Week four:
Dublin
This last week we traveled to Dublin. I was excited to experience another city, especially one in the Republic. Upon arrival Terry showed us around a bit, but then we were able to explore on our own. The hostel we stayed at was very centrally located so everything was within easy walking distance.
On Tuesday we had a lecture on the 1916 Rising in Dublin. Afterwards, we went to Kilmainham Jail where many of the leaders of that Rising were held and executed. It was interesting to learn about events that led up to Irish Independence and partitioning. Late that evening we went to the theatre and saw 'Shining City'.
Wednesday we visited the Irish Parliament. I have to admit this was a little boring. We sat in on a session and I really had no idea what they were talking about. After though I went to the National Museum and saw many artifacts that dated back to ancient Celtic times.
Thursday was our free day. Some of the people in our group took day trips out along the coast while others took the bus tour of the city. I ended up just walking around and experiencing the hustle of the city. Dublin is very nice but I admit I sort of missed Derry where life move a little slower. That evening though, Kyle, Zach, and I took the Haunted Bus Tour. It was loads of laughs and a wonderful way to end the trip. Friday then it was back on the bus and to what is really seeming like home...........Derry.'
Marissa Buckley
This past week was spent in Dublin, the capital of the Republic. Dublin is a gorgeous city, filled with tons to see and do. We stayed at the Kinlay House hostel, just near the Temple Bar area and only a stone’s throw from the beautiful Christchurch and Dublin Castle (for you stone throwers). The hostel was also pretty cool, except for the fact that there were no towels in the bathrooms. But every morning we were treated to coffee and juice and toast.
The group mainly spent their time doing shopping and visiting the historical landmarks, while I frequented the establishments of the Temple Bar area, where good music was thankfully a nightly occurrence. One of the highlights of the week came when we all went to see the play ‘Shining City’ at the Gate Theatre. It was a very well-written work and thoroughly enjoyable.
I’m also glad that we took a trip to the Dail Eireaan, the seat of government for the Republic. We attended a question and answer session and then went to the National History museum, which contained artifacts from the Vikings, Celts, and even the Egyptians. I think my favorite sightseeing expedition, however, was the trip to Kilmainham Gaol. Kilmainham is a large, imposing ramshackle building which once was home to such Irish notables as Eamon DeValera and the Countess Markievicz. During our free day, I hopped on a bus and took a tour of the northern countryside around Dublin. We went to spots like Malahide Castle, Dublin Bay, and the quaint town of Clontarf, once home to both James Joyce and Bram Stoker.
Oh yeah, speaking of buses and Bram Stoker: Kyle Lentz, Marissa Buckles and I all took a tour of Dublin’s most-haunted areas aboard the delightfully-ghoulish ‘Ghost Bus’ which, as the sign said, was ‘the world’s only ghost bus.’ I don’t want to get into details, but let’s just say that Marissa was allowed to take part in a demonstration that involved a huge hook being placed under her jawbone. It was a great time!
Z. P. Burton
Week five:
All aboard for a one way trip on Cedar Point's newest thrill, a bus ride around Ireland's countryside. This new thrill will reach speeds never reached before, right down the center of the road. Beware to small European cars and sheep the bus will not stop for you. The bus will however be making two stops, where you may exit the ride as long as you can stand the rain and massive gusts of wind. Note to all riders if you get the idea of touching the ocean, DON'T!
Michele Bailey
On this past Saturday, we spent the day in Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland. While we were there we did a variety of exciting things. First we started off the day by going to 
the Belfast City Hall and meeting the Lord Mayor and had tea and coffee with him. Then we received a tour of the City Hall and learned about its history. Following that we had a little free time so some people ate and others shopped (Basically the guys ate and the girls shopped). After we gathered again we then headed out to Stormont to take a tour of the Northern Ireland Parliament building.
After we left there, we then went on a bus tour of The Falls, a Catholic area, and Shankill Road, a Protestant area. These are the two nerve centres of The Troubles. Up next was a little free time to explore Belfast. Some people shopped, others grabbed a bite to eat, and some just took in the sights that the city had to offer. The group met up again and we then went and saw an excellent and funny play called John Bull’s Other Island. The evening was capped off with an hour bus ride home with the entertainment specialties of our bus driver, Michael.
Kyle Lentz
I am really enjoying my time in Northern Ireland. I am making a lot of new friends from all over Ireland and Europe. One thing that has allowed me to make a lot of new friends is with my involvement in two clubs on campus, the rugby club and the basketball club. The rugby club is loads of fun and along 
with practice three days a week we have a lot of social get togethers to encourage team unity. I have only recently joined the basketball club, but am really enjoying playing again. Andrew, Molly, Melanie, and I have been attending services at a Protestant church down the road from the college called Derry/Donegal Christian Fellowship. It is a smaller church but they sing a lot of praise and worship songs and everyone is really nice and the fellowship is great. Another plus about it is that service doesn't start until 7 at night so I can sleep in Sunday mornings. Although Ireland is as great as everyone talked it up to be, there are a few things that I do miss from back home. There is very little hunting over here with the exception of a little wetland game and fox hunting. I really miss my coon hunting and deer hunting seasons back in the States. Another thing I miss is my truck.. all the vehicles over here are really compact. Oh well, I guess I can go a while longer without either but I am looking forward to getting home for these things. Our trip to Belfast on Saturday was great. We had a good bus ride to Belfast. The first thing we did was to have tea with the Lord Mayor of the city, then take a tour of the city council. It was very interesting. This was helpful to relate these places to what we have studied about in our classes at Magee. After that we had a little bit of free time to travel around Belfast and grab a bite to eat. Then that night we went to see "John Bulls Other Island" at the lyric play house. This was a very good play and everyone seemed to enjoy it. After that we traveled home and returned back to Derry around 12:30 a.m.
Mike Klotz
Week six:I am really enjoying my experience in Northern Ireland. The country is so beautiful and the people are so welcoming. Each day, I learn something new. Last Saturday, our group went to Belfast. While there, we toured City Hall and we met the Lord Mayor. After that, we went to Stormont, the parliament building in Northern Ireland. In the evening, we saw a play entitled, ‘John Bull’s Other Island.’ It explored the different stereotypes which are typically used to describe the English and the Irish people. The play was quite good. It really made people think about the relationship, or lack thereof, between Ireland and England over the years. This week was our last week of classes. Our classes included Irish Literature and Culture, Politics and Government of Northern Ireland, Peace-Building via Reconciliation, History of Northern Ireland and International Conflict Resolution. All of the classes were very helpful and they all assisted us in gaining a better understanding of the conflict in Northern Ireland.
In November, we begin our work placements. Each place is supportive of the pursuit of peace. From schools to groups which promote reconciliation, each place is making a valuable contribution to society. For one month, we are given the opportunity to help and to learn from the people at our work placement. I am really looking forward to this opportunity. The Northern Ireland cross-cultural experience continues to be enlightening. From classes to various trips, every experience in Northern Ireland has been very beneficial. I’m sure all of the experiences in future will be just as beneficial.
Melanie Murray
