Derry to Dublin (and Surfing!)

 June 9, 2025

OK, the moment you've all been waiting for - surfing in Bundoran (IN THE ATLANTIC OCEAN!!!). When I heard that there was a surfing day planned, by first thought was, "Yeah, not happening." But Niamh is a persuasive speaker, and she promised it would not be cold with our 3mm wetsuits. She promised.

Kalli Surfing in BundoranMelanie Surfing in BundoranKaydence Surfing in Bundoran

I have to say, I didn't believe her. I thought that her idea of cold and Hawai'i cold were two different things...but she was right! I put aside my doubts and fears and just went for it. I haven't even surfed in Hawai'i, but it was an amazing experience. So much fun!

Aidan Surfing in BundoranJason Surfing in Bundoran 

The day ended with traditional music in the pub connected to our "apartotel" (apartment + hotel). In Ireland, the pub isn't just for adults. It's a meeting place for families, and it's common to see kids. The family pictured below showed off their expertise across the generations, with kids and parents playing complicated tunes together.

Traditional Music in the PubSusan and Melanie in the Pub

June 10, 2025

This day began with a morning lecture about famine, poverty, and emigration, which was meaningful for many of us with family ancestry from Ireland and Scotland. I include Scotland because the British installed Scottish farmers on Irish land, displacing native farmers, and it's important to understand that in the larger historical picture. 

We have all heard of the Great Potato Famine, known locally as the Great Hunger, but few of us learned the details surrounding it. One million Irish people died of starvation and 2 million left the country - not because there was no food because of the potato blight, but because the food that existed would not be shared.


Slieve Liag HikeMelanie, Slieve Liag ViewLobster Roll Food Truck

In the afternoon, we saw some of the most beautiful views ever at the Slieve Liag cliffs. Some of us enjoyed fresh lobster rolls and, of course, did more shopping. I am a little embarrassed to say that I bought an actual sheepskin, but my cat loves it, so there you go! We headed to Killibegs, a fishing town, for a lunch of fish and chips (just chips for the vegetarians).

Luna loves her sheepskin!

June 11, 2025

Next on our itinerary was a trip to Derry in Northern Ireland, where we attended the Museum of Free Derry. It was extremely sad to learn about Bloody Sunday, see artifacts from the day, and learn about the events leading up to it. But it was also very hopeful seeing this beautiful, peaceful city knowing about its history. We had our photo taken in front of the Derry Girls mural (I admit I haven't seen the show yet), shopped, and toured the beautiful Guild Hall.

Derry ShopsDerry Girls Mural (L to R: Hannah, Kaydence, Susan, Melanie, Violette, Kalli)

It was our last night in Bundoran before heading back to Dublin, so we celebrated with Karaoke Irish style. What a blast! Even the quietest students surprised us with amazing performances under a professional type light show. 

Aidan and Jason Singing "Ice, Ice, Baby"Kaydence and Kalli Singing "Put Your Records On"


June 12, 2025

Last day in Ireland we spent in Dublin soaking in the last of this wonderful city, albeit in the rain. A group of us tagged along with Niamh to the National Museum of Ireland, where we saw bog bodies that had been preserved for centuries (wow!) and Irish artifacts from throughout history.

Bog Dirt Layers DisplayVery Long Cutout Log BoatRock Carved with Ancient Symbols

Ancient Weapons

We hated to say goodbye to Niamh of whom we'd grown very fond. She gifted us with a last walk through St. Stephen's Green, a lovely Dublin park, and shared with us the statues and stories of Constance Markiewicz, an early feminist and Wolfe Tone, the leader of the 1798 rebellion against the British crown. 


It was fitting to end our stay in Dublin with a performance of Riverdance. The athleticism was mind-blowing, and being there in the Gaiety Theatre fulfilled a longtime dream. If you ever get the chance to go, I highly recommend it!

RiverdanceRiverdanceGaiety Theatre











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