Can’t believe it is already week three in Ireland! This weekend, we took a trip to the West Coast, staying in Galway and exploring some of the stunning scenery the region has to offer. We started our journey by stopping at the Cliffs of Moher, and the weather did not disappoint. For the first time since arriving, the sun was out and beaming, making it the most perfect day to walk along the cliffs and see the beautiful blue Atlantic Ocean below. I’ve heard a lot about how breathtaking the cliffs are, but seeing them in person was something else entirely. Every turn along the walk was a new, picturesque view. I probably have 50 photos from the few hours we were here, and each once is absolutely perfect. I am already hoping for the day I get to come back and take it all in once again.
After the cliffs, we made some other photo stops on the way back to Galway. Driving along the coast made the long bus rides enjoyable, as I was simply in awe of all the incredible scenery.
In addition to the amazing views, I have been so grateful to have the most wonderful roommates. Just in the few short weeks we have been here, we have gotten so close. I already know that they will remain special people in my life. Zoe, Emilia, and I are actually living together next year, although we were not all very close when we picked housing. Since living together in Ireland, I am already looking forward to spending more time with the two of them, and hosting dinners for our other incredible roommates and new friends on this trip.
On our last day on the West Coast, we made a stop at Kylemore Abbey. Like the rest of the stops on the trip, the views were spectacular. I loved walking around the Abbey and appreciating the beautiful architecture, carefully decorated rooms, and elegant ballgowns of the women who lived in the home. Now, it is a Monastery for Benedictine nuns who fled Belgium in World War 1. While I wish we got to see more rooms in the Abbey, the stunning exterior and expansive grounds made the visit truly memorable. I really enjoyed learning about the Connemara ponies that grazed up near the gardens. On the left is the photo of the mother of the three-month old pony in the right photo. It is so cool that they are born with fluffier, brown hair that turns white as they age. They were both so friendly and came up by the fence to greet us. (New goal: get a Connemara pony).
Our trip to the West Coast was not the end of our adventures for the week, though. On Monday, we toured Dublin Castle and the Custom House. I loved learning more about the history of Dublin and Ireland as a whole. Although not pictured, we went below the ground floor of the castle to see the old gunpower tower and walls. The construction of Dublin is built over what was there last, so we got to see the Viking era walls below the medieval curtain wall, which is below what we see of Dublin Castle today. Back on ground level, we toured the inside of the castle, which was adorned with elaborate paintings, furniture, chandeliers, and more. I absolutely loved our tour guide, a charming, poised older Irish lady who was both warm and engaging. (Another future goal: become a historical tour guide for a castle). She spoke a lot about Queen Victoria, who visited Ireland four times during her reign and ruled during the emergence of Irish nationalism. We even saw the massive throne made for George IV during his visit to Ireland, who the first visit by a reigning monarch in over 100 years, along with the small step-stool later added for Queen Victoria.
Bonus photo: We did not get many photos from our bike ride on Inishmore, one of the Aran Islands, but I do have this one of a llama that Kiki told me reminded her of me. Still trying to figure out what that means, but I am taking it as a compliment.
Despite some of this week is not pictured, it was clearly a busy one! We really packed all the sight-seeing in, and I am so grateful I got to explore so much in such a short amount of time. Beyond traveling, I’ve continued to learn a great deal through my internship, which has made me even more excited about a future career in tech. I’m consistently challenging myself both intellectually and communicatively, while also identifying new ways to improve our data hygiene and complete key projects by the end of the quarter. I am so lucky to be at a place where I am excited to go to work everyday, and look forward to the new opportunities to learn while at Dataships. Overall, I am really starting to settle in and appreciate all that this experience has to offer.
I love doing life with you! So excited for the rest of this trip and living together next year!