The homeland of Niall Horan, Ireland is most known for its Guinness, Leprechauns, and Saint Patrick’s Day. Let’s face it, some college students only remember that Ireland exists when St. Patty’s Day weekend rolls around. But honestly, Ireland has been one of my favorite places I’ve ever visited. I didn’t really know exactly what to expect when my family chose to travel there, but it was better than I could have ever imagined.
Visiting Ireland was one of the first trips I took where I was old enough to explore and understand the world around me. It wasn’t just an activity but a chance for me to learn more about a different culture and way of life. Very different from the hustle and bustle of the American lifestyle, it was fun to explore the many different parts of Irish culture.
Starting off in Dublin, we explored Trinity College. A University filled with old libraries and historic buildings. We then walked on the cobblestone streets through the South East Inner City. Walking across the bridge of the River Liffey, we spent three days exploring the city. Since my brother had newly turned 18 and was of legal drinking age, we decided to stop at the Guinness Storehouse. Which I learned is different from actual beer. And although I’m not of drinking age, it was still one of the coolest museums that I have been to.
Our second stop was the notorious Galway from Ed Sheeran’s ‘Galway Girl’ song. The streets were filled with colorful buildings and bustling streets. There’s an extraordinary amount of pubs, beers, and shops. It’s also known as the festival capital of Ireland, hosting an average of 120 festivals per year.
Next we visited the Cliffs of Moher located on the west coast of Ireland. Located in County Clare, it has beautiful views of the green cliffside and deep blue water. On a bright and sunny day, it was pretty magnificent to see how nature has changed that entire cliffside. In addition to the views was the entertainment from the stupidity of tourists. My brother and I saw someone get whistled at and pulled from the cliff’s edge as they were trying to capture a viral worthy photo. And although they put themselves in danger, it was pretty amusing to watch them run from the police.
Now three years later, I’m trying to figure out what part of Europe to study abroad in and Ireland is a top option on my list. With its magical landscapes, beautiful cities, and cute charm it’s honestly making me consider living there for a few months. What I’ve taken away from this experience is travel to unexpected parts of the world. Don’t just choose a country because it is currently the trendiest place to go; instead, explore all the different countries that have a culture that is worth exploring and learning about. You might just find your new favorite place to call home.