Cliffs of Moher

Author: Dalton Roberts | Majors: Agricultural Business, Political Science | Semesters: Fall 2022 & Spring 2023

On August 31, 2022, I gathered my belongings and started to depart the Dublin airport. Once outside I was met with a rush of cool air, blue skies, and uncertainty. Pushing my thoughts aside I caught the next taxi and began my journey in Ireland for the next nine months. During this first month studying abroad I realized uncertainty is the only certain thing, so lean in and embrace it. Whether that be arriving in Dublin and finding your apartment still under construction, visiting the coastal town of Doolin and realizing the three town taxis are booked for the next 4 hours, or spontaneously traveling to London for the weekend.

During my short time in Dublin, one thing I have truly come to love is the Trinity College campus. The grand buildings covering the landscape of the historic campus transitions you back in time. You can find yourself lost in admiring the breathtaking architecture and design throughout the college. The biggest challenge while attending Trinity has been adjusting to a more laid-back process. Module enrollment opens only a week before classes begin, which does not seem too stressful. Then enrollment opens and the realization hits that times are not given when selecting modules. Try to stay with me here, not only could you accidentally agree to the abhorrent 8 a.m. lecture, but the modules you selected could very well overlap causing you to resubmit the module enrollment form multiple times. The academic structure is slightly different from most universities in America, relying more on independent readings and essays.

While in Ireland this last month my favorite experience thus far would be the trip to Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher. The small coastal town of Doolin is located on Ireland’s west coast which allows local pubs the ability to serve some of the freshest fish and chips I have ever experienced. Gus O’Conner’s Pub in Doolin is a must-eat while on the west coast of Ireland! Doolin is perfectly located at the start of the Cliffs of Moher trail which takes approximately two and a half hours to reach the visitor center. This coastal walking trail includes breathtaking unobstructed views of the cliffs that can’t be experienced anywhere else.

While studying abroad during this time I quickly learned the DOs and DON’Ts of traveling. Set up foreign bank accounts before living abroad, or plan to use credit cards with no foreign transaction fees. You will need to spend money immediately when arriving in the country so plan accordingly. The next important step is communication, my advice would be an international phone plan with your existing number. This greatly reduces the stress when arriving in a foreign country and still allows you to contact anyone. Following this when traveling always bring multiple styles of chargers for your phone; not every form of transportation or country uses the same style. Arriving in a foreign country with 5% battery left and trying to navigate the new city becomes stressful. Lastly, taxis are not guaranteed, whether in the small coastal town of Doolin with 4 town taxis or the bustling city of London. Always be prepared to take other forms of transportation when and if necessary.