Dublin Diaries – Dublin Soundtrack: Songs That Will Always Remind Me of This City

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Bore U – Twen 

This song came from a really small and niche band I listened to a lot before coming to Dublin, but it also happened to be a band that one of my new friends listened to as well. We bonded over this song on one of the first bus rides into the city. 

Infinite Sky – Twen 

The same band, but I’ll remember this song for a different reason. It reminds me of frolicking through the field with the golden sunlight after coming back from our first dinner at Devitts. 

Growing Old is Getting Old – Silversun Pickups

I listened to this song a lot while at the gym and on the way to class. 

My Dahlia – Smashing Pumpkins

One of my friends from the program added this as a background song to her story and it reminds me of her! 

Fake ID – Big & Rich 

This song will remind me of completing our finance case study on the fourth of July.

Arizona – Kings of Leon

During american themed trivia, they had a music category and this was the only song nobody had ever heard of. 

Open Ended – Holy Munro

While walking through St. Stephen’s Green on my birthday, I heard one of the best street performers and looked her up and added this song to my playlist.

Cross Your Mind – Shelly

Found this song a couple days after it came out and it became my go-to first song whenever i put my airpods in. 

Take it Easy – Eagles

This song is played surprisingly a lot in Ireland. I’ll also always remember my sister yelling “I love this song!” when a musician started playing it in a pub. 

Zombie – The Cranberries

Brace yourself to hear this song every time you walk down Grafton Street. You will hear it at least 20 times during your stay in Dublin as it’s practically the anthem for the country. I think we even heard it in Northern Ireland. 

Jackie Down The Line – Fontaines D.C.

I shazammed this song while we were out in Belfast, and added it (another Irish artist) to my playlist. 

Rolling Punches – For Nina 

This one was recommended to me on Instagram and the band is from Dublin! 

Dublin Diaries – What I Wish I Knew Before Studying Abroad in Ireland

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Studying abroad in Ireland has been one of the best experiences of my life, but there are definitely a few things I wish someone had told me before I landed in Dublin. Here’s my honest list of what I wish I knew before coming here (so you can show up a little more prepared than I did).

1. Pack light

You don’t need half the things you think you do. Dublin is incredibly walkable, and you’ll probably end up rewearing your favorite outfits anyway. Plus, you’ll want room in your suitcase for the stuff you’ll buy here

2. The weather might surprise you

I came prepared for nonstop rain and cold winds, but we actually had a lot of warm, sunny days where I wished I packed more shorts and tank tops. Still, Irish weather can change by the hour, so pack layers and don’t underestimate the power of a light jacket or a good pair of waterproof shoes.

3. Learn public transport before you arrive

Understanding how the Dublin Bus, DART, and especially the Leap Card system works ahead of time saves a lot of stress. Download the Next Bus Dublin app, it’ll be your best friend for navigating the city and tracking down buses. 

4. Stick deodorant is basically nonexistent

I didn’t think to pack extra, but I should have. Luckily, when m family visited they brought me one, but everything here is gel or spray. If you’re loyal to your solid stick deodorant, bring a backup.

5. Sweet tea doesn’t exist here

If you’re from the South (or just a fan of sweet tea), brace yourself. It’s nowhere to be found. 

6. There’s a Chick-Fil-A in Belfast

The one exception to the previous point is in the two Chick-Fil-A’s in Northern Ireland. If you’re lucky enough to visit and be on the right side of the road (unfortunately we were not), you can find sweet tea and a slice of iconic American cuisine. 

7. Stores close early

Most shops close earlier than you’d think, and smaller stores might shut down completely on Sundays. Plan accordingly, especially if you’re hoping to do a late-night snack run. Most things will be closed by 7pm which feels strange as the sun sets around 10pm. 

8. The days are longer 

The sun rises around 5am and sets around 10pm so not only do the days feel longer, they quite literally are.

Dublin Diaries: A Day in My Life Studying Abroad in Dublin

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Studying abroad in Dublin means no two days ever feel quite the same, but here’s a glimpse into what a typical weekday looks like during my time here.

Morning Routine
I usually wake up around 8:00am (not too early, not too late) and start my day with a breakfast of either eggs with cheese or a cup of yogurt (Irish dairy just hits different.) After breakfast, my friends and I make a quick Centra run for croissants and tea/coffee before class. 

Class Time
Our first class time runs from 9:00 to 12:00. After that, I grab a quick lunch of a ham and butter sandwich from the campus café. At this point, I don’t even need to say my order, they just know. We’re back in class from 1:00 to 3:00, usually diving into discussions, presentations, and group project work. 

Afternoon Adventures
After class, I often head into the city for a coffee shop study session. Always a different cafe to explore new drinks and study spots! Dublin’s full of places with good wifi, chai lattes, and lots of character. One time we even found a casino attached to a cafe while looking for the bathroom. Once I’ve made a dent in my assignments, I head back to my dorm to recharge, relax, and knock out any remaining work.

Evenings in Dublin
Evenings vary depending on the day, but they’re always full of fun and food. Sometimes I’ll cook dinner in the dorm kitchen. Either penne with butter and cheese (see a pattern here?) or ground turkey with vegetables. But more often than not, I’m out with friends enjoying Dublin’s cozy and quirky pubs. 

  • Tuesday: Trivia night at the UCD Club (yes, it gets competitive and we did unfortunately lose American themed trivia, thanks Jack)
  • Wednesday: Ramen at The Ramen Bar
  • Thursday: Space Jazz at a local pub for a mandatory 2 hours of live music and great vibes
  • Friday: Pub dinner to kick off the weekend, usually followed by exploring the city

Notable Weekly Events & Traditions
Our time here has also been about the little traditions we’ve made our own:

  • Pirate Tuesday: Everyone must say “Ahoy, matey!” at breakfast. No exceptions.
  • Opposite Day Wednesday: Insults become compliments. (It’s confusing, but it works.)
  • Space Jazz Thursday: As mentioned: strict two-hour minimum of live jazz. 
  • Friday Breakfast at Lazy Days in Blackrock: Our pre-class ritual and the best way to welcome the weekend.

Studying abroad in Dublin has meant more than just taking classes. It’s been about creating routines, inside jokes, and rhythms that make this place feel like home. It’s the mix of structure and spontaneity, of learning and laughing, that makes each day so memorable.

Dublin Diaries – Bank Holiday Bliss: Weekend Escapes from Dublin

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I can’t believe it’s already the last week of classes here in Dublin. When looking at the schedule before arriving, I noticed a day off classes due to the bank holiday in Ireland on August 4th. It seems that we all came to an agreement early on that this long weekend should be spent getting new passport stamps, exploring different countries, and eating food other than fish & chips. So after wrapping up our final presentation for global business immersion on Friday, a few of us seized the chance to explore beyond Dublin, ending up scattered across Europe (and Ireland!). For me, this well-earned long weekend escape ended with me in Sardinia, Italy. Here are a few of the places visited and a few quick tips for avid travelers during your own study abroad adventures. 

Alghero – Sardinia Italy

Just around three hours from Dublin, Alghero is an absolutely sun-soaked gem on the northwestern coast of Sardinia. Think cobbled streets, turquoise water, and seafood so fresh it makes you question everything you thought you knew about pasta. I went with a friend, and from stumbling upon the most gorgeous beaches, taking a boat ride to a grotto right off the water, eating the best pizza and gelato I’ve ever had, it was the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Sardinia might not be the first place that comes to mind for a weekend trip from Ireland, but trust me, it should be. We came upon this city on a complete whim! When looking for places, we wanted somewhere cheap to fly to and stay in and also a beach (of course!). From looking up “prettiest European cities for a weekend trip,”  Alghero became the top of our list and I’m so grateful it did! While my backpack might’ve been flagged by Ryanair as too big, the sun gave me one of the worst sunburns I’ve ever had, and the same backpack broke before our flight back, Sardinia was most definitely worth visiting. 

Brussels, Belgium 

A few others in our group jetted off to Brussels, where chocolate, waffles, and rich history collide. With its compact size and excellent public transport, Brussels is ideal for a short stay. They squeezed in everything from admiring the architecture, vintage thrifting, and a fun night out. Brussels is a similar vibe to that of Dublin as its well-connected, relatively affordable, and offers a unique mix of European culture in a bite-sized setting.

Faro, Portugal 

Another pair spent their weekend in Faro, Portugal. With consistent sunshine and cheap flights from Dublin, it’s a go-to for beach lovers and city explorers alike. From what I heard, pastel de nata tastes even better after a long day in the waves.

The Irish Countryside

As the last few of our weekends were occupied with pre-planned excursions, we didn’t have lots of time to explore farther out of Dublin, so some of us chose to stay in Ireland and explore some more! From Bray to Wicklow, staying local gave them a chance to see the parts of Ireland we often take for granted. It’s a good reminder that “getting away” doesn’t always mean going far.

Top tips: 

  • Ryanair often runs cheap direct flights from Dublin. Book early and pack light (don’t get flagged like I did!)
  • If you want to save money, book a private hostel room with your friends!
  • Don’t overplan – this is something that’s really hard for me as an extreme type A! But lots of times, and especially for my trip to Alghero, not having a plan and just wandering leads you to the coolest things! 
  • Maximize your time – we left early on Friday and the last possible flight on Monday to maximize our time away! Arriving back in Dublin at 1am on Tuesday was surprisingly not too bad!

Studying or living in Dublin means having Europe at your doorstep. And long weekends are the perfect excuse to explore. Whether you’re after sunny coastlines, buzzing cities, or quiet nature escapes, there’s something out there for every mood and budget. If you happen to be studying abroad in Europe, I highly recommend taking the leap, booking the flight, or hopping on the train to a new place. Because one of the best parts of studying abroad is being able to explore and come back with stories worth telling.

Dublin Diaries: Five Irish Phrases That Say More Than English Ever Could

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One of the most unexpectedly beautiful parts of studying abroad in Ireland has been hearing how people speak. And not just what they say, but how they say it. Irish phrases, whether rooted in Gaelic (the Irish language) or just slang, carry a kind of warmth and depth that English often dances around but never quite lands on. Here are five of my favorites I’ve heard during my time here in Ireland that say more than they should be able to in just a few words:

1. Céad Míle Fáilte – A hundred thousand welcomes

You’ll see this phrase everywhere from airport signage to pub walls but it’s more than just a quaint greeting. It reflects something deeper about Irish hospitality. It’s not just “welcome,” it seems to be an anthem for Ireland, highlighting its spirit of generously and joyfully embracing everyone. It reminds me that the warmth here isn’t performative. It’s woven into the culture, the language, and even the way strangers talk to you at the bus stop

2. Sláinte – Health / Cheers!

You’ll hear people raise a glass and say “Sláinte” just like you would say “Cheers” anywhere else, but once you know it literally means health, the word hits differently. It’s a toast, but also a wish. 

And after hearing about different aspects of Irish history, Slainte feels like an echo of older Irish values: community, resilience, wishing well even in hard times. 

3. Grand: Fine, okay, good enough

No list of Irish phrases would be complete without “grand.” It’s seemingly the Swiss Army knife of Irish vocabulary. You could fall in the Liffey, lose your phone, miss your bus, and still be met with: “Ah, you’ll be grand.”

But I appreciate grand and its optimism in disguise. Almost like a gentle way of saying “You’ll figure it out.” In a world where everything often feels like a big deal, the irony of “grand” is refreshingly chill.

4. “Away with the fairies” – Someone who’s daydreaming, distracted, or a bit quirky

This whimsical phrase is one of my favorites because it blends Irish folklore with everyday conversation. It speaks to how storytelling and myth still color the language here. In a place where magic and myth are woven into the landscape, it only makes sense that even casual language is whimsical here. 

5. Craic – fun, good times, banter, atmosphere

“Where’s the craic?”
One of the most commonly misunderstood phrases when first entering Ireland is Craic (as it’s pronounced crack). Craic isn’t just about fun. It’s a vibe, a connection, a moment when laughter fills the air and everyone feels alive in it. And in Ireland, you can’t force craic. You can only stumble into it, and recognize it once it’s there. It’s hard to translate, because we don’t really have an English equivalent that wraps fun, storytelling, laughter, and shared joy into one tidy syllable. But Ireland has one and they use it generously. And also as a way to have a bit of fun with tourists 🙂

Language has a way of revealing what a culture values, and Irish phrases, whether ancient or everyday, seem to treasure connection, health, presence, and ease.They’re meaningful in ways that linger longer than the words themselves. 

Dublin Diaries: The Little Luxuries of Ireland

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As I reach the end of my study abroad program, I’ve found myself quietly taking stock of the differences, both big and small, between life in Dublin and life back home. Some are practical, some are cultural, and some have caught me off guard by how much I’ve grown to appreciate them.

Firstly, every plastic bottle here comes with an attached bottle cap. At first, I found it oddly frustrating as someone who tends to absentmindedly fiddle with the cap while sipping, but over time, I’ve come to love this little quirk. It’s such a small detail, but it speaks to something deeper: intentionality. Things here seem designed with thoughtfulness (and with the environment) in mind, not just convenience. Having the bottle caps attached to improve recycling and reduce litter not only illustrates how serious Ireland is on sustainable practices, but also how such a small change in everyday culture can make a difference. And it also means I’ve stopped losing bottle caps in the bottom of my bag.

Then there’s the luxury of public transportation and walkability. Dublin is a city that invites you to slow down, to look up from your phone, and to actually take in your surroundings. Back home, I’m used to rushing from place to place in a car, barely noticing the world passing by. Here, walking has become not just a way to get somewhere, but a moment of peace in my day. I’ve been able to enjoy fun conversations on my 30 minute bus ride into and from the city, share airpods with friends walking to our destination, and admire the scenic routes to smaller villages outside Dublin. I will most definitely miss not being able to read while being transported to a seaside village when I come home!

Safety is another understated luxury. I didn’t expect to feel so comfortable walking alone here, even at night. I’ve always been a person who enjoys running around Colonial Williamsburg at night, but I knew coming into this that running alone in the dark in an international city was not the move. However, I was stunned to find how safe I felt here. While I will rarely be caught alone in the city after dark, I have no issue walking or running around the UCD campus at night. It’s something I never take for granted, and it’s made solo exploring not just possible, but joyful.

And then there’s the light. The endless summer evenings stretch well past 10 pm, bathing the city in a soft glow that makes time feel slower and more generous. It’s hard not to romanticize everything when golden hour lasts for hours. The sun rises at 4am, (blocked out by my blackout curtains of course), which welcomes each day that seemingly feels like three days in one. It;s truly a blessing to have so much time in a program jam packed with classwork, excursions, and so much fun. 

All of these things have become a backdrop to a slower, more intentional version of my life. Dublin has taught me to savor the in-between moments: a coffee enjoyed without multitasking, a walk that doesn’t need a destination, a conversation that isn’t rushed. In a world that often equates productivity with worth, this slower pace feels like a little rebellion. And it’s one I hope to take with me long after I leave.

Dublin Diaries: Finance, Freedom & Figuring It All Out Abroad

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The last two weeks of the program were dedicated to the most anticipated class, finance. Finance has the reputation of being by far the most difficult content, and with only two weeks to learn and be assessed, there’s little room for error. It was a bit of an abrupt change going from complete freedom and time after class, cute aesthetic studying in a cafe, and lots of group dinners to independent studying for hours, lack of sleep, and quick Centra dinners. Collectively, we all were hesitant and anxious about finance hearing the stories of students failing, up studying until the wee hours of the morning. Spoiler, it was so much better than we expected. I had the pleasure of being taught by the wonderful Professor Skimmyhorn, who, I won’t lie, was super intimidating at first having a background in both West Point and Harvard. I fully expected to be behind and not understand any of the content. For context, in our orientation it was explained that the grading scale was altered so that an A was 80-100, B 70-80, etc. and that most students fail the first quiz, which is never a good sign. It turns out that our class all passed the first quiz, and really well! Out of the 8 total days we had class, 6 had some type of assessment, and we had a quiz on the very first class. If anything, this class was a bonding experience with us all trying to figure out how to do a case study the night before the course started and trying to print on campus for the first time when every building was closed. What was believed to be the hardest part of the program quickly became a stressful yet exhilarating experience. I won’t say it was completely easy, I did in fact study all day until 1 and wake up at 7 to study again most days. We had class from 9:30-3:00 with an hour break for lunch. But as a group, we did more than survive. We flourished! In between the blocks of studying I began to ease myself back into running, having taken months off of dance and any physical activity besides walking. Discovering a new running path each time made me appreciate the larger size of campus in comparison to William & Mary. Don’t get me wrong, I love my Colonial Williamsburg runs!! Fortunately or unfortunately, however you’d like to see it, I had my birthday on the second week of finance. It was the perfect storm of quizzes, my family in town, sleep exhaustion, and cadbury chocolate. Having only known my classmates for a couple weeks, we’ve already become such great friends that they organized a birthday picnic right after class. It really was the best day despite having to study on the bus home after family dinner at a pub. All in all, halfway done, halfway to go, I honestly wish the program was longer. Studying abroad is proving to be just the thing I needed and at the perfect time.

Dublin Diaries 4 – A Day in My Life Abroad

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Our management class begins at 9:30, so I typically wake up around 8 to get ready. After getting ready, I’ll make a breakfast of eggs, cheese, and toast (Ireland has the best tasting breakfast foods). Typically there’s a group of people already in the kitchen, so we discuss our plans for the day and what we’ll do after class, always ending in a centra run to get coffee before heading off to the business school. The UCD campus is extremely walkable and more so for our specific program. We live in The Village which is right next to a student center with a centra (think of it like a wawa), gym, and a short walk away from laundry and the business school. Our management class has been so interactive and interesting so far! For instance, we did a simulation about a pandemic and made decisions on how to run a country based on different scenarios. We have class from 9:30-12, a break for lunch, and then resume either class from 1-3 or work on group projects. After class we usually hit the gym, take a nap, or study for a bit before heading out to dinner. I will say that collectively we’ve eaten out more for dinner than cooked, but it’s all for the experience right! Friday is a bit different as we have our global immersion class that day in the Blackrock campus. Together as a group we get on the S6 bus to head to Blackrock around 8 so we can grab breakfast at the Lazy Days Cafe. During our first class we shared our favorite foods from home and tried some Irish snacks! Weekends are variable as sometimes we have scheduled excursions, and sometimes have free weekends. For the first weekend we had excursions to the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery.

Dublin Diaries 3 – First Impressions of Ireland 

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We’ve been in Dublin for a week now, yet it feels like we’ve been here for weeks. It instantly felt like home from touching down in Ireland to going to the pub with friends and talking with our professor during lunch. I’ve really tried to appreciate every little moment we’ve had here in Dublin so far as I’m not only grateful to have the opportunity to live abroad in a country I have ancestral ties to, but also to learn from a variety of experts (professors and guest speakers) in their respective fields. I’ve been to Dublin once before, but honestly it feels like a completely new city this time around. On day 1, the students in the program already were familiar with each other having met once in person and for a week of virtual classes, so it didn’t take much to start becoming friends. There are 14 total students who each get their own room, but we all share two kitchens and common areas, but somehow we decided to all use the same kitchen, cooking breakfast and dinner together. We established a house charter through our second class in management, establishing rules for cleaning, talking in the hallway, and of course pirate tuesday! The best thing about living in Ireland during the summer are the long days. The sun rises before 5am and sets around 10pm, so it’s basically like having two days in one. So far, we’ve explored the city center, Blackrock, and Bray. I’ve climbed a mountain, studied in multiple cafes, yelled “that’s so cute!” about 5000 times a day, missed too many buses, gone to so many different pubs, taken a billion photos, heard lots of live music on the streets and in restaurants, and made so many lifetime memories and friends. I can full heartedly say that this was the best decision to come here and I can’t wait to learn more, explore more, and see where this journey takes me! 

Dublin Diaries 2: The Rocky Road to Dublin 

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As a former competitive dancer, I’ve had numerous experiences with packing and planning for trips both short and long, domestic and international, but preparing to spend over two months in a country is nothing short of overwhelming. What should I bring to a country with unpredictable weather and highly variable temperatures? What should I buy there instead of bringing with me? I already know I’m not one to pack light, but trekking tons of luggage across the streets of Ireland is probably something I’ll regret once I arrive. Also considering the massive amounts of souvenirs I’ll bring back for friends and family, I need at least some room in my suitcases. 

Here’s my thought process for packing: everyone in the program was given a brief list with things that will be provided (we get housekeeping and free linens!), along with things to consider bringing. After looking at this list, I started with my essentials and required items. What are the things I cannot operate without, what clothing items are staples in my wardrobe, (obviously a raincoat will be needed since this is Ireland), can’t forget power adapters, a basic first aid kit, important documents, toiletries, computer, phone, etc. Then I added clothes and shoes for all weather conditions besides snow. I divided things into what I should put in my carry-on and larger suitcase based on how much I might need to access them when travelling. This helped to keep luggage to a minimum and consolidate only what I actually needed to bring. During the packing process I made sure I understood that whatever I was bringing, I’d have to repack at the end of the trip to bring home. 

As for beginning the actual course content, this proved equally as difficult. I have been working as a dancer in a show at Busch Gardens since March, and two weeks before leaving for home I injured my knee. Being abruptly and unexpectedly unable to dance or walk without crutches, my planning and excitement for Ireland quickly got pushed to the backburner. I had to focus on the obstacles in front of me in order to confirm I would be able to continue on the trip. The same week of the injury and being put on crutches we had our first week of synchronous classes, luckily over zoom. Each class was three hours and introduced key concepts, team projects, and how being in Ireland would impact the structure of the class. The two weeks after, we continued our classwork asynchronously over blackboard. My first class once arriving in Ireland will be Management in a Global Environment! Each class will last two weeks (imagine having a final every other Thursday!), and will be a fully immersive experience with guest speakers, excursions, hands-on group projects, in place of hour long lectures. 

Luckily, the recovery process has been going smoothly and in a couple days when I get to Ireland, I should be fully on the mend. It’s been quite the rocky road to Dublin! I’m so excited that this trip is finally just a couple days away from becoming reality and am looking forward to sharing all about it here in the Dublin Diaries!