This week officially marked the halfway point of my program in Ireland, and this past week has been one of my favorites so far. My internship has been going well, and I have been experiencing so many incredible things throughout Ireland. After a week of hard work, I wanted to make the most of my weekend and create some unforgettable memories.
Since I had Friday off, I went to karaoke on Thursday night with some friends. It is a weekly event at the university where we are staying, and I am surprised I had not gone sooner because it was so much fun. We sang songs, made jokes, and talked to so many new people. One of my favorite moments was singing “Sweet Caroline.” It made me miss home, but it also made me grateful that I have the opportunity to love and miss so many different places. Even though I felt a little nostalgic for home, looking around at my friends here reminded me that I carry a piece of Pittsburgh with me wherever I go. Hail to Pitt!
On Friday, I visited Malahide Castle with a friend. We got a little lost trying to find it, but the park was so beautiful that I could not even be upset. The trees were incredibly tall, and the grass was the brightest green I have ever seen. After wandering around for about forty minutes, we finally spotted the castle in the distance. We made our way over and booked a tour.
It was one of the coolest experiences I have had so far. The castle belonged to the Talbot family until 1975, when the last family member living there sold it. It is fascinating to think about how recently that was. The castle itself was beautiful, with stunning interiors, wooden walls, and incredible views. Learning about the history of both the family and the castle made the tour even more interesting. I would highly recommend visiting if you ever get the chance. After the tour, we explored more of the grounds and visited the butterfly garden. Everything felt like it belonged in a fairy tale. It was a day well spent and one that I will always remember.
On Sunday, I woke up bright and early for a day trip to Northern Ireland. I was especially excited because the forecast called for clear, sunny skies all day. I felt very lucky, considering it usually rains at least once a day, even if only briefly.
Our first stop was Dunluce Castle. The ruins sit dramatically on the northern coast overlooking the sea. The gray stone walls are surrounded by rolling green hills, rugged cliffs, and bright blue water. It was an incredible sight, and I am so glad I had the chance to see it in person.
Next on the agenda was Giant’s Causeway. This is a place I had seen countless times online, but I never imagined I would get to visit it. I started with the trail that climbs the hills above the Causeway, and I am very glad I chose that route. It took longer and required more effort, but the views were unforgettable. After hiking along the cliffs, I descended a steep set of steps and made my way down to the main attraction.
Giant’s Causeway consists of approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed by an ancient volcanic fissure eruption. Seeing the famous hexagonal columns in person was amazing, and it was also fun learning about the Irish legends associated with them. After nearly two hours of hiking and exploring, I headed to my last destination of the day: Belfast.
Belfast was one of the most beautiful cities I have visited. Belfast City Hall was stunning, and the architecture throughout the city was some of the most impressive I have seen. I learned a lot about the city’s history and saw numerous statues honoring important historical figures. One fact I did not know before visiting Northern Ireland was that the Titanic was built and launched from Belfast. It was fascinating to stand in a city with so much history. One funny thing I noticed was that several shops sold shirts that read, “It was fine when it left.” I spent the rest of my time walking around, shopping, and grabbing food before heading home. During the ride back, I found myself reflecting on what had been one of the best days of my time in Ireland so far.
Although this week was filled with unforgettable experiences and beautiful places, studying abroad has been about much more than sightseeing. Living in Ireland has also challenged me to learn about different cultural perspectives and ways of thinking, particularly when it comes to politics and history.
One aspect of Irish culture that has been somewhat difficult for me to adapt to is discussing politics and political history. Ireland has a unique and complex political history, especially regarding Northern Ireland, and I have realized that many topics carry historical and cultural significance that I do not fully understand yet. Because I am still learning, I sometimes worry about saying the wrong thing or unintentionally offending someone.
This has been challenging because, in my experience, political discussions are not something I regularly have with people in everyday conversations back home. As a result, I do not always feel confident participating in these conversations, especially when they involve historical events or perspectives that are unfamiliar to me. At the same time, I have found that understanding these topics is an important part of understanding Ireland and its culture.
To adapt, I have been trying to learn more about Irish history and politics, listen carefully when others share their perspectives, and ask respectful questions when I need clarification. While it can feel uncomfortable at times, I see it as an opportunity to broaden my understanding and become more culturally aware during my time abroad.
