After a 6-hour and 45-minute flight, we finally landed in Dublin, Ireland. The flight went by quickly and was surprisingly smooth. Upon arrival, we were greeted by Connor and Eamon from St. Peter’s Youth Center in Belfast. While we waited for everyone to arrive, we took a few photos and began soaking in the Irish atmosphere. One of the first things I noticed was the lack of air conditioning indoors, something that stood out immediately. But with the outdoor temperature around 65 degrees, it was a refreshing change from the 90-degree humidity we left behind in Pittsburgh.
There wasn’t much time to explore Dublin, so we loaded our luggage into the van and began our journey north to Belfast.

During the drive, I had a chance to talk with Connor. We spoke about his work in Belfast, some of the area’s history, and what we’d be doing throughout the program. The long day of travel, combined with the time difference and lack of sleep, began to take its toll on me. By the time we arrived at the Youth Center, I was almost falling asleep. Thankfully, both Connor and Eamon understood how tired we were and made the transition smooth.

That afternoon, we had lunch and got a short tour of the area. The Youth Center is located where the old Divis Flats once stood, currently only the main tower remains. We also met a few local teenagers who use the center. Many of these youth are vulnerable to involvement in paramilitary activity or crime. The center gives them structure, a safe space, and regular meals, essentially, a place to belong. It was inspiring to see the kind of support they provide.

Before this trip, the only other country I had visited was Canada. Ireland and Northern Ireland struck me as incredibly welcoming. Like any country, they have their challenges, but the people I met were friendly, open, and eager to talk. Whenever locals heard our American accents, their faces lit up, and they’d start asking all kinds of questions. That made me feel proud of where I come from. I consider myself the most patriotic American, and it was cool to see how interested people were in us, not in a political way, but just person to person. Despite some political comments here and there, I noticed that people were more focused on genuine conversation than political division. I think that openness comes from their own experiences with conflict and violence.

One cultural difference that stood out is how central drinking is to Irish life. I was told that COVID-19 devastated Ireland’s traditional “bar culture,” but it’s slowly making a comeback. With the drinking age at 18, bars are everywhere, on nearly every street corner. In the U.S., you’d expect to see a Starbucks or a Walgreens; in Ireland, it’s a pub.

Another thing I wasn’t fully prepared for was how segregated Belfast still is. I had assumed that things had changed more since the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, but neighborhoods are still broadly divided along religious lines. Peace walls still stand, and depending on who you ask, they either protect peace or hinder it. Although The Troubles officially ended decades ago, the memories are still fresh, and tensions haven’t disappeared. Stories passed down through generations continue to shape how communities see each other, sometimes keeping old wounds open.

Overall I am very much liking Ireland, and the United Kingdom