My faviorte weekend trip was this past weekend. This being our last weekend in Ireland made it bitter sweet, however, it was something I will never forget. It was a bank Holiday here in Ireland as well which was exciting to be a part of. Saturday we went to West point and started our day early climbing Croagh Patrick, which is, is a 764 metres or we would say 2,507 foot mountain and it is an important site of pilgrimage in County Mayo, Republic of Ireland.

This was a huge accomplishment. Our small group stuck together and climbed to the top and pushed each other to finish. Once we started we made sure that we all stuck together. All week at my placement I was told that I could do it but it would be a challenge. I did not realize how much of a challenge it would be till we started climbing. The view was amazing and it was a great feeling once we reached the top of Croagh Patrick. Once we got to the bottom of the mountain was an even better relief. We all then went in to town for a nice dinner to celebrate our accomplishment. At dinner I really felt the connection between our group we came together. We have become a family in this short three week period and learned how to encourage each other and build up everyone’s confidence. Once we finished dinner we shopped around and then took the bus back home to relax our stiff bodies from the climb.

The next day we went to Galway our first stop was the cathedral. It was beautiful. The pews were all facing different directions which I found strange. It was a beautiful place to worship and pray for others. Then we were dropped in town to shop. This was fun the weather was nice so many were out and about. This gave us a chance to interact with people and meet up with a friend we meet on this trip from Galway. His name is Ryan and he DJ’s at a pub during the week. He meets us after noon where he took us to the best shops and an American candy shop to start.

Then he showed us the claddagh. This is where the Irish Claddagh rings shape was discovered. It was based on a church which was the heart for love, and then the town circled the church which is the hands which stands for togetherness. Then the crown means loyalty. This was great to see because many have an Irish claddagh ring but don’t know where it came from and what it means. Ryan then showed us the old Spanish arch which was a trading market. He took us to a water polo match which isn’t like our water polo. Their water polo is played in kayaks where ours is not.  

Then we went to the beach. There was a football tournament in the park which I loved seeing because that is something I played when I was younger. But this was not like a simple park tournament. There were a ton of people in the park watching these games very invested in a little park match. This shows that here in Ireland many are very invested in football and it is a large part of their culture.

Then Ryan took us to a family run business that he worked at when he was younger. Where I tried bacon and cabbage, which here is a dish that Irish are known for. It was great the cabbage was good and of course the meal came with some potato as a side. The meal was great and I would eat that again. The restaurant was amazing and the owner still remembered Ryan.

As we drove back to town Ryan would tell us many things about the outskirts of the town which I found fascinating. Many young people don’t know much about their own culture or surroundings. I say this because I am ignorant about landmarks at home and would have no idea what to tell visitors about my homeland. He was so kind and helpful. Very into his family culture and is very respectful and loved showing us around his home.

Then the Bank holiday began. We got home a little around 8pm and relaxed from our busy day in Galway. Then we got ready for the night. Ryan told us that a Bank holiday is the fourth of July or New Years and that the pubs and night clubs would be packed. So he got us on one of the VIP lists and we got to truly experience the night life in Sligo. We went to a pub first and danced then when to the disco, which is also a night club. We enjoyed our night full of dancing and meeting others. We meet some students from Ireland and also meet a couple of people from England which was great. We really enjoyed our weekend and the bank holiday.

Croagh Patrick was an amazing view while coming down the mountain we could see the ocean and all the islands surrounding it something I will never forget. The towns are indescribable here in Ireland. Each store is different colors inviting customers in. I also love the bus rides because I get to the country side of Ireland which is VERY Green! This shows the natural beauty of Ireland. It’s hard to describe the place because it is beautiful and makes me speechless. The way that many if not all things are natural and the landscapes are gorgeous. On a sunny cloudless day anywhere in Ireland one can capture its true beauty. Before this trip everyone told me Ireland was Beuatiful but never said how or why they thought that and now i know because it is really hard to discribe something so beautiful.