Bon Voyage Waterford-Dublin Bound!

Hello Irish Life Experience Families and Friends! I'm back and my computer is fixed, so hopefully my posts will be more regular. We arrived to Dublin today and are getting settled in our new home of King's Hospital tonight. Just a little update from the past few days, before I report to you on today. All of the students loved their time in Waterford, but they have been looking forward to exploring a new home. "Waterford was a small enough city where you got to know where everything was and it felt like home," Paddy said. "I loved it here," said Savannah. A few highlights of Monday's and Wednesday's classes and workshops. Monday morning, the ILE went to the new Waterford Crystal Factory for a quick tour. It reopened two weeks ago, and is superb. Students saw the process of blowing Waterford Crystal and the time and detail that goes into each piece. They were very careful not to break anything:). In literature, Angie did more readings from Ulysses, while Pete spoke about Patrick Kavanagh. Pete said Patrick Kavanagh is one of his favorite Irish writers, so he was excited to share his knowledge with the students. Dan touched upon the 1916 Rebellion in Irish history and the famine in Irish American history. Katie said Dan is a wonderful teacher and is very knowledgeable. Taryn decided to try her skills in Gaelic and taught the students a few colors, right and left, and hand and foot, so they could play a game of Irish Twister. It was hilarious! In her Irish studies class, Taryn gave a quiz of Irish counties. All of the students did fantastic. Paddy and Savannah studied very hard and received a perfect score. Way to go! They will be receiving a special prize from Taryn for their hard efforts. Siobhan treated the students to a DVD of her great uncle, Ernie O'Malley. Ernie O'Malley was born in Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland. He was an Irish Republican Army officer during the Irish War of Independence and a commander of the anti-treaty IRA during the Irish Civil War. Piper said she thought the documentary on Ernie O'Malley was very interesting. After the classes on Monday, students had the option of taking a Scone Baking Workshop. Dan and Taryn taught them how to make delicious scones, so hopefully they will be trying their culinary skills on you during St. Patrick's Day next year. The scones turned out wonderfully and the students were able to sample them during evening tea. Hannah said they tasted delicious, but the next time she wanted to add Craisins to them and try them with jam or jelly. In the evening, Pete and Siobhan arranged a game of Capture the Flag with the students and they took it very seriously. As you can see from the pictures, they dressed up in their team colors and even painted their faces. The game lasted a few hours, before Siobhan called it a tie. During Wednesday afternoon, the students were required to take a mandatory workshop of Gaelic football and hurling, by Waterford GAA Coach, Eoin Breathnach. Eoin was very impressed by the athleticism of our ILE students. He was amazed how fast they were able to pick up the sports. Clara and Paddy had a natural talent for Gaelic football, since they have both played soccer. Maureen said she loved Gaelic football, but found hurling very challenging. Later that evening, Eoin invited the ILE students to a Cork vs. Waterford hurling game. What a blast! The ILE students cheered for Waterford and sported their blue and white county colors. What spirit! Cork put up a good fight, but Waterford won in the end. Up Waterford! "I enjoyed learning how to play hurling and then being able to watch it," said Sydney. Tuesday marked our final tour day in Waterford to Cahir Castle, the Blarney Castle, Cork, and a quick stop in Youghal. Once the stronghold of the powerful Butler family, the Cahir Castle retains its impressive keep, tower and much of its original defensive structure. It is one of Ireland's largest and best preserved castles. It is situated on a rocky island on the River Suir. After a short tour, students were able to explore all of the nooks and cranny's of Cahir Castle. Piper said she really liked the tour and learned a lot. Then we were off to Blarney. Blarney Castle was built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, and has been attracting attention beyond Munster ever since. Over the last few hundred years, millions have flocked to Blarney, making it a world landmark and one of Ireland’s greatest treasures. Now that might have something to do with the Blarney Stone, the legendary Stone of Eloquence, found at the top of the Tower. Kiss it and you’ll never again be lost for words. There were a handful of students that now have the "Gift of the Gab"-not that many of them need it;). As you can see, the students are learning A LOT about Ireland. They are soaking it all in and becoming more passionate about Irish culture with each passing day. I'm so proud of them all!

← All posts