Something I have really grown to appreciate about Ireland is the diversity of the entire country. Throughout our time here, we have had the opportunity to explore many parts of the country, and each new place continues to amaze me. This week, we took a trip to Northern Ireland, where we explored Belfast and the Northern Coast, including city areas, beaches, and farmlands. The complex landscape and the variety of people we meet in each city or town showcase the diversity of Irish culture and the strong connections within each community.
In Northern Ireland, I was particularly interested in the differences between Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland, especially given the history of religious conflict and political separation. While I was aware of the historical tensions, the reality of these conflicts became much more tangible in Belfast. Seeing the artwork and peace walls and hearing the stories made the impact of this conflict very real. Belfast is a city rich in history, combining modern elements with its historical past. The people were another thing I noticed, as the accents were much different than Dublin. I noticed a much heavier accent with a bit more sternness within the personalities of the people there. This showcased the differences between different regions in Ireland which was most likely also influenced by British rule.
After leaving Belfast, we headed towards the coast, which was absolutely stunning. I was struck by the blue water and the steep cliffs. The rock formations at the Giants Causeway, with their hexagon shapes, were unlike anything I had ever seen before. Our tour guide described them as having a piano-like structure, which added to their uniqueness. The natural landscape’s extraordinary beauty is something I never could have imagined, and it continues to amaze me each week.
The highlight of the weekend was the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. Despite my fear of heights, I decided to go for it, knowing this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Although I felt a lot of anxiety and experienced a lot of leg shaking, I am so glad I did it. The view was absolutely breathtaking and exposed me to yet another stunning landscape in Ireland. I am so grateful to have gotten to do this and not just do it but do it with some of my best friends. The beauty of this country continues to surprise me, and I am thoroughly enjoying exploring new places each week.
Bella!!! Love this post and these pics. So so SO glad Dublin brought us together — Cannot thank the study abroad gods enough for blessing me with a BFF like you!