by MU Blogger October 27, 2025
blogs , Campus life , Culture & Lifestyle , Katheryn Carolina Aymerich Díaz

Mini Crawl, Major Munchies: Eating Through Maynooth

Maynooth is a small town, but despite its size, it’s home of one of the oldest universities, a castle lost in time and, of course, several places to eat, have a drink or simply hang out with friends. The key to finding a good place to eat it’s to know what’s out there! Here I’ll recommend 4 places for you to eat in Maynooth town. Picture on the right: Full Irish Breakfast Coffee ...

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by MU Blogger August 1, 2025
blogs , Culture & Lifestyle , Phanindra Yenneti

Do’s and Don’ts for International Students in Ireland: Staying Safe and Settling In

Relocating to a new place is both interesting and challenging. As a student in Ireland, you are surely going to experience some warm hospitality, new experiences, and different cultural wings. Ireland is a safe and student-friendly country, but a few practical considerations are worth mentioning in terms of basic safety, cultural norms, and social behaviour. Here’s my honest guide on what to do and what not to do as you begin ...

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by MU Blogger May 9, 2025
blogs , Culture & Lifestyle , Olusolape Sonuga

A Foodies Guide to Maynooth: Top Spots to Eat Like a Local

As a self-proclaimed foodie, one of my biggest concerns when moving to Ireland was finding exciting spots to eat to my heart’s content. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to satisfy my taste buds in a new country, especially with all the unknowns. But as it turns out, Maynooth has a fantastic food scene with a variety of spots to explore, whether you're craving something familiar or trying ...

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by MU Blogger March 31, 2025
blogs , Culture & Lifestyle , Qin Lu

One of the Classic Chinese Home-Style Dishes: Braised Pork Belly with Potatoes

Today, I’d like to share a recipe for one of the most beloved Chinese home-cooked dishes—Braised Pork Belly with Potatoes. I hope this guide will help students living abroad recreate a taste of home and provide an opportunity for international friends to experience authentic Chinese cuisine from their own kitchens. Ingredients & Preparation: Pork Belly: The €2.99 pork belly from Aldi works perfectly. Cut it into small pieces, then boil in water. Garlic: ...

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by MU Blogger March 17, 2025
blogs , Culture & Lifestyle , Eunice Duyen

A Culinary Passport: Connecting Hearts Through Food in Ireland 

Food has always been more than sustenance to me. It’s a language, a comfort, and a connection to home. When I moved to Ireland to study International Development at Maynooth University, I quickly realized that food would become my bridge to a new world. Little did I know, it would also help me build friendships, present my culture, and create memories that I’ll cherish forever.  A taste of home in a ...

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by MU Blogger February 24, 2025
blogs , Culture & Lifestyle , Qin Lu

The beauty of Ireland

A writer once said, "Either the soul is on the road, or the body is on the road; one must always be in motion." This profound statement captures the essence of both reading and traveling, two powerful experiences that shape and enrich our lives. Through reading, we expand our minds and feed our inner world, embarking on intellectual journeys that allow our thoughts to evolve and grow. On the other ...

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by MU Blogger January 20, 2025
blogs , Culture & Lifestyle , Olusolape Sonuga

How Irish Kindness Made Me Forget About the Cold OR the Warmth I Found Along the Way

Moving to a new country is a whirlwind of emotions – excitement, curiosity, and, in my case, an undeniable chill. When I landed in Ireland to begin my studies at Maynooth University, I knew I’d left the warmth of Nigeria behind, but I didn’t realize just how much the cold would define my first days. I’ll admit, the Irish weather caught me off guard. No matter how many people warned me, ...

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by MU Blogger August 20, 2024
View to old library at Maynooth University by DALAL ALMUHAIDEB
blogs , Culture & Lifestyle , Dalal Riyadh a Almuhaideb

Bittersweet Beauty of Summer

The song "Summertime Sadness”[1] was playing in a shop, and I couldn’t help but pause and reflect on this musical motif, which is common in literature and lyrics for evoking feelings of sorrow. Typically, summer is associated with joy, happiness, and freedom. I find it hard to imagine such sadness in Ireland—a country known for its beautiful landscapes, stunning nature, and kind people. How could one feel sad amidst such ...

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by MU Blogger May 27, 2024
blogs , Culture & Lifestyle , Elisabeth Koopal

Culinary Crossroads: Exploring Irish and Dutch Cuisine

Introduction When exploring Ireland as an exchange student, trying out Irish food might not be the first thing on your radar. Irish cuisine is often dismissed as simplistic and dull, much like the cooking in my native Netherlands. After all, don’t Irish and Dutch people eat nothing but bland potato dishes? Having put it to the test, I can assure you there is more to these cuisines than you might expect ...

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