Dia duit,
Hello in Gaelic
I flew into Dublin around 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20, and was on a flight back to Madrid by 10 a.m. on Sunday. During these 68 hours, I embarked on a journey through Ireland that had me thinking about when I could return before I even left.
As a sophomore at Rockhurst, I am spending my spring 2025 semester studying abroad at Saint Louis University’s (SLU) Madrid campus. One of the perks is the opportunity to explore nearby countries on weekends. Ireland is a country I have always wanted to visit.
Upon my arrival in Dublin, I was immediately met with the witty and welcoming personality of the Irish by a customs officer who gave me a list of favorite local spots – definitely not the typical customs experience. My ride from the airport was my first time in a right-hand drive vehicle, which made me a little carsick. Luckily, between Dublin’s tram system called the Luas and the public bus system, riding in a car is rarely necessary in Dublin.
On my first night, I took the Luas to the St. Stephen’s Green stop and walked down Grafton Street, past the dozens of street performers, to Leo Burdock – a famous spot to eat the iconic Irish fish and chips. After my meal, I strolled through the lively Temple Bar District to an alleyway off Dame Street called “Love Lane,” where I admired the street art and browsed through thousands of notes left by prior visitors. A box of markers sits at the end of the alley, and I used one to write my own message on the wall.
My only plans for the rest of the night were to enjoy a “session,” which a Dubliner explained as “a good night out” often centered around live music. As most tourists – but hardly any locals – do, I headed to Temple Bar Pub, where I met people from all across the world. We danced to the two-man band covering songs from Neil Diamond, Noah Kahan, Bob Dylan and other folk artists. I would consider my night a successful “session,” but I know locals tend to gravitate toward smaller crowds and more affordable prices at other pubs around the city.
The next morning I was up before sunrise to embark on a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway City. I took a three-hour bus ride from Dublin through the Irish countryside, passing rolling green hills and fields full of grazing sheep. The Cliffs are located on Ireland’s west coast in County Clare. When I arrived, the views of the Atlantic Ocean crashing against the vast green cliffs took my breath away. I would recommend a trip to the Cliffs of Moher to anyone visiting Ireland. I also would recommend they bring a rain jacket. I did not and got drenched.
From the Cliffs, I rode the bus for about another hour to Galway, a vibrant city on Ireland’s west coast. I only had two hours to spend in Galway but easily could have spent two full days there. Despite Dublin being more than twice the size of Galway, the city’s walkable streets, colorful shop fronts and location along the shores of Galway Bay made it a city I wish I could have explored longer. During my brief visit, I visited the historic public park Eyre Square and strolled down Shop Street. Before getting back on the bus, I got ice cream for dinner from Murphy’s, known for their distinctive flavors and commitment to crafting authentic Irish ice cream (milk and cream from Irish cows).
Before I knew it, it was my final day in Dublin. I spent the morning enjoying a donut from The Rolling Donut and taking in the scenes of St. Stephen’s Park. After my peaceful morning, I headed to Trinity College to check out the campus. Established in 1592, Trinity College is Ireland’s oldest university. Today, it remains a leading institution for education and research, attracting students from around the globe (also for any fans of Sally Rooney’s novel “Normal People,” this is where Marianne and Connell attend school). Next, I headed to St. George’s Arcade, one of Europe’s oldest city markets. If you are looking to buy the traditional Irish Claddagh ring that symbolizes love, loyalty and friendship, this is the perfect place to do it.
As lunch time rolled around, I headed to Ireland’s oldest pub, The Brazen Head (established in 1198), which is known for its classic Irish dishes such as Guinness beef stew, fish and chips and bangers and mash. Personally, one fish and chip meal was enough Irish cuisine for a weekend, so I went with the caesar salad. The atmosphere inside the pub was electric, as patrons gathered to watch Ireland face Wales in a pivotal Six Nations Championship match, an annual international rugby competition between England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales. Ireland ended up winning 27-18, securing their 14th Triple Crown title.
After my session at the pub, I headed to my tour of the Guinness Storehouse. You have to buy a ticket ahead of time, but the experience is well worth the cost. The tour spans seven floors, teaching you everything there is to know about Ireland’s iconic stout. You may be doubtful that there is enough information about Guinness to fill seven floors, I was too, but I can honestly say I was captivated by the displays the entire time. Plus, as an added bonus, the tour ends with a complimentary drink in the Gravity Bar that gives you a 360-degree view of Dublin.
I would change nothing about my time in Ireland and hope to return one day. Though my study abroad program at SLU Madrid is academically challenging, I am also getting a different type of education through these weekend adventures. The people of Ireland are friendly, the social scene is incredible and the scenery is beautiful. If you ever have the chance, I 100% recommend you go on your own visit to Ireland.
