Week 5 of Bucknell in Dublin ended with the 4th of July on Friday night. On Friday, Price, Layth, and I attended yet another Saint Patrick’s FC soccer game. Unfortunately, once again, the game ended 0–0. Although the game was scoreless, it was an incredibly exciting match. St. Patrick’s FC took on Bohemian FC, the other Irish soccer team in Dublin. As both teams were from Dublin, it made the game a historic and competitive one. After the game, Price, Layth, and I ventured off into the city to meet up with Ellix and his parents. Ellix’s parents were visiting to celebrate Mrs. Sandhu’s birthday, which was also on the 4th of July. After a quick celebration, we went off into the city to celebrate the birthday of the United States of America. Although not being in the United States, we did our very best to celebrate as if we were. On Saturday morning, we woke up early to start our two-night trip in Northern Ireland. The Titanic museum was pretty cool to see, as I grew up as a Titanic fanatic. After the Titanic museum, we went on a taxi cab ride that went over the political tensions that happened in Belfast as well as all over Northern Ireland. Although it had been a very long day, it was very interesting to learn about the struggle the Irish people endured when it came to their British occupation. After the tour, we checked into our hotel, got a delicious Italian dinner, and headed out to Belfast to watch the Club World Cup at a pub. Sunday was a rather adventurous day as we spent the beginning of the day visiting Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, which was exhilarating to walk across. After the Bridge, we visited the Giant’s Causeway and took a quick walk up to the top for a great view. Finally, we visited a sheep farm and got to see how well-trained sheepdogs are when it comes to listening to commands. Once checked into our hotels, Price, Ellix, Layth, and I, although tired, decided to go out in Derry for some traditional Irish music. We found a great spot that played some amazing traditional Irish music. To finish up the night, we ended up at a Karaoke bar and enjoyed our final night in Northern Ireland. On Monday, we visited the free Derry Museum. The Museum was incredibly sad, but it told the powerful story of Irish resistance to colonial rule. After a long bus ride home, we finally got back home to UCD. Overall, this weekend was a jam-packed weekend full of fond memories.
Beautiful water near Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge