Abbigail Grau

From the moment that I had received the e-mail offering this trip to students I knew that I needed to be a part of the experience. And it was an amazing experience from start to finish, a trip I will never forget for more reasons than one. Who could forget being on a plane that has to take off again immediately after landing due to wind gusts in Dublin?

The first and last two days were spent in historical Dublin. What I loved about this trip was that there was no time wasted. As soon as we were all accounted for in Dublin (after the missed flight fiasco) we were off and running stopping only to drop off our bags before the first walking tour. The rush of excitement that comes with stepping out into unfamiliar territory is something that I live for. Getting to witness the beautiful blend of preserved history and modern culture that is Dublin. A city where on one street you can walk into the preserved Sweny’s shop from Ulysses and buy the famous lemon soap, but then on the next street you find McDonald’s and Burger King.

One of the great aspects about this trip was that we were able to intertwine being tourists with being students. Dublin is full of statues of all the people that made it what it is today, while learning about their significance as leaders we were also able to have some fun and pose along with the statues. Fun little things like that really bring everything about the trip together whether it is laying across the stone with Oscar Wilde, holding the giant hand of Wolftone, or an intense stare with the bust of James Joyce.

I personally was so excited about going to see The Book of Kells at Trinity College. Before I even knew about the trip I had seen pictures of the breathtaking library above the exhibit and knew that I needed to see it in person one day. I also love gothic architecture and themes so going to St. Patrick’s Cathedral turned out even better than expected. There we learned more about Jonathan Swift and his disease. When he became ill they diagnosed Swift with a mental illness. However, years later (around 100 if I recall correctly) his body was exhumed and they discovered he actually had a disease of the inner ear. In the cathedral they actually had a cast of his skull which immediately caught my attention.

Dublin was a great experience but if I had had a say in the itinerary I would have suggested less time in the city and more time in the country. The real beauty of Ireland is beyond Dublin and in the beautiful green hills and the amazing coastline. Going to the blarney Castle was really where I fell in love with Ireland. Walking up into the amazing castle and then channeling my inner Morticia Adams in the Poison Garden was absolutely perfect.

The little detours that we took along our bus tours were also a great experience. I absolutely loved when we stopped at the old broken down home of Daniel O'Connell. It at first looked like we would not be able to get close to the ruins. Most of the class actually stayed on the bus. I however was determined to get closer and along with Dr.Carpentier and Ricky the three of us found the path that led straight to the old home. There were so many moments that were just so full of adventure adn that is why I love the coast of Ireland. The best part of all was going to the beach when touring the Ring Of Kerry. There were large stones that lead out into the ocean and I knew the moment we got there that I had to be on those stones. Once we got onto to beach I set out on the mission to make it to the last stone. Funny enough people followed behind me. It was one of the most amazing feelings. The wind was blowing through my hair as I was just standing there in silence looking out onto the water. That is what I was expecting from this trip, to be left speechless.

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