DUBLIN — As fans carrying Terrible Towels, black and gold jerseys and gear designed specifically for the first-ever regular season game played in Ireland hustled and bustled all around him, Martyn Barnett took a moment to soak in the scene.

Almost like it was another time of year, one defined more by cold and snow than a sun-splashed day in downtown Dublin. That’s because Barnett, 42, is not only the store manager for the Steelers Pro Shop, but he’s a lifelong Steelers fan, adopting the team as a kid growing up in England.

“This is easy for me,” Barnett said, smiling. “It’s like Christmas Day every day.” It’s also been incredibly busy, Barnett said, as the two-weeks-old popup shop of sorts has become a hub for Dublin’s many Steelers fans.

Fifteen minutes or so before I arrived, Barnett chatted with a couple who came directly from the airport, still rolling their luggage, and wanted to buy some Steelers swag before figuring out hotel arrangements.

Those people were not Steelers owner Art Rooney II and his wife, Greta, although they followed shortly thereafter, touring the store and interacting with fans. “It was great to have [Rooney] here,” Barnett said. “He cares about the store and this entire thing. To have him here during peak business hours was great.”