Hello everybody!
My name is Afton Fay, and I’m a current junior studying for the autumn semester at UCC (University College Cork) in Cork, Ireland! I’m elated to share my Irish adventures and experiences with y’all!
My past week has been an absolute whirlwind, traveling around Ireland with my family who visited for a week! We came together in Dublin, stayed there for a weekend, and took the time to check out the social scene, go to the famous Guinness storehouse, and even catch a rugby game at Trinity College!
From there, I brought my family back to my home city – Cork! I had a blast taking them to all my favorite places around the city and showing them the school. The main campus has gorgeous buildings and is very different from what we are used to at Holy Cross, being very spread out and intermingling with the city. Oliver Plunkett Street, arguably one of the main cultural sites in Cork, has wonderous Christmas lights all the way down the street as Cork prepares for the holiday season early (not that I have any complaints). We stopped at some of my most noteworthy restaurants and pubs in my bustling little city, including Tom Barrys, Dwyers of Cork, Wabi Sabi, The Washington Inn, and Costigans. We even managed to catch a game of Gaelic Football!
On days when I have one class, I love to travel around our wonderous emerald island! My parents and I took a day trip over to the Dingle Peninsula, housing one of the most breathtaking views I have ever seen in my life! With beautiful cliffs, hills, and mountains with old stone fences to keep in the grazing sheep, this peninsula is the postcard picture of the Irish countryside. As the Irish equivalent of Cape Cod, Dingle is home to Irish summer vacationers. In the off-season, it is incredibly serene and quiet. But if you keep an eye out, you may be able to spot some hidden gems, such as getting to hold a baby lamb right next to a stunning cliffside.
After hearing so much about them, I took a trip to the Cliffs of Moher. While it is a bit of a hike up to Doolin from Cork, it is well worth it, and I totally understand the hype. Even with the Irish weather doing what it does and being incredibly windy and misty, the experience was jaw-dropping, and I suggest any Irish traveler go and share in the experience.
Until next time!
