First Impressions

Belfast

My first impression of Belfast is that the city has a unique mix of old and new. For instance, my first time walking through the city, I saw the gothic architecture of Queen's University and old Victorian churches standing alongside modern hotels, restaurants, and fast food chains.

Another first impression I had was informed by the city's history of political and religious struggles. The period of conflict between Ireland and Northern Ireland, known as 'The Troubles,' lasted between the 1960s-1990s and is still remembered by many individuals living in the region today. Although the people in Northern Ireland have experienced a complicated past, everyone was friendly, welcoming, and incredibly helpful.

First Impressions

Dublin

My first impression of Dublin is that it is a lively city! There are pubs on nearly every corner and many of the streets are bustling with people. The city is also home to several museums and art galleries, which makes it a popular place for learning about history.

Another first impression is that the city is very touristy. For instance, Ruby and I went out to the pub, and we met people from other countries in Europe rather than local Irish people. We saw an abundance gift shops, double-decker tour buses, and street vendors selling Irish merchandise on the way to our hotel.

First Impressions

Cork

My first impression of Cork is incredibly positive. As I walked through the city for the first time, I noticed how colorful the houses were and thought it was neat how the houses stacked upwards along the bank of the River Lee. I was surprised by how many historic landmarks the city seems to have and am in awe of how beautiful Cork University was when we passed by the grounds.

Another first impression I formed was about the city's transportation system. Cork seems to have a consistent bus system, which makes the city easy to navigate without a car. You can buy bus tickets online or with coins as you get on the bus. The bus drivers are very nice and willing to help!

First Impressions

Limerick

The first impressions I made in Limerick were based off of staying with the McCarthy family. (Ruby's mom's boss, Pat, has family in Limerick that we stayed with for two nights. The dad's name is Kevin, the mom is Bridgeen, and their kids are Siobhan and Jack.) The McCarthy's house was in a suburb where the houses are very uniform and look alike. I enjoyed the consistent appearance of the houses because I thought it made the town look neat and well kept. Many people own cars in the suburbs, which was different from the city where people relied on public transit. In fact, Siobhan is currently taking driving lessons so she can take the driving test to earn her license. You definitely need a car to live in the suburbs of Ireland!

Another first impression I formed was about Gaelic football. We got to watch Jack's Gaelic football match against Waterford and it was an unforgettable experience. One of the first things that struck me about Gaelic football was the unique nature of the sport. It combines elements of soccer, basketball, and rugby, which makes it a fast-paced and thrilling game to watch. Families, friends, and neighbors came together to support Limerick and Waterford, and it was evident that the sport was an important part of Irish culture and identity. Limerick won as well, which was very exciting!

First Impressions

Doolin

My first impression of Doolin is it is a place of incredible natural beauty. There are green rolling hills, crashing waves, and rugged cliffs stretching out as far as the eye can see. The countryside is beautiful and I have seen a lot of traditional architecture like thatched-roof cottages. I almost feel like I am being transported back in time to a bygone era of Ireland. It seems a lot more tranquil and serene compared to the bustling cities Ruby and I explored before coming here.

First Impressions

Galway

My first impression of Galway is that it feels like a college town! There are young people all around the city and pubs everywhere you look. There are also many people celebrating stag parties (bachelor parties) and bachelorette parties at the hostel Ruby and I booked. It definitely seemed like Galway is the place to go for people looking for exciting nightlife.

Another first impression I made was there were lots of places to shop. As I wandered through the streets, I got to admire local crafts and handmade goods on display. From cozy bookstores to gift shops, Galway seemed to offer a unique and pleasant shopping experience.

First Impressions

Westport

My first impression of Westport is that the town center is full of colorful, well-preserved buildings, and the streets are beautifully lined with trees and flowers. When you look out past the skyline of the city, you can see the stunning view of Croagh Patrick, Ireland's holy mountain, rising up in the distance. The mountain dominates the skyline and provides a stunning backdrop for the river and the colorful buildings that line the Quay.

First Impressions

Scoil Muire agus Padraig

My first day visiting Scoil Muire agus Padraig allowed me to make several first impressions about the upcoming two weeks. One of the very first things I observed is the principal knows all the students by name and greets as many as he can in the morning. The school seems like a tight-knit community and some of the students seemed genuinely happy to be coming to school.

The staff room for the teachers looks pretty standard to most staff rooms in the US; however, the atmosphere is so much more positive. Teachers do not linger in their classroom and enjoy socializing with one another during their breaks. Many of them brought work to grade into the staff room. Unlike schools in the US, the teachers do not come into the staff room to complain about their job or students, they were discussing their weekends and outside interests. It showed me that the school has a positive learning environment where teachers are not bogged down by unnecessary stress and have a life outside of their careers.

When I walked around the school and went into the classrooms, many students were surprised to see Americans in their school and seemed eager to talk to me, but also shy. I made an effort to talk to students and asked them about their interests and favorite parts about school. Many of the students play Gaelic and like the class periods where their teachers take them outside on walks when the weather is nice. It is evident that the school emphasizes learning, but also being active and getting outdoors. They also emphasize the importance of giving students necessary breaks. Students have three forty minute class in the morning, and then get a fifteen minute break. This means teachers also get a break! After three more forty minute classes, students have a forty-five minute lunch, and the older students are allowed to leave and get lunch around town if they want. The students seemed to enjoy the time they got to themselves, and it was not treated like a privelge how it is in US schools. It was a given and many of the teachers found the US school schedule Ruby and I described to be exhausting and excessive. At the end of the day, I walked away from the school feeling positive and excited to come back—something I did not feel a lot during my US student teaching.