University of West Alabama March 2022
HAPPY DAYS WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF WEST ALABAMA
John and I were overjoyed to be returning to Dublin Airport, almost 2 years to the day since our last College student group was with us. It was so wonderful to welcome the students from the University of West Alabama – namely Michael, T’Laysia, Katie, Kaitlyn, Lee, Emma, Brooke, Matt, Jacob, and Ashley, and their Professors Dr. Riser and Mr. Walters. They had their program postponed twice, and we felt they deserved something very special- so, obviously, did the weather Gods, because we got only blue skies and sunshine for the WHOLE WEEK! Don’t believe me? Check out the photo gallery.
The program was based on a history/english literature syllabus, with a focus on communications, social justice and equality. We started on day one with a visit to the Hill of Tara on our way to Donegal, and the really good people at Maguire’s Hill of Tara actually opened up so we could get a delicious breakfast after exploring the Hill. Onwards then to Bundoran, with a ramble around the lovely Fairy Bridges and Tullan Strand, before checking in to the Atlantic Apartotel, which would be our base for the week.
The morning classes were taught by Niamh, Dr. Riser and Dr. Walters- we not only dealt with very interesting topics relative to the Narratives of Ireland and the USA, but there were plenty of points of view, and this, of course, makes for great discussion. Included in our classes, we discussed media channels, communications and the Christian and British campaigns of colonization in Ireland. We discussed the roles of storytelling, texts, recording the past, retelling the past, representation, law and social justice, welfare and the poor as a social system, sectarianism, racism, gender equality and – well, that was exhilarating! Our field trips included Donegal Castle, St. Patrick’s Holy Well, Derry City, The Museum of Free Derry, Knocknarea Mountain, Strandhill, Glencar Waterfall, Countess Markievicz, Sligo City, Sliabh Liag, The Boathouse Restaurant, McGarrigle’s Restaurant. Eclipse Cinemas Bundoran for a showing of Irish Language Movie ‘Arracht’, – and local culture included a Celtic Art workshop by Marion McFadden, a traditional music performance by Rory Corbett and friends, a beginner surf lesson with Bundoran Surf Company, and some very interesting food ordering at various delicatessens along the way.
After a great Donegal visit, we returned to Dublin City, to see the #Bog Bodies and #Gold Collection in the National History Museum of Ireland – we visited Oscar, reclining in Merrion Square, and the Grafton Street shuffle, ending with a fabulous meal at the Dig In Art Diner on Camden Street, – and a very sweet sleep at the Camden Court Hotel.
The students above were fantastic, as usual. UWA is a regular visitor to us here in Ireland – we missed our friends Professor Lesa Shaul and Professor Ashley Dumas this time around- they made a valiant effort to get here, but alas, it was not to be. However- it was a really great experience and the UWA students were smart, kind, happy and a real joy to work with. So thanks y’all! See ya next year!
