Hi, my name is John Clark and I am studying abroad in Ireland this winter with Professor Mulligan, learning about “Famine and Religious Persecution in Ireland.” Even only a few days in to the trip, this experience has blown my expectations out of the water. The trip began with our arrival to Dublin airport where we were picked up by our bus driver, Mick, who told us all about the important landmarks we were passing on our way to the hotel.
For the first day, we visited the beautiful Christ Church Cathedral and Saint Patrick’s Cathedral where we learned about some of the early Viking roots of Dublin, as well as the history of tension between Catholic and Protestant churches in Ireland. Day two followed with trips to Neolithic-Age ruins of megalithic structures at Dowth and Fourknocks as well as stops at the Hill of Tara and Hill of Slane, where St. Patrick lit his first paschal flame in direct opposition to the high king of the region.
The third day was one of my favorites of the trip so far. We started the day off with Church at St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, where we were lucky enough to attend the mass being said by the Archbishop of Dublin to kick off the jubilee year. After church, we took a trip to the Guinness Storehouse where we learned about the brewing process and history of Ireland’s stable beer. We also took time to attend Guiness Academy where we were taught how to pour the perfect pint and learned why it differs from others. After browsing the massive gift shop we went to Vicar Street. At Vicar Street, we attended a Dublin Legends concert where we heard some amazing traditional Irish folk music live.
We have also visited Glendalough and the GPO’s Irish Revolution exhibit in the past couple days. At Glendalough, there were ruins of Saint Kevin’s monastery and chapel as well as a beautiful walking path down to the lakes that give Glendalough its name, translating to “the valley of the two lakes”. At the GPO, there were plenty of artifacts which helped to the history of Ireland’s tensions and revolt against England.
There are still plenty of more beautiful and insightful destinations to visit, and I am greatly looking forward to them all. I am super grateful to have been granted the Major John H Mark Scholarship and am very thankful to Mr. and Mrs. Mark for helping me to pursue this amazing opportunity.
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