Our trip to Dublin (30.09.-06.10.2024)
Our journey began early in the morning at Graz Airport. Although the flight went smoothly, we were completely exhausted by the time we landed in Dublin. After arriving, we were taken to a parking lot where our host parents for the week picked us up. Nothing particularly noteworthy happened on that first day as we settled in.
On Monday, we got our first taste of life in Dublin with a sightseeing tour—under the rain. Although the rain made things a bit challenging, we still managed to have a good day, shopping in the city center and attending our first classes, which were surprisingly fun and engaging.
Tuesday brought us a hike after our morning classes. Though the hike was much more exhausting than most of us expected, the breathtaking view from the top made it all worth it.
Wednesday was a night to remember—we went to a pub singalong! Despite some initial doubts about the activity, we ended up having a blast, singing along to a few traditional Irish songs that, although unusual for us, we really enjoyed.
On Thursday afternoon, we visited Dublinia, a museum showcasing Dublin’s history. I especially enjoyed the interactive exhibits and learning more about the city we’d been exploring for the past few days.
Friday was a free afternoon, giving everyone the chance to do their own thing. Most of us spent the time shopping and wandering around the city, soaking up the atmosphere for the last time, as it was our final day in Dublin.
Saturday was my personal highlight. We traveled to Kilkenny, a charming little city about two hours from Dublin. We took a walking tour, learning some interesting facts about the city, and then had two hours of free time to explore. Kilkenny was quiet, beautiful, and the people were incredibly welcoming. After lunch, we visited Kilkenny Castle, one of the coolest and most interesting places I’ve ever been.
Overall, the week was an amazing experience, though not without its challenges. Some classmates had difficulties with their host families, and adjusting to the weather and cultural differences was tough for most of us. But from my perspective, I truly enjoyed the trip and would recommend it to anyone willing to make these adjustments.
Ireland is quite different from Austria, which made certain aspects of the trip complicated, but it also allowed us to grow as individuals. Even those who weren’t initially enthusiastic about the trip learned something valuable. We felt independent for the week, which I think was an important step in our personal growth. Also, the daily classes were informative and fun to attend. It was a great opportunity to learn about Ireland and to improve our English skills during our stay.
In conclusion, it was an incredible class trip. We bonded with classmates we hadn’t talked too much before, and the shared experience of exploring a new country brought us closer as a class.
Leyla Coban