One of the reasons I chose to study at Maynooth University was because it is right next to a castle. It might sound silly, but my one stipulation when choosing where to study in Ireland was a school that had old buildings and a long history. While pretty much all of the schools I considered had beautiful and historic architecture, but Maynooth stood out for me. A town on the outskirts of Dublin would be perfect for a small-town Canadian ...
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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 beauty? [1] Written by Lana Del Rey and her long-time collaborator, ...
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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 at first glance. Join me on a journey through the ...
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