Today we were back to our usual routine in Ireland. The past few days we have spent traveling cross-country to different excursions including Kilkenny, the Wicklow mountains, and Galway, but we spent today settling back into our new routine here in Dublin.
We got up relatively early and met for breakfast at about 9:15. After fueling for the morning, we had class from 10-12. During today’s session we did a case study on the water crisis in African nations who utilize playgrounds as a method of purifying water for rural villages.
After class we ate lunch and then left campus for a trip to the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Left me begin by saying….I do not know much about art (let alone modern art)….at all. Upon arrival we were greeted by a beautiful courtyard within the museum. We spent a couple hours exploring before meeting again as a group.
During that time we explored the many different exhibitions throughout the museum. There were many forms of art I wasn’t expecting, including painted and folded linens, sculptures, and even rocks from one of Ireland’s many coastlines. I really don’t know know much about the meaning behind modern art, but I thoroughly enjoy the museum and our time there nonetheless.
After the Modern Art Museum we headed to College Square for a tour of the Library at Trinity College. Upon entry we saw the Book of Kells and the Old Library. It was unbelievable. The floors were packed from floor to ceiling with books that date back centuries. It was incredible. The google photos definitely did the library no justice.
After today I believe I have a greater understanding of Irish culture. The people of Dublin and Ireland value their past as much as their present and they preserve these time periods through art, literature, and architecture. Today was a beautiful and eye opening experience and I cannot wait to see what tomorrow has in store.