Inishmore Island Beach
Mountains of Galway
Hiking Trails
Mussels on the boat tour
Galway Street
In class this week, we studied abortion rights in Ireland and America. My group and I read through one specific court case, and it caused a lot of thoughtful consideration. It made me realize how much different the cultural and legal context here is when it comes to abortion and how recent some of the changes have been. It opened my eyes to the social and political truths of Ireland and made me aware of how laws reflect shifting values.
On the weekend, I traveled to Galway, and it was definitely my favorite experience on the trip. We took a ferry to an island and cycled around it the entire day, soaking up the breathtaking scenery and rolling hills, stone walls, animals like goats and cows just lying in the fields. A movie. The city of Galway itself was so lively, especially at Dail’s Bar and The Front Door with the live music and friendly locals.
One of the traditions that I have noticed is that everyone has dinner so late here. In my home, I always used to eat at 6 PM, but in Ireland, it is totally normal to have dinner at 8 or 9, especially when there is live music and drinks involved. I think it shows how much more social and relaxed their evenings are.
If you’re visiting Ireland, I’d completely recommend going to Galway. The scenery is well worth it in itself, but the folks you meet and the atmosphere of the town make it one to remember. We even ran into some our age who gave us a chilled-out, local pub crawl and hangouts tour—so friendly and hospitable.
One thing that I never thought I’d learn was how comfortable I’d gotten navigating strange cities and public transport. I thought that I’d be frozen, but I’ve gotten so much more confident just figuring it all out on a day-to-day basis.
One thing that I really enjoy here is the general vibe of the nights, live music, good conversation, and no rush. It’s more like being a person, and I love it.
I was a bit confused at first by how informal some professional interactions are here. People are friendlier and less stiff, which threw me off at first but now feels refreshing.
I’m really grateful for the friends I’ve made on this trip and the local people who’ve taken the time to welcome us. It’s made the experience that much richer.