Touring the Jeanie Johnston
Week 4 commenced with a tour of the Jeanie Johnston. This vessel became renowned for its role during the Great Famine in Ireland. Unlike many other ships, often referred to as “coffin ships” due to the high mortality rates among emigrants, the Jeanie Johnston earned a reputation for safety. Between 1848 and 1855, it made 16 transatlantic voyages, carrying over 2,500 Irish emigrants to North America, without a single loss of life. This would not have been accomplished without Captain James Attridge and the onboard medical care provided by Dr. Richard Blennerhassett. The ship’s successful voyages offered a glimmer of hope amid the widespread despair of the famine. Today, the Jeanie Johnston serves as a powerful symbol of resilience and emigration. It honors the spirits of those who sought a new life across the Atlantic.
“Ahhh the City”-Michael Scott
I discovered a new lunch restaurant, Nutri-Green, which neighbors large offices for Indeed and JP Morgan. Tech has a huge influence here in Dublin and it is reflected through the building architecture. The area between these two buildings includes benches and tables. This past week, I have been taking my lunch break here. So far, I have found it be therapeutic. The surrounding area is relatively quiet which gives you the opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of Dublin during the afternoon work week.
An Evening of Irish Folklore
Irish folklore was an integral aspect of daily life. The Great Famine and subsequent mass emigrations intensified the reliance on these stories. Folklore provided comfort and a sense of continuity amid hardship. The oral tradition of storytelling flourished as a means of preserving cultural identity and imparting moral lessons. Our class was able to indulge in an enchanting evening of Irish folklore and storytelling at the Stags Head pub. I found it astonishing that folklore played a crucial role in explaining natural phenomena, historical events, and human experiences. The picture featured above was from our dinner post show at the Merchant’s Arch.
A Medieval Saturday Afternoon
The view from the photograph above was taken at the top of Blarney Castle. Despite the long line, I certainty felt the gift of eloquence from kissing the Blarney Stone. The roses featured below were from Cahir Castle.
Get Groovy
Saturday night, the class went to Academy, a club in downtown Dublin. It was a terrific time getting to celebrate the weekend with my fellow Bucknellians. The club featured a DJ who played fabulous music that kept us all dancing long into the night.
Life Behind Bars
Our final destination during the week was at Kilmainham Gaol. This is a historic prison that played a significant role in Ireland’s history. Opened in 1796, it housed many Irish revolutionaries who were imprisoned and executed within its walls. It shocked me that their youngest prisoner was only three years old. He was arrested for begging.