Category Archives: Irish University

Liquidation & Renewal

On February 6, just before midnight, a plane carrying Ireland’s president landed at Dublin airport. It was a hastily arranged voyage, interrupting a state visit to Italy so that President Higgins could sign a piece of legislation into law. The … Continue reading

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Where’s the Craic? Cork

For those considering a visit to Ireland or applying to the Mitchell Scholarship, keep Cork in mind. For me, Cork has been a great place to live, learn, and make memories. Continue reading

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PeaceMeals in Belfast

There is unique healing to be found by creating space for people to let go of their troubles (or The Troubles) by laughing and talking around a shared meal. Continue reading

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Red box or green? A lesson in Irish localism

One thing I have noticed in my recent travels around Ireland and the UK in the last two months is how fiercely proud Irish people are of their local history, character, and traditions. Take drinking, for example.  In England, you … Continue reading

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A Galway Adventure

All I wanted to do was see the castle, I thought to myself as I stepped out of the back of the van with a shoddy clutch, onto the Salthill Promenade behind another passenger and an older Irish gentleman who … Continue reading

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A year of adventure

In addition to sitting in café’s working on my thesis, pints with my classmates discussing lectures, and walks through Stephens Green on sunny days, I have had the great pleasure of exploring Ireland and Europe thanks to the Mitchell fellowship. … Continue reading

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Familiarity & Surprise

As I understand more about the landscape and people around me, greater depths and layers are revealed. Perhaps it is only naiveté that could have led me to think this would not be the case, but nonetheless, I continue to be fascinated by what I observe. Continue reading

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Wasting Less, Feeding More

It was 3 a.m. and -4 degrees Celsius in Dublin’s Wolfe Tone Park. I was in a tent huddled with several young Dubliners. Like me, these young people were fired up about an issue that grips Ireland, the US, and … Continue reading

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Ordinary Days and Extraordinary People

It seems fitting to write this blog post about the people who turn ordinary days into ones filled with  adventure and endless laughter. I know that it might seem clichéd to say I feel I’ve known my friends in Derry/Londonderry … Continue reading

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Giants, Potatoes, and Troubles

Northern Ireland is a land of myths and legends. Giants, potatoes, and political violence are just a few. Continue reading

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From Egg Shaker to Guitar

When I told people I was moving to Ireland, more often than not they would respond with, “Enjoy those pub music sessions!” I would give a wise nod, knowing U2, Riverdance and Flogging Molly formed the bedrock of the Irish … Continue reading

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Learning from the Best

One of the first and most satisfying things I did when returning to the States this past summer was go to a bookstore.  Books!  In English!  As far as the eye could see! After a year in Japan, it was … Continue reading

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