It has been a little over a week since a group of 32 Mercyhurst students have landed in the beautiful country of Ireland. For the next ten weeks we will be studying in the charming town of Dungarven. Since the moment we got off the plane it has been an adventure! From taking tours of historic castles to meeting local people at Mary's pub. Although my fellow peers and I love to go out and experience the Irish life, we are hard at work with our studies. In Dr. McFee's class we are talking about socials ethics and in Dr. Reed's class we are reading the works of Irish authors. Then once a week on Tuesday we take a 45 minute ride up to WIT (Waterford Institute of Technology) and take an Irish history and Gaelic language class.

The Mayor of Dungarven welcoming Mercyhurst students

This past weekend, my fellow students and I found ourselves in the bustling city of Dublin. We took a tour of the city that covered everything from historic buildings and statues to modern art and exhibitions. We toured parliament and Christ Church Cathedral and walked the Ha' Penny bridge. The most humbling moment was when a group of students took the 40 minute walk to Baggot St. to see where the organization of the Sisters of Mercy all began. When we arrived, in such an overwhelming number we surprised the women with our unexpected visit. She said that she couldn't turn us away and gave us an exclusive and private tour of the International House. We had the honor to visit the grave of Catherine McAuley. The woman who started the Sisters of Mercy and made this college experience possible.

 

Ambassadors at Catherine McAuley's grave

As the exciting days in Dublin continued, it was said throughout the group that they were ready to go home. They did not mean back to the States with our parents and friends back on campus but back to Dungarven. In the short time that we have been here, Dungarven has become our home. The town members have become part of the Mercyhurst family and have welcomed us with loving arms.

Dungarven