Week seven in Ireland trekked along like the previous weeks. At my internship, I continued progressing on what I had been working on over the past few weeks. I also got the chance to perform research analysis of the organization I had spent my summer working for.
For our weekend trip on Saturday we went on the Celtic Boyne Valley Tour. On the tour, the first stop was the Hill of Tara. Considered to be one of the most sacred sites in all of Ireland, it was also thought of as the country’s center because many of the previous kings of the land had ruled from here. On the day we toured the hill the weather was fairly clear, this allowed us to be able to see Ireland for miles and miles across. This was unique being able to see the various different places we have already been throughout our program. The second stop of the day was the Trim Castle Tour. Although the tour of this castle was short, the rich history it held and its unique positioning being surrounded by a quaint little town made the experience worth it. The castle is also famous for being the largest of its size. Our third stop of the day was the Loughcrew Passage Tomb, which is essentially a giant collection of stones found on the top of a hill said to be an ancient burial site. It is said that the stones were dropped there by a giant thousands of years ago when she was hopping across the hills of Ireland. The last stop of the day was the Hill of Uisneach. The hill was used as an ancient ceremonial site, consisting of burial sites, prehistoric monuments, and enclosures. The Irish people cherish the hill so deeply because they believe it to be the resting place of one of their gods.
Week seven in Ireland was a blend of professional growth and cultural immersion. At my internship, I made significant progress on ongoing projects and conducted a thorough research analysis of the organization, enriching my practical experience. The weekend trip on the Celtic Boyne Valley Tour was a highlight, with visits to historically and mythologically significant sites like the Hill of Tara, Trim Castle, Loughcrew Passage Tomb, and the Hill of Uisneach. Each location offered unique insights into Ireland’s rich heritage and captivating legends, enhancing my appreciation for the country’s history and culture. This week, like the previous ones, contributed greatly to my overall experience, making my time in Ireland both professionally rewarding and personally enriching.
