After wrapping up another productive week, I’m heading into week four with enthusiasm and curiosity for what experiences it holds. Transparently, the weeks are beginning to blur a bit; in the best way, it feels like I have been here for months, but I also can’t believe how quickly the weeks have gone by when I reflect on our time here. My work week was pretty standard as I have gotten into a schedule of what is to be expected of me. Typically what is requested of me includes drafting press releases, finding client coverage, fulfilling PR packages and more recently, creating social content myself on behalf of the brand! There are also lots of post office runs in the mix on a daily basis as well which is nice to get up and moving during the office hours.
In our continual exploration of Ireland, we left Dublin early Saturday morning to set out for Blarney Castle. En route, we stopped at Rock of Cashel which I was pleasantly amazed by. Considering it was a quick stop, I was not prepared to see such a beautiful landscape in addition to such an ancient cathedral. This set the tone for an incredible day as once we arrived to Blarney Castle, I was joined by a few friends who decided to bare the hour and forty minute wait to kiss the stone alongside myself. The wait was definitely worth it! The castle itself, which is never the focus of the landmark location, had aged incredibly well and it was a beautiful day to take in the landscape as we climbed the spiral staircase. On the way back from the Blarney Castle, we stopped at Cahir Castle. I had never heard of this location before, and although we were all quite exhausted by this point, the tour guide was very engaging and made the tour very interesting, hearing about the location as once a battleground for its inhabitants. Whilst Saturday was a beautiful day, Sunday easily was the highlight of the week. Over dinner conversations, my roommates and I had began to brainstorm things we would like to do on our day off. 40 Foot had been one of our first conversation starters, and with a warm day in the forecast, it seemed like a no brainer. Prior to going for a swim, we stopped at a farmers market nearby that was filled with local venders ranging from jewelry and clothing to pastries. We actually talked to a nice woman for a bit who was interested in us being American, offering us many suggestions for new pubs and activities to partake in over our next four weeks. Once arriving at 40 Foot, we were amazed by the landscape. We all walked past the coast, eager to jump in the water despite knowing how cold it was. At a whooping 59.9 degrees Fahrenheit, we all successfully jumped in with small hesitation off of one of the staircases leading into the water. With a newfound confidence knowing we took our first dip in, we went onto the rocks and followed in many others’ footsteps jumping off into the clear water. It was such a peaceful experience and although it was closer to a cold plunge than a swim, we all said we can not wait to go back. We ended up falling upon the other market we had hoped to find afterwards where I got the best churros I could have imagined; a perfect way to end a successful trip if you ask me. After a quick run to Supervalu, we found ourselves back on the 39A to get home and make dinner.
Monday came quickly, as it often does, but class is always entertaining. I enjoy the education on not only the land we are studying in presently, but the parallels that are made to back home. It all feels very applicable and relevant which keeps my attention steady. Class was shortly followed by a tour of the Guinness Storehouse which was very interesting. I had not looked into it much, but had heard all good reviews, so having a first impression of the visit upon arrival made it quite the experience!
As we continue this week, I am looking forward to visiting Belfast and Derry this weekend! We actually were required to get a visa to travel this Saturday, so I am interested to see how Northern Ireland compares to where we have traveled so far!
The Rock of Cashel Cathedral
Campbell, Sienna, Kayla and I in the water at 40 Foot! We are definitely not cold!
Molly and I walking into the first farmer’s market of the day. This one was Blackrock Market as captured!
Paintings that lined the sidewalk at the second farmer’s market closer to 40 Foot in Dun Laoghaire.
Sienna, Kayla, Campbell, and I outside of the Rock of Cashel.
Kissing the Blarney Stone was definitely worth the wait, I’m so glad we got to share that unique experience!
What a fun week! So glad we got the time to visit forty foot on Sunday. It was such a beautiful place and stopping by the farmers market afterwards easily made this one of my favorite experiences on this trip. We will definitely be back there on another sunny day!