Two Canadian YouTubers, Liam MacCosham and Brad Lancaster, took an online interaction to the next level when they traveled across the Atlantic to meet a Belfast man they connected with through the Dublin-Philly portal.
The duo, who run the popular social media page Discover Connections, shared their remarkable journey on Instagram, describing it as "a fun one." After spotting Mark "Stumpy" Rowan, a Belfast native, through the real-time video portal that links Dublin and Philadelphia, they spontaneously asked if they could fly to Ireland that same day to meet him.
To their delight, Mark was up for the adventure, responding, "Yeah, I can do that." From there, the whirlwind trip began, with the YouTubers documenting their experiences in Ireland on their YouTube channel. The video captures their journey from an unexpected introduction to an unforgettable week spent exploring Ireland with their newfound friend.
Writing on YouTube Rowan said "What an unbelievable experience meeting you guys. Had an amazing time. Great craic and amazing Guinness. Friends for life."
View this post on Instagram
The Dublin-Philly portal is a real-time video installation that creates a live visual link between Dublin, Ireland, and Philadelphia, USA. It allows people in both cities to interact in real time through a large circular screen, fostering cross-continental connections. Installed as part of an international art and technology project, the portal has gained significant attention, drawing visitors eager to wave, chat, and even form unexpected friendships with strangers on the other side of the world.
Since its installation last year, the Dublin-Philly portal has fascinated locals and tourists alike, serving as a unique window into life across the Atlantic. The YouTubers’ spontaneous trip showcases the portal’s potential to create real-world connections beyond a fleeting digital moment.
The full adventure can be watched on Discover Connection’s YouTube channel here:
Comments