Day 5 - Kinsale and Cobh

Today we stopped in a town called Kinsale and headed to Cobh – the last port The Titanic left. How exciting it was!

In Kinsale we saw the Church of Ireland and took a trolley ride to explore some historical forts that many Irish battles took place. After all of our history lessons, we went to lunch at Dino’s. The locals raved that it had the best fish and chips – and they did! Yum yum yum!

Our next stop was Cobh. We got a little lost trying to figure out how to get there, because we were never told that we had to take a car ferry over to the location. When we got there – we were all able to picture the Titantic and the thousands of people standing right where we were. It was a surreal visit and after watching the movie for the past ten years and then actually being there. There was a rose bush and for the first time in my life, I actually took the time to stop and smell them. Maybe today I learned by third Ireland lesson!

Our final destination was Dungarvan. This town is the city where Mercyhurst College has their site campus. I was so excited to visit this city to discover why all the Mercyhurst student come home raving about it and making the rest of us jealous! This city was beautiful. It was full of life and laughter. The town was so very welcoming to us. To all of our surprise, we were greeted with a signed that read “Dungarvan, twinned with Erie, Pa.” We were so shocked! That night we went to a pub called “Minnies” and met a Mercyhurst friend of mine’s mom and sister! Antoher lesson – it is a small world we live in!

The place we will be staying for the next three nights is The Barnabwee Bed and Breakfast. It is simply stunning. Within the first ten minutes of us unloading our luggage, there was a rainbow right over our heads! The walk into the town of Dungarven was a short 20 minutes along the water. I feel so lucky to be here.

Sláinte!

Meghan

Day 4 - Blarney Castle

 

AHH! Today we visited the Blarney Castle and kissed the Blarney Stone. When you kiss the Blarney Stone, you are supposed to receive the gift of eloquence. I kissed the stone back in November whenever I came over with my family, so maybe this will make me more eloquent.  The Blarney stone is at the very top of the castle, and climbing to the top of the castle is not an easy feat. The hall ways are narrow and the stairs are broken in many places.

When you climb to the top you lay off the side of the edge and tilt your head to kiss the official Blarney Stone. I have heard from my Irish Mercyhurst friends that locals often sneak onto Blarney property and pee on the stone, but I convinced myself that it was not the truth! After roaming the grounds for an hour we visited the Blarney Woolen mills. I bought myself a wool scarf and bought Irish shortbread cookies for my sisters – they will LOVE them!

At lunch we had a book discussion. This trip will be counting for 3 credits so we had some work that came along with the trip. One of our assignments was to read a book, “ANAM CARA, A Book of Celtic Wisdom by John O'Donohue. The point of the book was to love yourself before you can accept love from others. I think that it is a great lesson for me to take in. It also seems that this lesson is portrayed in the day to day life for the Irish. Maybe that is why they always seem so friendly and happy!

After our lunch we headed to meet the owner of a local bed and breakfast for a history lesson of County Cork. During this time, I quickly realized how much pride everyone has for their country. There does not seem to be much political drama or county arguments, everyone is just proud to be living in the county they live in.

Tonight we are headed out to town and meet the locals!

Sláinte!

Meghan

Day 3 - Knock

Today we did a lot of driving to head towards our next stop – County Cork. On our three hour drive, we stopped along the way in Knock. In this town, Mary appeared in a local chapel. This chapel is now a sacred place and visited by people across the world – even Pope John Paul II. He had visited some time ago and left a golden rose for display in which we all got to see. Outside the chapel they sold empty cases for holy water. You were able to fill the bottle at the stations of the cross. Every station had a faucet which dispensed holy water for us to take as a souvenir.

After we had lunch in Knock, we got back on the road and headed to Cork. It was hard to sleep in the van, because I enjoyed looking out the window. Sometimes, all we can see is miles of green grass and cows.

Driving over in Ireland is also a new experience. The driver sits on the opposite of the car, and drives on the opposite side of the road. Thank goodness I am in good hands with Dr. Tobin behind the wheel. He is the Vice President of Student Life. Oh, I am also traveling with 5 other students and Christine Brotherson, the Assistant Director of Campus Ministry.

Once we arrived in Cork, we settled into our next hostel and hit the town. We ate dinner at a restaurant called “Captain Americas.” I think in this restaurant we fit right in!

I am SO EXCITED for tomorrow. We are headed to kiss the Blarney stone! Maybe that means my blog posts will become more eloquent!

Sláinte!

Meghan

Day 2 - The Aran Islands

 

We woke up early this morning to head to the Aran Islands. Even though it seemed like a nice warm day, I was shocked the ferry ride over was so cold! The wind was cutting right through my rain jacket. As we were aboard the 20 minute ferry ride, I met a couple who was headed to the same place we are! She was from South Africa and he was from Ireland. As we got to talking, she said something that I think will really stick to me – “Americans live to work, but the Irish work to live.” Maybe this was the first lesson I was destined to learn during my time here. With my senior year right around the corner, maybe I should take this to heart.

As we arrived to the Island, it did not get much warmer. In fact, it started to rain. We were planning on renting bikes and riding through the island, but instead, we hired a driver. The island was beautiful. I cannot believe people live right on the island. It is not like the islands I am used to however, this island was not tropical or glamorous, it was homey and comfortable. The locals were so kind to us – and made a great bowl of stew!

We battled the rain and hiked up and down the hills to ensure we would get to see every tourist location the island had to offer. Though I did not understand what each place represented, I knew it was beautiful and I was lucky to see every bit of it.

I am still working on beating this jet lag – I am hoping for a good night’s sleep tonight – wish me luck!

Sláinte!

Meghan

Day 1 - The Cliffs of Moher

So, after many months of planning, saving my money and building up my excitement, I have finally arrived in Ireland! The next two weeks I know are going to be full of adventure and I plan to learn lessons about myself, my heritage and about the Irish Catholic identity that I see day in and day out at Mercyhurst. I am hoping to meet up with a few of my Mercyhurst friends who are from Ireland, too!

The flights were long, but well worth it. I am relieved that none of my luggage has been lost. It was hard enough to fit two weeks’ worth of my life into one bag – so phew! We exchanged our money, got our first Irish cup of coffee and headed to the Cliffs of Moher!

Though I have been here before with my family at Thanksgiving, the Cliffs went above my expectations. The view took my breath away again. Usually I am terrified of heights, but it must have been the adrenaline (or the jet lag) that led me to the edge to simply just pose for pictures! My parents are going to think I photo shopped these!

From the Cliffs, we headed to our first stop – Galway. Along the way, we stopped in a town called Kilfenora. Here, I realized that I like the taste of tea!  After meeting some locals, we headed back on the road towards Galway.

Once arriving to Galway, we made it to our hostel. It is located in the center of downtown Galway and surrounded by restaurants, stores and pubs. We are going to head out tonight to a local pub after grabbing some dinner next door! I cannot wait to have a real Irish meal.

Tomorrow we are headed to the Aran Islands!

Sláinte!!

Meghan

Leaving Today!

Hello there! My name is Meghan Hess. I am going to be a Senior next year! Woo hoo! I am studying Business Marketing and have a minor in Strategic Communications. This summer as I completed two summer internships and a summer job, I was also preparing myself for a two week trip to Ireland.

When I found out about the trip in the Spring, I knew it was something I wanted to explore. After  completing all of the steps necessary to apply to be a part of the “Pilgrimage” I received a spot!

In this trip to Ireland I will be with five other students and two Mercyhurst administrators. We will be exploring Ireland for a week and a half and ending the trip in Dublin for a couple days. During our time in Dublin, we will be attending a Mercy Leadership Conference at the Mercy International Center located on Baggott street in Dublin.

I am so excited for this trip and I know it will be a great time! Two weeks seems to be a while, but I think if I was able to successfully pack for this trip, I can do anything!

See you in Ireland,

Sláinte! (Cheers in Gaelic!)

Meghan