Ireland is visited and loved by thousands of visitors each year, most of whom do not have any complains. No one really tells you about the rainy weather which plagues Ireland almost every day, they only tell you to bring a raincoat. Well let me tell you now, it rains a few times a day, every day.
Despite the notoriously bad weather, the Irish are hopeful, cheerful, and fun loving. They're charming and almost everyone is willing to help a lost American trying to read her map in downtown Dublin. It's exactly the type of warm welcoming you need when you're 3,000 miles away from home.
I arrived at The University College Dublin in Ireland as part of the GW Exchange program about two weeks ago and have been enjoying it ever since. There were several receptions which allowed for international students to mingle and take part in traditional Irish dancing- which is something everyone should try at least once. I have also enrolled in several clubs since the beginning of classes which include the engineering society, food society, and mountaineering club. Clubs are the best way to meet the locals and not only are they fun and social, but they come with a ton of benefits as well! For example, each club you join (only 2 EUROS) will give you a membership card that provides you with discounts at several stores and restaurants, and comes with weekly trips to take part in.
The mountaineering club is a perfect way to make friends with similar hiking interests, while also getting to travel throughout the beautiful Irish coasts and mountains. The club is involved in several activities other than just hiking, but they are also committed to keeping Ireland clean and beautiful for generations to come by volunteering to pick up litter throughout their many adventures. On most weekends, the club will take a trip to a nearby hiking location and volunteer to help clean up the park or visit local areas such as the bay when the tide is low to pick up trash. My experiences so far throughout Ireland include the Dublin bay and Cliffs of Moher- two areas that seem to be completely unaffected by pollution and litter. Guess the hard work pays off!
So far Ireland has been nothing but good to me, even with the random rain showers everyday. I am so excited for the next few months!