The Vikings have officially wrapped up their first practice in Dublin, Ireland, and they're appreciating the new environment.

Select players spoke Friday — around 5 p.m. Dublin time — with Twin Cities, U.S. and Irish media members alike and reflected on their first handful of hours overseas.

"First impressions are, it's definitely beautiful," Justin Jefferson said. "Getting the clean, fresh air and, really, just being out there on the field and getting a little bit of movement [was great].

"I didn't really have any expectations of Ireland, because I never really thought I would actually be here," he added, "but it's a good vibe."

Harrison Smith is looking forward to spending a little more time in Dublin after having a quick introduction in 2013. A second-year player at the time, Smith took part in a trip to Europe to meet with fans and promote the NFL internationally.

He noted the group "spent about six hours" in Dublin, where he connected with fans and then made sure to hit up an Irish pub.

"The Guiness does taste better over here, for sure," he quipped.

Smith noted he and his teammates have more to learn about Ireland but have enjoyed understanding some of the "real" Vikings ties to the island.

"We haven't spoken a lot on it, but we did get a bit of an Irish history lesson from one of our rookies, Chaz [Chambliss] today, and we learned about the Vikings coming over here," Smith said. "We could maybe get a little deeper into that."

He added with a smile, "It wasn't as detailed as you would have liked, but we learned a few things."

The NFL has worked over the past number of years to grow fandom for the league beyond the United States, and the Vikings have witnessed that firsthand.

This overseas trip marks Smith's fifth to play in games. He's helped Minnesota to victories in London in 2013, 2017, 2022 and 2024.

"My first time here, I was saying when I went on that visit before the game, I was shocked at how much knowledge of the game fans had, and then that first game, seeing all the different jerseys," Smith recalled. "I feel like it's grown since. Last year, there were a ton of Vikings fans in London. So, I think it's definitely grown and the people enjoy the games and what they bring to competitive sports and the entertainment space over here."

On the flip side, the Vikings could brush up on their knowledge a bit.

Jefferson, Smith and T.J. Hockenson were given a good-natured ribbing when they admitted their unfamiliarity with Gaelic football, the sport typically played at Croke Park, where the Vikings and Steelers will meet Sunday.

"We might need some instruction on that," Smith said.

"It's like rugby, soccer, all combined … they also bounce [the ball]?" Hockenson added.

Though their grasp of Gaelic football isn't particularly strong, the Vikings are honored to play at the historic Croke Park, initially opened in 1884 and renovated in 2004.

Carson Wentz recalled playing with the Eagles in Wembley Stadium in 2018 and said he appreciated the opportunity and is similarly grateful for this one.

"I thought walking out of [Wembley], 'That was pretty cool,' " Wentz said. "So I'm excited for the different atmosphere than we probably all have played in, even growing up, you know, it's such a unique atmosphere playing overseas.

"It's cool to see people from all over the world come out and support us and support what we do," he added. "And I'm excited to be in that stadium and see what it's all about."

Wentz and his teammates also are soaking in extra time together without outside distractions and commitments.

"It's exciting to be here," Hockenson said. "Just being away from home for a little bit, it gives us time to bond as a team. Really get to hang out with each other. You know, it's Friday night, and normally we're hanging out with our families, going to do dinner on our own or whatever. And this, tonight we get to go back to the hotel and hang out together and really continue that commitment to each other and to this team.

"It's fun to be in different countries and be around different crowds of people," Hockenson continued. "It really shows that the Minnesota Vikings and our fans travel really well. And then, not only do we have fans in Minnesota and the U.S. but we have fans over here in Europe. So we're really super excited to be here, and it's gonna be really fun."

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