Counselor Katie, Catherine, Meghan and Beau looking at the Yeats exhibit at the National Library
Niamh with the students outside the National Library

The students during the tour at Kilmainham Gaol

Erin, Cristina, Caroline, and Leah ready to see Harry Potter in Dublin!

From Dublin to Cork

In our first day in Dublin, we explored Trinity College as well as the National Museum, where we saw expeditions on prehistoric Ireland, Viking Ireland and Ireland’s gold. From there we ventured to the National Library, where we furthered our knowledge on W.B. Yeats. In the afternoon the students were free to explore the Grafton Street and Temple Bar areas. After a day in Dublin City, the students had evening class with Niamh and talked about more current Irish issues.

Thursday we went back into Dublin to O’Connell and Henry Streets and the General Post Office. The majority of the students saw the newest Harry Potter movie, with costumes and all!

On Friday we visited Kilmainham Gaol where we learned more about the prisoners held there and its connection to the Easter Uprising of 1916. After returning to King’s Hospital to freshen up and put on our “smart” clothes, we visited the house of the President of Ireland. Unfortunately the President was vacationing, but we enjoyed tea and a tour of her entertaining rooms. Shannon got quite the opportunity of a lifetime: playing a song on the President’s Steinway piano! In the evening the students put the finishing touches on their drama performances which they will perform in Cork on Sunday evening.

We arrived in Cork this evening after a great few days in Dublin. On our way we stopped at the Rock of Cashel to enjoy the heritage site and stretch our legs. Next stop was Cobh to visit the Annie Moore statue and explore the coastal city. This evening, after checking into our accommodations in Cork, we went to Kinsale for a teen music festival and listened to Irish bands. Needless to say, it’s been quite a week!

Glendalough

We continued on our day trip to Glendalough, a monastery started by Saint Kevin.  On the grounds, we explored the area surrounding two lakes including wooded trails and waterfalls. Students were able to appreciate the historical significance of the site as well as the natural beauty.  

When we arrived back to campus, students worked in groups to develop skits about historical Irish figures.  After group meetings, we joined Niamh for another Irish history class, where we discussed famine and emigration, as well as the Easter Rising of 1916.

Hill of Tara

Jessica and Derek standing on a mound above a passage tomb at the Hill of Tara

The Irish Way students learn about the Stone of Destiny, which high kings used to test their royal validity... believers say the stone spoke a worthy king's name!

Tuesday morning, we departed for a day trip from Dublin.  The first stop was the Hill of Tara, a the location from which the high kings of Ireland ruled.  Many rituals and burials took place on the grounds, making it a significant place in Irish history.

Entertaining Bus Drive to Dublin

Meghan, trying to stop laughing long enough to do her impression from Willy Wonka

Anna and Derek giving their best impression of Ron Burgundy and Veronica Corningstone from the movie, Anchorman

A knock knock joke complements of Catherine

Darby with co-host, counselor Justan

Our drive from the Carrick-a-Rede Bridge to Dublin was several hours, but students were entertained by an open mic joke-telling session aboard the bus.  Hosts Darby and Justan encouraged participants to provide a little comic relief, which made for an entertaining journey. 

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

A beautiful view... the reward for crossing the bridge!

Irish Way group making their way across the bridge

A few minutes from Giants Causeway was the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, where students tested their nerves by walking across a rope bridge that connects the cliffs with a nearby island. Everyone made it across... shaky knees and all!  

Giants Causeway

Irish Way students climb on rock formations

Kayla looks out at the water from the Giants Causeway

Monday morning, we boarded the bus to bid farewell to Bundoran and the Donegal Adventure Center team.  After a few hours, we arrived at Giants Causeway, a unique geological rock formation in Northern Ireland, where students explored the geometrically shaped terrain.  We also strolled along the cliffs for amazing views.

Caitlin, Jessica and Shannon

Caitlin, Heather, Ellie, Meghan, Katie, counselor Katie, Catherine and Carolyn

On Sunday, after morning surfing and beach walking, the Irish Way group joined other students at the Adventure Center to watch two staff members compete in a local league game of Gaelic football.  Decked out in jerseys to show our support, we cheered on the team to victory!

Leaving our mark in Bundoran ...

Some of our students painted murals in the Adventure Center's 'yellow room.' It was a great opportunity to show off our group's creativity and to make sure Bundoran never       forgets us ... as if they could!

Covering some ground!

Yesterday, our group went on a hike through soggy fields and up scenic ridges. We had to watch our step, as much of the moss-covered terrain was blanketed bog land. Everyone got their feet wet, but the views were stunning, and we all left with a new appreciation for the ecology of the area. What a place!

Caught up in Crocheting

Several students took a workshop with counselor Noreen to learn how to crochet, as well as how crocheting came to Ireland as a means to provide income during the famine.  Families crocheted intricate designs as luxury goods.  After quickly catching onto the craft and crocheting over the past few days, we have several headbands and a couple of scarves completed!

Sunset Crew

This evening, a group of Irish Way students walked to the Bundoran beach with counselors Noreen and Katie to watch the sunset.  On our third attempt to watch the sunset over the water (the first two times it was rainy and grey) we caught a spectacular and colorful end to the day... we all agreed it was amazing!  

Gaelic Football

John, Anna, Caroline and Erin show support from the sidelines for fellow Irish Way 

students playing Gaelic football.

Students playing in the Gaelic football match

Catherine, Carolyn, Meghan, Ellie, Heather and Katie getting pumped for the game

Jessica, Brigid, Brianna and Shannon getting ready for the Gaelic football match

This evening, many of us learned the rules of Gaelic football and had a match with other students staying in Bundoran.  

Caitlin, Tom and Jessica dip their feet in the holy waters.

Caitlin adds a prayer to the tree at St. Patrick's Well.

James is checking out items left at the statue of St. Patrick.

After Abbey Mass Rock, we walked down to St. Patrick's Well, where people come to observe the Immaculate Conception each year on August 15 by standing in the blessed waters.  Near the well is a prayer tree where people tie things to the branches to signify a prayer.  

Ballyshannon & beyond!

Catherine reenacting the role of a priest at Abbey Mass Rock

Katie, Carolyn, Ellie, Heather, Meghan, Anna, Caroline and Catherine at Abbey Mass Rock

Today we took a trip to the small town of Ballyshannon, a charming village not far from Bundoran.  Niamh led us out of town to the Abbey Mass Rock, where Catholics used to attend secret mass during the penal period.  

So, catching up on our travels ...

... we've been having a blast! Over the past few days, we've been cliffjumping in Donegal Bay, visiting W.B. Yeats' grave in Drumcliffe, and taking in traditional Irish dancing in Bunduran. What fun!!! Keep in mind that all of these activities have taken place with incredible scenery all around. Yeats' beloved Ben Bulben mountain seems to follow us as we explore the region. Another highlight from yesterday was our trip to the Glencar waterfall, an incredible sight that Yeats sought out for serenity. Enjoy our photos!

What was life in a castle like???

We headed into the town of Donegal this morning, catching a glimpse of what life in a 17th Century Irish castle was really like. Following the 'Flight of the Earls' in the 1600's, the Brooks family moved into the castle and lived quite the life. The tour provided students with detailed accounts of royal life and insights into how a castle was designed.

Sunday morning Irish Way classes with Niamh focused on the arrival of St. Patrick and Christianity to Ireland.  To wrap up class, we sang some lively Irish songs, including Wild Rover, Belfast Girl and Molly Malone.

 

After class, we broke into teams and used various materials to build boats.  Dressed in wet suits, students competed to see who could row fastest across a small pool... but all the boats sank. To overcome this obstacle, students swam with their boats to the finish line!

In the evening, we were introduced to rock climbing and abseiling (repelling).  Anna and James even climbed the wall blindfolded!