Top Left: Countryside of Ireland along the coast

Top right: Aras, the home to the President of Ireland

Bottom Left:Castle in Kilkenny, Ireland

Bottom Right: Some of the murals from the Catholic side of the Conflict in Belfast, Ireland

Getting to spend two weeks in Ireland and Northern Ireland was absolutely amazing. Our class was Cross Cultural Conflict and Dispute Resolutions and we looked at the troubles of Northern Ireland. We got to spend a week in Dublin and then a week split between Derry and Belfast in Northern Ireland. It was so amazing getting to experience the Irish culture. They were some of the friendliest people I have ever met and they sure knew how to have a lot of fun! I had such a fun time navigating the cities because I did not know much about them, but I found the struggle of a new adventure really fun. There was so much pride that the people of Ireland have in their country and heritage, especially in Dublin. However, going up to Northern Ireland, which was considered a part of the United Kingdom, the conflict that existed between the Irish and Brits was still noticeable. It was a challenge yet exciting adventuring all over the country with my class. I would say the hardest part of being in Ireland and Northern Ireland was having to leave. I have left the US on my own before when I was much younger and this was no different. I loved adventure and being out on my own, and I even took a weekend trip on my own to a small town that had a castle. Ireland was awesome and I would recommend everyone to come and visit.