Getting Touristy - First Official Week: Saturday and Sunday

Saturday 1.18.2014:

Today we got to go on two tours provided by my Uni - The Guinness Storehouse and Croke Park. We took a bus to the storehouse and then went on a guided tour through the museum.

Fun fact 1: The Storehouse is designed to resemble the shape of a Guinness pint

If there was every a doubt in my mind that I am Bob Heck's daughter, it was shattered when I was on the tour. Not only did I want to stand and read about everything, but I was seriously disappointed/upset that the tour went by so quickly. I even wanted to raise my hand and ask a couple of questions....in classic Bob Heck fashion. After the tour we had the opportunity to learn how to pour a glass of Guinness (yes, there is a specific technique). For instance, you fill up the glass until the golden harp logo, then you let it sit for a while until all the foam has formed at the top. After this has happened then you top up the glass.

Fun fact 2: It takes 119.5 seconds to pour and serve a pint of Guinness.

After learning the correct technique, I had a chance to try it out my self.

After everyone had there chance to pour there own pint we went up the Gravity Bar at the very top of the storehouse. I was able to see the whole city from up there! Even with it being rainy and grey out it was a fantastic view!

Fun fact 3: I like Guinness.

Hunger started to set in with the whole crowd so we went to grab lunch at the restaurant. I had some Guinness beef stew and it was delicious. After our incredibly filling lunch we explored the gift shop a little then hopped back on the bus to go to the next place - Croke Park. 

Croke Park Stadium is the home of all Gaelic Sports. So if one wanted to watch Hurling or Gaelic Football they would go here. In Ireland there is something called the All-Ireland, which is a competition hosted by the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) for all of the counties in Ireland. Every county has their official Hurling and Gaelic Football team and so every county is represented. The competition culminates with a Final match for both sports. These final matches are played at Croke. It's a really really big deal here in Ireland. We got a chance to tour the stadium then try out some game simulators to see if we have any of the talents needed to be good at these sports. Despite my fairly good athleticism, I do not possess these talents needed.

After this museum visit we all headed home and relaxed for the night. This mostly consisted of watching Friends while lounging in the beanbag sofa. 

Sunday 1.19.2014:

On this day we ventured more on the outdoorsy side. We went on another organized tour through a group called ESN. We went to a former fishing village, now a current suburb of Dublin, called Howth. We went to the harbor and took some scenic pictures there before starting the long hike for the day. While at the harbor we saw a seal. Yes, a seal....in Dublin...who knew that was a thing? Catie decided to name the seal Guinness (clever right?). 

After the Harbor we started our long hike for the day. In the middle of the hike we were interrupt by a 8K run. It was really interesting to watch people struggle up the hills and in the mud no less. After about an hour, hour and half of hiking we stopped and ate some lunch - I had fish and chips. After lunch we continued the hike back to the harbor. Below are lots of pictures from the hike.

Koadie in her natural habitat

  

 

 

 

 After this very exhausting hike everyone called it a day and went back to their homes in order to rest up. This trip really showed me why studying in Ireland is such a great opportunity. It covers everything that one should have in a study abroad opportunity - fascinating history, world-known locations/sites, outdoor activities, sporting events, nightlife, museums, etc. With everyday I am loving Ireland more and more!

Cheers,
Jenny