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.

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! 

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.

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.

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.

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.

This summer I have the pleasure to be traveling to Dublin, Ireland where, along with 14 other W&M students, I’ll be studying all about global business. Having nearly completed my junior year, I didn’t think studying abroad was in the cards for me, but this perfect opportunity arose exactly when I needed it! I distinctly remember perusing summer opportunities here at W&M and finding the Mason Business Minor Program wishing it was held abroad. Turns out it was, and in Ireland no less! During this program, a small group of students learn from star faculty including Professor Skimmyhorn, Professor Teller, and Dr. Edmiston on various business topics leading to the completion of a minor in Global Business (all within 4 months!). I am so beyond excited to not only travel and live in Dublin for two months, but also be immersed in a new learning environment. 

To begin building the foundation of our program, the students and faculty gathered for program orientation this past Saturday. We listened to presentations on the courses we’ll be taking: marketing, management, finance, innovation & design thinking, and global business immersion. 

Having spent most of my academic experiences studying biology, this introduction to business classes was nothing like I expected. During the intro to Management in a Global Environment we were told to ask the person next to us, “when was the last time you cried in front of someone.” To tell you I was stunned and confused at this moment would be an understatement, but it made so much sense as the lecture went on. This question led to a deeper discussion of polarization as a global reality and how finding connections and becoming better communicators can help elevate leadership and management skills. Having this phenomenal lecture just in program orientation really sets the bar high for this summer! 

In addition to learning inside the classroom, we’ll be taking weekend trips to various locations within Ireland and Northern Ireland! In addition to these excursions, I hope to continue dancing abroad as an Irish dancer myself! This program will truly be an immersive experience that is sure to have a profound impact on my academic, personal, and professional career. You could feel the growing anticipation and excitement of everyone during orientation which certainly made me buzzing to begin! 

Join me on this journey to chasing dreams and a Global Business Minor by following along during the Dublin Diaries!