As week two unfolded, I began to truly understand the remarks made by past students about the fast pace of life in this program. Each day is packed with classes, work, excursions, and cultural activities throughout Dublin. While the schedule is full, it’s this very structure that makes the experience so rewarding. A highlight of the midweek was our group’s welcome dinner at The Little Kitchen on Wednesday night—a lovely way to settle further into the city. The rest of the week was filled with work commitments, including a memorable moment on Friday when I had to walk halfway to my workplace due to a major bus delay. That quiet walk gave me the unexpected opportunity to explore some lesser-known areas on the outskirts of Dublin—a theme that continued throughout the week.
Saturday marked the week’s biggest excursion. We left early in the morning and didn’t return until the evening, but the long day was more than worth it. Despite the rain, we ventured outside of Dublin to explore the stunning Wicklow Mountains region. The day included a stop in Kilkenny, where we had the chance to explore the charming town and take a guided tour of Kilkenny Castle. The castle was a highlight—the level of preservation inside was impressive, bringing the region’s history to life.
Our next stop was Glendalough, a glacial valley known for its early medieval monastic settlement. While the monastery itself was fascinating, my favorite part came during our free time. I veered slightly off the main trail and discovered a small waterfall with a hidden cave tucked behind it, completely invisible from the main path. It was a quiet, magical spot that felt like a reward for wandering a bit further than expected.
Even after a packed Saturday, I was determined to make the most of my limited free time in Dublin. I’m not one to sleep in, so waking up early came naturally. I spent the morning walking along Sandymount Beach, eventually making it all the way out to the lighthouse. The panoramic view of the city from that point was stunning, offering a moment to reflect on how much Dublin has grown—and how much I’d already seen in just two weeks.
One of the most amusing moments of the week occurred during my walk back through the city. Near the Shelbourne Hotel, I watched a street performer dressed as a bush surprise an unsuspecting passerby—it was hilarious and I couldn’t resist stopping for a photo. Later that afternoon, I visited The Rolling Donut, a shop famed for having the “Best Donuts in Dublin.” I tried their popular apple crumb donut, and it definitely lived up to the hype. I’m even considering recommending a similar flavor to a donut shop back home. On Monday, I visited the National Museum of Archaeology after class, where we explored Ireland’s ancient history. Then it was back to work bright and early Tuesday morning.
I so wish I had seen that street performer surprising people. What fun! Lily is also a fan of The Rolling Donut shop….my wallet isn’t though!