3/16/2009

in

Sara Kimball

Homer Simpson and his dad will be traveling to Ireland for "In the Name of the Grandfather," the first episode of *The Simpsons* ever to premiere outside of the U.S. The Irish-themed episode will air today in Ireland and the U.K., according to *Variety*.  
  
The episode follows Homer and his father as they journey to Ireland and open a pub. Show executive producers James L. Brooks and Al Jean, along with the voice of Bart, Nancy Cartwright, will be in Dublin to publicize the show.  
  
The St. Patrick's Day episode is part of News Corp.'s yearlong 20th anniversary celebration for *The Simpsons* that includes marketing events in major cities. Fox marketing head Joe Earley said, "We're coordinating between divisions around the world. . . . We all know Homer likes beer, so it seemed like the right holiday for us."  
  
The episode will show in the U.S. on Sunday.