Views From the Irish House Party
There was no better way to kick off the start of week five with a trip to The Irish House Party: Irish Music and Irish Dancing in Dublin. The event was a vibrant and authentic celebration of traditional Irish culture. It featured old-fashioned music, dancing, and storytelling. The Irish House Party showcases talented musicians and dancers performing classic Irish tunes and steps. The main dancer for the night, Erin, hypnotized me with her taps and aggressively high leg kicks. I enjoyed during the show when each musician played their instrument individually for the audience. Listening to each one separately, allowed me to hear the low, middle, and high notes of the music. Each instrument sounded unique on its own. However, the real beauty was when they were played together. To complete a song, there must be vocals, melody, base, and drums. These stems must work together in harmony in order for there to be balance. Balance is something that can be applied to everyday life. In a community setting, people must work together and take into account different philosophies that are brought to the table. Without this, a community will never thrive.
Freaky Friday with Magic Mike
Friday night a coworker, Mikey, and I went out to a pub. It was an awesome experience bonding with Mikey and witnessing the active Dublin nightlife firsthand. We met a lovely gentleman named Joe who bought us both a few pints. He wanted to give Mikey a kiss for good luck. Unfortunately, Mikey did not reciprocate the offer.
A Rainy Saturday at the GAA Club
On Saturday, the class traveled to the GAA club. There, we participated in traditional GAA sports, including hurling and Gaelic football. Hurling is played with a small ball called a sliotar and a wooden stick known as a hurley. Players aim to score by hitting the sliotar into the opponent’s goal or over the crossbar. Gaelic football, on the other hand, combines elements of soccer and rugby. The sport uses a round ball that players can kick, hand-pass, or carry to score by getting it into the goal or between the uprights. Both sports are celebrated for their speed, skill, and cultural significance in Ireland. I enjoyed Gaelic football more. My past experiences with rugby at Bucknell allowed for a smoother transition into the sport.
Touring the Guiness Factory
My favorite Monday tour so far was visiting the Guinness Storehouse, located at the historic St. James’s Gate Brewery. This iconic attraction offers an immersive experience into the world of Guinness. On the tour, we explored seven floors of interactive exhibits detailing the brewing process, the brand’s rich heritage, and its global impact. At the culmination of the tour, we visited Gravity Bar. This is where our class enjoyed a perfectly poured pint of Guinness while taking in panoramic views of Dublin.