As I sit down to write this blog I can’t help but reflect on the fact that it does not feel like I have been in Ireland for 6 weeks. Despite having experienced so much of what Ireland has to offer, learning so much about myself and Irish history and culture, making new friends, and so much more, it still feels like I am only on my second or third week here. But I must acknowledge that the trip is coming to an end, especially because this upcoming weekend is the last scheduled weekend trip. It is a little saddening but that did not stop me from enjoying this past week to the fullest and still looking forward to all of the adventures I will have in the next two weeks.
This past weekend was a lot of fun, despite not seeing a historical sight or breathtaking views, I still learned about Ireland, the culture, and the history, but through an experience. We went to the experience Gaelic games event where we learned all about the origins and significance of hurling, Gaelic Football, and handball. Before we played the games we learned the rules, but what I found particularly interesting was learning about how hurling is one of the oldest field games in the world, with origins dating back over 3,000 years in ancient Ireland. Deeply woven into Irish mythology and cultural identity, it was historically used to train warriors and foster clan unity, symbolizing both athletic skill and national pride through centuries of colonization and cultural preservation. Not only was hurling fun for the fact that I felt like a warrior when I put the helmet on and held the hurl, but it was so much fun to learn a game I had never heard of or played before and get the chance to run around and play with my fellow bucknellians. The game was quite hard, but still I had a ton of fun.
I also took a particularly large interest in Gaelic football as back home I play soccer and was intrigued in the combination of soccer and rugby that Gaelic football appeared to be. It was also very cool to learn about how Gaelic football, just like hurling, holds deep historical significance as a symbol of Irish national identity and cultural revival. I think I had even more fun playing Gaelic football simply because I love soccer and I loved the concept of jumping in the air to catch the ball and kicking the ball straight from your hands. I had a ton of fun playing these traditional Irish games.
The next notable event was after class the next day on Monday, where we visited the famous prison Kilmainham Gaol. This prison was very interesting not only because of the history and stories that go along with it, but also because of the unique and interesting layout. One of the first things on the tour that our tour guide said to us was that if we need to use the restroom he will radio someone to come get us and they will escort us back because otherwise we will get completely lost. My attention was instantly grabbed as I looked around at the high stone walls and many buildings in view. I thought, how could someone get lost in here? However, once the tour started I quickly realized that with the narrow halls and many staircases I would indeed get lost. I particularly enjoyed this tour as our tour guide was very passionate and quite engaging, explaining the stories and history of the jail and its uses over time.
I had a lot of fun this weekend and am very grateful that I continue to learn more and more about Irish culture, heritage, and history and got to play traditional Irish sports. This weekend will be another experience I will never forget and am so happy for the opportunity. I am sad the trip is coming to an end but am still looking forward to the adventures and experiences I will have over the next two weeks.
