I was fortunate to have spent time in Ireland during the Christmas holidays. Christmas in Ireland is the largest celebration of the year although 8 December is traditionally viewed as the start of Christmas with many putting up their decorations and Christmas trees. Also, the landscape begins to twinkle with festivities, Christmas markets are buzzing, and friends and family from far afield come home to celebrate the season. When I ...
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I had arrived in Ireland on the 17th of September, 2018. Upon my arrival I was initially nervous regarding how my international experience would be. I had no idea of how I would get to the town of Maynooth from Dublin Airport. It was my first challenge in this new country. But soon enough I was guided by an elderly couple who very willingly helped me out by letting me ...
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The way to spend a wonderful time is not only in Ireland but studying here you can visit other Europe countries at weekends and holidays. Ireland has “Dublin Airport” which is a hub connecting with many other countries for reasonable prices. If I visit Germany from Japan, it would cost approximately seven times compared to from here to Germany. I can’t miss out this opportunity as long as I’m living ...
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During the study week, I went to Strandhill, Co. Sligo on a surf trip. Strandhill is a vibrant seaside village and a pleasure resort located in the west of Ireland. With its wild Atlantic waves it is a very popular spot for surfers throughout the year as well. In other words, it is one of the best places in Europe to surf!! In addition, there are lovely cafes, surf clubs ...
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Leaving behind a small two-children family, I was ahead to Ireland with a hope for new knowledge and skills. Many things jumped into my mind: homesick, cultural shock, meeting new people and exploring a new destination. My first moments in Ireland made me feel “Yeah, good choice”. Ireland is so green and fresh. I fell in love with Maynooth University right at the first sight. It was a bright sunshine ...
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Where I am from (Zimbabwe), Halloween is not a big deal. Kids don’t dress up and go trick or treating. There are no pop-up costume shops. The grocery shops don’t dedicate an aisle to decorations and masks and sweets. I remember asking what Halloween was when I was younger, and my mom said that it was the night when ghosts roamed. I concluded that it was best to stay inside. ...
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After January exams, I had some time before starting classes again and I decided to use the opportunity to see more of Ireland. To get to Galway, I journeyed almost directly across the country from east to west by bus. I was interested in Galway because the National University of Ireland Galway was my second-choice university, after Maynooth of course. After seeing th e city, I think I could have been ...
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It wasn’t the whole month of May, only a last couple of weeks and the first part of June, but we experienced the Irish Summer in its full and undimmed glory! There was sunshine, blue skies, shorts, sleeping with open windows, open-toed shoes and visits to beach (and also sunburnt cheeks on my part), all enjoyed in the divine temperatures of around 20°C. You might ask yourself why I spend ...
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Even before coming to Ireland, I had heard about the rich culture and tradition of this nation. With this culture is entwined the very famous festival St Patrick’s Day, which is a cultural and religious celebration held on March 17, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland. According to the history, Saint Patrick was born in England, and was kidnapped by Irish raiders and lived ...
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Ten months has passed since I came to Ireland and I can’t believe how fast time went by. I am missing my life here more and more with each passing day as I have only about 2 weeks until go back to Japan. I would like to look back on each month I have spent in Ireland so far as the last article of my blog. March Looking back to the beginning ...
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