Livin’ it up in Dublin: A student perspective on Ireland’s capital city

Day 24:

DICEYS!! We went to Diceys last night, it was so much fun! We were told that if you get there before 11 its free BUT what they don’t tell you is that you need an app on your cell phone to do that.

Day 25:

Today after work we went the famine ship.  This ship was significant because it was a replica of the types of ships that would have been used in that time period.  Millions of Irish moved out of Ireland during that short time period. The ship was very interesting and the history behind it was really significant.

Day 26:

I was sick today which sucked because it is one of my last days.  I slept for the majority of the day, but after dinner we went out for a little. It was fun we went to Howl at the Moon, like we usually do on Wednesdays.  We left relatively early, but it was still fun, I’m glad they made me go out.

Day 27:

Thursday was really fun because we went to learn how to play Gaelic football.  I took a lot of pictures; it looked like a lot of fun!  After that I went to the museum and Bunsen.  The Bunsen restaurant is so good! ! I went probably like four times this week!  It was a day of packing because we all were getting ready to leave. Its really sad to think about leaving, everyone here has been so amazing.

Day 28:

It’s our last day!! I didn’t want this day to come, it is so sad! We all pretty much spent the day together we ate at this really good restaurant place for lunch and went to “stupid ass” for dinner. They both were so good! Then after we all went to the hard rock café for one final drink! It sucks leaving but I really loved it here and hope that I can come back soon! I miss it already! 😦

Livin’ it up in Dublin: A student perspective on Ireland’s capital city

Day 9:

First full weekend started off with a wonderful tour to the Wicklow Mountains.  This tour was probably the most amazing tour I have ever been on, it was very educational and the sights were breathtaking.  At first I was very concerned about the tour, because it appeared to be solely a bus tour, but as we got further into the day, it was clear that it was so much more.  Our first stop was the “p.s. I love you” which is very beautiful.   Then we stopped at a couple other places are more beautiful then the next.  The tour of Wicklow mountain was worth it, and I suggest anyone if they like countryside and want to see Irelands to take this tour.

Day 10:

Sundays, are always lazy, this Sunday was no different.  We got to sleep in for the first time, which was so nice.  When we finally awoke, we went to the Porter House for lunch.  It was so good, they had gluten free bread that tasted so good, it was a very filling meal and delicious!  Later that night we went to the ComedyCrunch again, it was even better then last week, just make sure you get there at 815 because it fills up quickly.

Day 11:

If you are interested in poetry and the spoken word, I would suggest going to the Monday Night Echo at the Independent Bar.  It is a very interesting place, it is suppose to start 8 but it usually starts at 815 (Irish time).  Get there early because the seats fill up quickly. There are a variety of people so you have to keep an open mind.  It defiantly is worth attending because it was full of locals and it was very authentic.  If you are not already interested in poetry and the spoken word you might find it odd, and not appreciate the quality of the performances.  Also, at the end they have an open mic, which is pretty cool too.

Day 12:

After work today we decided to go to Malahide Castle and Gardens.  We took the bus there, which wasn’t bad, but we did realize that the dart would have been a lot quicker, and their prices are the same.  Malahide Castle was wonderful, but you do not need to pay for the tour, you will feel like you wasted money if you do.  The castle is located on a park, so a lot of people are walking their dogs, or chilling on the grass.  But the outside of the castle was beautiful, so of course we had to take picture- specifically princess pictures!  After our mini-photo shoot we decided to walk around and see what was there.  We found this awesome playground that we had to try out. The slide was huge! Needless to say we had a brilliant time.

Day 13:

After a long day yesterday, it was time to relax.  We didn’t do anything really but watch movies and hang out with each other.  We had to raid the movies that were already in the house because our Wifi is broken.  We found a 24 hour Starbucks with WiFi really near the house so problem solved!

American College Dublin. A Graduate Intern’s Perspective: Maura Haverty

Hello everyone!  My name is Maura Haverty and I am working as Colum Cronin’s intern this summer at American College Dublin! I previously attended ACD during the Summer program of 2009 and I am currently a Graduate student at University College Dublin, obtaining my masters degree in Irish Studies.

After a crazy, hectic weekend of airport pickups and delayed flights, many members of the Summer 2014 American College Dublin Study Abroad group have arrived! It is hard to put into words what it is like to be on the other end of this amazing journey this time around. In 2009, I remember arriving in Dublin as a shy twenty year old who had never traveled on her own before, let alone in a foreign country. Now, as a 25 year old graduate student that has been living in Dublin for a year, the old feelings of excitement are beginning to resurface. As Colum Cronin’s intern this summer, I get to relive my amazing ACD experience through the eyes of this study abroad group. As an intern, I get to show this them how truly amazing the city of Dublin is and I would not want it any other way. I can only hope that this group of young adults falls in love with Dublin like I have. Most importantly, I want them to get the experience of a lifetime and enjoy every moment of their Dublin journey.

That being said, the first weekend of arrivals was a bit hectic. Many flights coming from the U.S were delayed or canceled and many students arrived a day or two late. However, once they arrived, excitement outweighed fatigue. On Saturday, the day when the majority of the students arrived, Colum and I brought the students on a hike from Dalkey to Killiney Hill. A gorgeous day in Dublin, the views that the student’s experienced were some of the best that Dublin has to offer. On Sunday, when the last of the student arrived, Colum and I held orientation for them and explained the ins and outs of the college and of Dublin city life. To end the weekend, I brought the students to a free comedy show on Sunday night which is held in the Stag’s Head pub in city centre. The Comedy Crunch as it’s called, is a free comedy show that is held every Sunday and Monday night and showcases Ireland’s newest up and coming comedians. Rated number one on Trip Advisor as a must-see, many of the students enjoyed themselves and had some good laughs. It was a busy weekend overall but I’m looking forward to the next couple of weeks and I am so grateful for this opportunity. So stay tuned because there is much more to come!

-Maura Haverty

Livin’ it up in Dublin: A student perspective on Ireland’s capital city

Summer 2014

This year I have an amazing opportunity to study in Dublin, Ireland at the American College Dublin. For the next four weeks I will be living and experiencing Dublin like it is my home.  Ireland so far has not been what I expected; it has been so much more.  These are just summaries of my day-to-day adventures, so that you can see an inside look at what Ireland is like from an outside perspective.

Day 1: Getting to Ireland

Flying can be difficult sometimes, there is no getting past it- delays and cancelations are bound to happen.  I suggest you plan an extra day of travel time just in you’re your flight gets canceled or delayed.  My flight to Ireland was canceled so I had to wait till the next day to fly out.  Most flights are at night because of the time difference.  Just make sure the receptionist helps you because it is their responsibility to find you a new flight with the least hassle to you. But, when I finally landed in Dublin airport it was defiantly worth the wait.

Day 2: We made it, now lets go hiking!

Since my original flight was canceled, I got to Ireland a day later then I planed, but it was a beautiful day.  So, instead of sleeping away jet lag, I decided to go on a hike with the rest of the ACD crew.   It was a great decision.  We first took a train to Dalkey, which is probably the most beautiful village I have ever seen (and also my future home J).  We walked through Dalkey, taking lots of pictures of course, in order to get to Killiney Hill.  Killiney Hill is defiantly a climb, but it is completely worth it!  The view is outstanding! And apparently if you climb to the top of “Killiney wishing stone” your wish comes true, so of course I had too!

Day 3: Orientation and ComedyCrunch

Orientation was today; it was very interesting and fun.  We walked to the school (it wasn’t far at all).  Colum (Dean of Students) showed us around, he told us a little bit about the school and showed where everything was.  After our tour he took us around the city, we walked for a bit, but of course, we ended up on Grafton Street.  For those who do not know Grafton has tons of shops and restaurants, it is such a fun street that should defiantly be visited.  After some much needed shopping we went to Nando’s for lunch.  It was excellent the chicken was so great! I defiantly suggest going there, if you have a chance.  Later that night we attended the ComedyCrunch, which was an amazing experience that I suggest anyone to go to! But make sure you get there early the seats fill up quick.

Day 4: First day of ACD and visiting Trinity library

The first day actually attending ACD, I got lost.  Make sure you know where a place is especially in another country before you leave the house.  DO NOT try to go off memory double check, because I was about thirty minutes late because I took a wrong turn.  Other then that mishaps in the morning, the first day went great.  We stopped early because we had a meeting about safety.  Some police officers came in to talk to us about what is okay and what is not okay in Ireland. The things that they said are really logical and need to be kept in mind especially when in another country.  Other countries have different rules, so abiding by those rules is vital or you could get in a lot of trouble.  The thing that surprised me the most is how strict Ireland is with weapons, pepper spray, which is common in the United States for girls to carry, is completely illegal here. Also, the common misconception about being able to drink on the streets is wrong; it is not legal to do that here like people usually believe.  After this meeting we stopped by trinity library on the way back to our house. The Trinity library is so beautiful and huge, if you love books as much as I do, you defiantly need to stop by, it is also super affordable!

American College Dublin. An Intern’s Perspective: Dave Shirer

Monday, 24 June 2013

Out and About

For “class” on Friday, a group from ACD went south to Bray to climb Bray Head. The Dart ride itself was great. The rail goes right along the coast, and the views are amazing. We were accompanied by a group of school children on the Dart for part of the trip, and it was funny to watch them interact. Kids are kids, and silly no matter where they’re from. Bray is a neat little town and Rory told us some of the history of Bray and how it became a hot spot for ocean bathing in the 1860’s. Then we began out assent up Bray Head. It was somewhat of a strenuous hike to the top, but an absolutely stunning view of the sea and the town of Bray below. Hiking down was such a welcomed treat after the hike up. It was a perfect day, sun shining, and I got to meet some of the American students who are studying at ACD this month.

Saturday, some of us went north to Howth for another hike. It was great to see both areas that surround Dublin to the north and south (that are both easily accessible by the Dart). The hike around Howth was much less strenuous, but just as great a view. The trail runs along a ridge at the top of some cliffs directly over the sea, so it was treacherous at times (with a few signs warning of dangerous cliffs). After the hike we headed to Malahide for lunch, proper fish & chips by the sea, and visited Malahide Castle. A fairly small castle, but very well maintained with amazing grounds and gardens.

Friday was also national music day in Ireland and I was fortunate enough to claim a ticket to a very special event held in Christ Church Cathedral. It was quite an impressive venue for some interesting music: singer/songwriter Richie Egan (frontman of Irish electronic-rock band Jape), White Collar Boy (a two-man electronic-garage group), and Come On Live Long (electronic-rock) who were probably my favorite of the night.

If you enjoy live music, Dublin is the place to be. There is usually someone playing in any pub you walk into, and there are a number of street performers along Grafton Street, Henry Street, and throughout the Temple Bar area.