AFTER snapping Ireland from space last year, astronaut Chris Hadfield's affection for the Emerald Isle is continuing - with the space traveller learning how to play hurling.
The Canadian commander was taught the basics of the sport in Cushendall, Co Antrim under the watchful eye of hurling legend Terence McNaughton.
Commander Hadfield took up the hurley stick and even took part in a challenge match to help promote Irish tourism, filming four videos across Ireland.
Titanic Belfast, including the famous staircase, Donegal and the spectacular scenery of the Wild Atlantic Way, the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin all feature in the series of videos, which were released yesterday.
As well as learning to play hurling at GAA clubs in Cushendall and Dublin, the astronaut's interest in the Irish language is also captured.
Footage shows him learning 'cupla focal' Gaeilge from schoolchildren in Buncrana, as well as an evening of traditional music in McGrory's of Culdaff, Co Donegal.
The renowned astronaut, who has previously spoken fondly of Ireland, agreed to give his services free of charge to Tourism Ireland to promote the country when he visited in January.
He was filmed spending several days as a 'tourist', visiting some of our top attractions and experiences, with led to the creation of the videos entitled 'An Astronauts Guide to the Island of Ireland'.
All four films will be promoted across the world on Tourism Ireland's website Ireland.com and will be shared on several social media channels.
Tourism Ireland chief executive Niall Gibbons said Commander Had-field was "an enormously popular, global figure".
"I am confident that the four films we have created of his visit will be seen and shared by millions of potential holidaymakers around the world - inspiring them to come and sample the destination for themselves," he said.
* TOURIST: Chris Hadfield at Titanic Belfast and trying his hand at hurling during his visit to Ireland