Ashley in ‘Happy Days’, were visiting Ireland last week and made their way down to Cork.
They were here to trace Duffy’s Irish roots and to film along the way for the pilot episode of a new TV series which will air in the United States in 2023.
The TV series ‘Finding Ireland’, will shine a spotlight on Ireland, our rich culture and spectacular scenery. It aims to encourage our important diaspora audience in the United States to begin planning their own vacation to Ireland, to find out about their Irish heritage.
Viewers will see Duffy and Purl visit Cork, as well as Dublin and Mayo. Filming for the series is supported by Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland.
Mark Henry, Tourism Ireland’s Central Marketing Director, said: “We are delighted to support the filming of ‘Finding Ireland’ with Patrick Duffy and Linda Purl. It will be a really great way to showcase Cork and Ireland.
“Our aim is to encourage the diaspora in the United States to follow in Patrick and Linda’s footsteps and return here to showcase the wonder of a visit to Ireland to fellow Americans, whether they have Irish DNA in them or not.”
Tourism Ireland’s programme of promotions in the United States includes activity to engage the all-important diaspora audience, encouraging them to begin planning their vacation and getting back to the things that matter most – reconnecting with family and friends and enjoying the very best of Ireland, including our food, culture, heritage and, of course, the craic.