Week 4 was a week where I explored castles, heard about ancient Irish folklore, and learned so much about myself.
It started with our trip to the Stag’s Head Pub on Friday. Upon entering the establishment, I was surprised to discover that the pub was actually underground. It had a super old-fashioned feel, with authentic booths lining the walls. Our tour guide’s thick beard and strong Irish accent certainly added to the vibe of the pub. He went on to entertain us with elaborate stories about Irish fairies and myths that the Irish have passed down for centuries.
We then went down the block to Merchant’s Arch for dinner. I had been looking forward to this meal as soon as I saw the menu a couple weeks back. Eating a Irish Shephard’s Pie has been a bucket list item for me for years, as it was a food that I grew up eating as a kid. However, up until Thursday I had yet to see a Shephard’s Pie on any restaurant menu since being in Dublin. So, finally getting to eat this classic dish was arguably the highlight of Week 4. It turned out that I wasn’t the only person on the trip who shared this sentiment, as my table of 5 (Clara, Jackson, Cole, Professor Wilck) all ordered it, and we all mutually agreed that it was delicious!
On Saturday, our day trip consisted of a visit to three castles: the Rock of Cashel, the Blarney Castle, and the Cahir Castle. However, I want to focus exclusively on our visit to the Blarney Castle. As someone who has a massive fear of heights, Kissing the Blarney Stone was not easy. First of all, we had to wait 2 hours in line before reaching the top of the castle. Also, in order to actually reach the top of the castle, we had to scale very narrow spiral staircases and walk right next to the railing overlooking the 100 foot drop to the ground. However, after constant encouragement from my friends, I put my fears behind me and kissed the Blarney Stone. Shoutout to Stella and Clara for putting my fears to rest!
After another humorous ANOP 315 class taught by professor Wilck, we had a guided tour of the Kilmainham Gaol Prison. Our guide told us about all of the fascinating lore behind the prison, which was once filled with 300 Irish rebels who conducted a series of uprisings against the British in the early 20th century. One fascinating fact that I learned was that during the Great Famine, living conditions were so bad outside the prison that people actually committed crimes so that they could live in the prison. It was one of the few places at the time that guaranteed food and a roof over their heads.
To conclude my blog, I want to talk about a hobby that I recently picked up while living in Ireland. Though I have been lifting weights consistently for the past couple years, I have always had very poor endurance and avoided cardio as much as I could. However, a couple weeks ago, some classmates encouraged me to download Strava and pick up running. So, I took their advice, and before I knew it I went from barely being able to run a mile to running 5 miles straight. Though this might not be a great feat to many people, I have come a long way in the past couple weeks and I learned that I can truly accomplish anything if I put my mind to it and stay consistent with my habits.
I look forward to the Irish House Party and experiencing the Gaelic Games this week!
Week 4 is complete which means you’re over halfway through your Bucknell in Dublin adventure! I am so proud of you, Tyler! I was so happy to hear you finally ate your shepherds pie, kissed the infamous Blarney Stone and are loving your new hobby of running. You are trying new things and adulting so perfectly! Enjoy the last few weeks in Ireland…make every moment count!!
Ty, we are so thrilled to read week four. Thanks for calling me and telling me of your adventures at the Blarney Stone which your grandma susu did so many years ago. Now we both have the gift of eloquence and yours is evident in your writing style. I love you and miss you and I’m so proud of your personal growth during these weeks away from home.
Tyler, loved reading this week’s adventures. Such wonderful memories you are making. Gpa and I now have a new destination on our Bucket List. Maybe you will go back with us as our tour guide and we will play some golf! Keep up the good work, hugs & kisses ! Mimi