Sometimes the most memorable parts of studying abroad aren’t the places you go, but the
conversations you have. The ones that stick with you long after the moment has passed. Here
are a few that have stuck with me.

The Cold War Argument
Then there was the infamous Cold War debate. Picture this: it’s 9 a.m. on a Sunday on our way
to an excursion, everyone is exhausted, and for some reason two friends were passionately
arguing about Cold War politics on the public bus. At the time, it felt intense, and quite loud, but
afterward, we laughed about it. That morning taught us something important: how to recognize
when it’s time to stop, when to respect boundaries, and when to let go of being “right.” In the
end, this conversation wasn’t about history or politics. It was about learning how to live and
learn together.

The Old Man at Sunset
On our first night in Blackrock, a few of us noticed this old man setting up a tripod and camera
towards the sunset. He eventually came over to talk to us and showed us his facebook page
with pictures from all over Blackrock. He spoke about how even as he got older, he never
stopped chasing the things that brought him joy. And his words have stuck with me as a
reminder that pursuing your passions doesn’t have an expiration date.

Professor Olver’s Family Story
On the last day of our design thinking class, Professor Olver opened up about his family, telling
us the story about his son who survived a devastating accident against all odds. That
experience reshaped his son’s life as he now works as a manager at Chick-fil-A (We love
Chrisitan!!). But more importantly, he dedicates his time to mentoring and supporting students
like us. He even calls us “his kids.” Hearing this story at the end of the program was moving in a
way I didn’t expect. It was a lesson in resilience, in finding purpose after hardship, and in the
power of dedicating your life to others.

Each of these conversations: strange, heated, simple, or deeply personal, left its mark on me.
They reminded me that studying abroad isn’t just about academics or travel. It’s about the
people you meet, the words you share, and the way those moments stay with you, quietly
shaping who you are becoming

One of the best things about being based in Dublin is just how easy it is to get around Ireland.
The country is small enough that a car ride (or even a short train trip) can take you somewhere
completely new. And the best part is that most everywhere you go, the scenery along the way is
just as beautiful as the destination. Here are a few day trips I found that are actually worth
carving time out for:

Howth
If you want fresh sea air and dramatic coastal views, hop on the DART to Howth. It’s a charming
fishing village with cliff walks, marina, and a castle! Between the views, the seafood, and the
relaxed pace, it’s the perfect coastal escape just outside the city.

Blackrock
Okay, I might be biased since this became my most frequented spot, but Blackrock is one of the
easiest trips from Dublin. The bus picks you up right outside the dorms and gets you there in
just 20 minutes. It’s a seaside town with local markets, cozy cafés, and a train station that leads
up and down the coast.

Galway
If you’ve got a car and a full day to spare, Galway is 100% worth the drive. The city is vibrant,
colorful, and buzzing with live music around every corner. It’s more artsy than Dublin and is
home to Claddagh jewelry!

Belfast
Driving up to Belfast gives you not only a peek into Northern Ireland but also a deeper layer of
history and culture. From the Titanic Museum to political murals, the city has a complex story to
tell. Although it was my least favorite of our excursions, it’s a city to see at least once.

Dalkey
Dalkey is another coastal gem, one easy DART ride away. The sea views are gorgeous, and it
has a quieter, small-town feel that makes it perfect for a peaceful afternoon. Bonus: it’s also
been home to a few famous residents (yes, Bono’s house is here).

Wicklow
If you’re craving nature, head south to Wicklow for some of the best hiking in Ireland. With
rolling green hills, waterfalls, and lakes, it’s basically everything you picture when you imagine
the Irish countryside.

Ireland may be small, but the variety of places you can experience in just a day is incredible.
Whether it’s a seaside town, a lively city, or a mountain trail, these trips prove that Dublin is the
perfect starting point for exploring the best of the country

When I first got to Dublin, I thought I’d spend my weekends checking off the “must-see” spots.
But the truth is, I realized pretty quickly that the big tourist attractions not only are super packed
with slow walkers and tourists with little spatial awareness, but are usually not the most
interesting. What I do love, though, is finding those little corners of a city that feel like mine. The
hidden gems and places that make you feel like you belong there, even if you’re only there for 8
weeks.

Jazz at O’Regan’s & Monday Nights at Kelly & Coopers
One of our favorite built traditions is heading to jazz Thursdays at O’Regan’s, where everyone’s
focus is on the music (or silent movies being played on a projector screen in the back). The vibe
is calm and sophisticated, perfect for an enjoyable, tourist-free night out. Similarly, there’s
Monday live music at Kelly & Coopers in Blackrock. It’s always filled with locals (have we
become locals at this point?) from the town who we’ve come to recognize from our time here on
Monday and Friday.

The Dance Studio at the Village Gym
Another little haven of mine specifically is the dance studio at the Village Gym. Having no home
studio in Williamsburg, it’s been a true gem to be able to use the dance studio a couple of steps
away from my dorm here in Dublin. I’ve been able to work on new show pieces and come up
with new choreography after classes. Plus it’s the only place in the village with air conditioning!

The Goat Restaurant: Because Yes, There Are Real Goats
Not every place I love is hidden away. The Goat Restaurant is a perfect example—quirky,
laid-back, and yes, there are actual goats outside. But what keeps me going back isn’t just the
novelty; it’s the good food, the easy atmosphere, and the way it feels like a spot everyone in the
area just knows.

Running Around the Lake on Campus
Whenever I need a reset, I lace up my sneakers and head towards the lake on campus. It’s
quiet, has swans and ducks, and feels like a deep breath away from the city noise and stress of
finance.

Lazy Days Breakfast in Blackrock
Lazy Days has become our go-to breakfast spot on Fridays, partly because the food is cheap
and the outdoor seating leads to lots of dog spotting, but also because it feels so distinctly local.
Most of the crowd are Blackrock regulars, and there’s something about that everyday familiarity
that makes me feel right at home.

Why Being a “Local” Feels Like Home
These little routines and favorite places have shaped my time here more than any guidebook
landmark ever could. Living abroad, I’ve realized, isn’t about how many famous sites you see.
It’s about the moments where a place starts to feel like yours

I laced up my first pair of ghillies when I was six years old, not realizing that those tiny leathershoes would eventually carry me across continents. Today, at 21, Irish dance has not only beenmy passion but also my passport into a world of culture, community, and connection. Over theyears, Irish dance has taken me far beyond the studio mirror. From the international stages ofLondon, Belfast, Vancouver, and Dublin, I’ve learned that dance is a universal language. Thesteps might be steeped in Irish tradition, but the connections formed through them reach acrossevery border.There’s something remarkable about walking into a competition in a city thousands of milesaway and immediately feeling at home. The accents may change, but the rhythm, the heartbeatof Irish dance, is constant. In those moments, I’m reminded that Irish dance is more thanperformance or competition. It’s a thread that ties us together, no matter where we’re from.

In Dublin, that sense of connection feels even more profound. Dancing, now professionally, in
the city that holds the roots of the tradition I’ve devoted most of my life to is humbling. During my
time in Dublin I got to experience real trad music popping into random pubs in the city, walk past
the Gaiety theatre where Riverdance performs, and even audition for a show. What strikes me
most is how Irish dance here isn’t just heritage; it’s living, breathing culture. It’s the kids
practicing on their kitchen floors, the families filling entire rows of chairs at competitions, and the
friends who erupt into cheers so loud they drown out the final note of the music.

Through both competitive and professional Irish dance, I’ve built friendships that span oceans.
When you’ve stood side by side on a stage, pushed each other through long practices, and
celebrated each other’s wins, distance loses its weight. The friendships forged in this world are
proof that connection doesn’t depend on geography, it depends on shared passion.
Looking back, Irish dance has taught me that culture isn’t just something you inherit; it’s
something you carry forward. Each step, each performance, each shared moment with dancers
from around the world is a reminder that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves. And for
me, Dublin will always be a place where that truth feels especially alive.