The
international learning trip to Ireland was an absolutely amazing educational
experience. Throughout the trip, everyone attempted to turn every experience
into an educational one. From talking with shop owners and cab drivers to
listening to various educators and psychologists, the entire trip was an
endlessly fascinating learning adventure. The first weekend involved a great
deal of sightseeing and learning about Irish history. The Cliffs of Moher were
truly an incredible experience. Nobody never shied away from the difficult
hikes, and we always made sure to take advantage of photographic opportunities. Journeying through the Irish countryside by
bus was fantastic, as it provided us with a view of the breathtaking Irish
countryside and quaint towns along the way. It seemed like there were castles
everywhere!
As we departed
for Mary Immaculate College Monday morning, several of us were curious as to
what our educational lectures would be like. Every day we met with various
individuals at various sites, including Mary Immaculate College, Limerick
Social Services Council, The Blue Box Art Therapy Project, University of
Limerick and a local school. Meeting with these individuals was so much more
than just a lecture, it was always an interesting, engaging, and energetic
discussion experience. Everyone was incredibly knowledgeable and personable. We
learned about a wide variety of topics including the education system, mental
health systems, social services, child welfare, religion, economics, and
politics. It was amazing being able to learn about Ireland from such a variety
of knowledgeable individuals.
However, among
the wide variety of really incredible experiences, I did have two favorite
days. The first being the tour of the University of Limerick and discuss with
Dr. Patrick Ryan, who is head of the psychology department. The University of
Limerick has a fantastic campus with unique architecture. Dr. Ryan took us on
the tour and spoke with us about various psychological services available to
children and young adults in Ireland. The discussion was both fascinating and
informative. During this discussion we learned that Ireland has only put into
place laws against child abuse within the past few years. There are also
limited mental health services available for youth, and alcoholism is on the
rise. After our discussion, we were able to sit in on several music
performances by graduating students who were performing their final pieces. The
traditional music and singing was amazing, as well as a fantastic cultural
experience.
My second
favorite day involved a visit to a very small town called Kilcommon (Cill Chuimin, in Irish), in County
Tipperary. Father Michael Wall, from Mary Immaculate College, who had led an
amazing discussion about religion and politics in Ireland earlier in the week,
led us on a tour of a prayer garden and then an excursion through the Irish
countryside. Despite the fact that I am not personally a religious individual,
the prayer garden was something to see. It’s unique design and flowing water
throughout the garden from a local river was beautiful and serene. Father
Michael then led a group of us on a two and a half hour pilgrimage through the
Irish countryside. The Kilcommon loop retraces ancient paths used by
individuals to celebrate mass and religious holidays, and dates back to
medieval times. I cannot stress enough how amazing this hike was. It takes you
through countryside, forests, up part of a mountain, and through amazing fields
with beautiful flowers and babbling brooks. You will not ever get a chance to
do or see anything so extraordinary as the Kilcommon loop. If you ever have the
chance, take it! Father Micheal was also a fantastic guide (with a good sense
of humor), as he was willing to engage in several discussions, answer
questions, provide us with snacks, and even teach us some Irish phrases.
If anyone ever
has a chance to be part of an amazing adventure and educational experience in
Ireland, do it! Engage in discussions, kiss the Blarney Stone, walk the
Kilcommon loop, and experience everything you can squeeze in.
-Jessica Hatton
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Irish breakfast at Corbett Court, halfway to Cork. |