Social Psychology in Ireland

Tuesday’s rain set the mood for viewing the imposing Blarney Castle, complete with a moat, a poison garden, an ancient druidic settlement, and a dungeon – which was closed, fortunately, to protect some rare bats that had taken up residence inside. The highlight, of course, was a climb up the winding stairs to kiss the famous Blarney Stone in the hope of receiving the gift of gab.

Later, we traveled to the tiny village of Cobh on Cork Harbour, where we visited the Heritage Center and learned more about Irish emigration, including the story of Annie Moore, who left the port for New York, where she was the first emigrant processed at the newly-opened Ellis Island. Cobh was the Titanic’s last port of call, and we followed the stories of the ship’s Irish passengers, including the real “Jack and Rose,” to their tragic end.

On Wednesday, we began our last full day in Ireland touring the Rock of Cashel, where it is said St. Patrick converted the King of Munster to Christianity in the 5th Century. The site includes remnants of a chapel built in 1127 and a cathedral built in the 13th Century.

We returned to Dublin to spend our last few hours enjoying the city before packing up to head home. It’s been a wonderful adventure!

Yesterday, we journeyed back in time to the Aran Island of Inishere, where we traveled by horse and cart from a shipwreck on the beach, through a maze of stone-walled lanes, up to the O’Brien Fort at the island’s summit.

Later, we toured the Cliffs of Moher, first by boat and then on foot. It is hard to imagine a more spectacular sight – although we hear the Northern Lights put on quite a show there after we left!

Today, we enjoyed a trip around the Ring of Kerry, stopping to tour a restored 19th-century village, pet a lamb, and walk the beaches of Waterville (Charlie Chaplin’s favorite vacation spot). We lunched at the Scarriff Inn, which (rightfully) claims the most beautiful view in Ireland.

On our final stop of the day, we followed in the footsteps of Queen Victoria and her ladies-in-waiting as we explored the same breathtaking landscapes they enjoyed while visiting 160 years ago.

Our photos do not begin to do justice to this beautiful country!

We explored the historic Clonmacnoise Monastery, nestled on the picturesque eastern bank of the River Shannon. It’s a significant cultural ruins that include several churches, high crosses, and graves.

Next we traveled to Galway where we enjoyed shops, markets and live music. We ended our day posing at the Spanish Arch, which was built in 1584.

Even on very little sleep, we still had a full first day of sight-seeing in Dublin. After a walking tour of the city, we learned the stories of many of our ancestors at the Irish Emigration Museum. We ended the day with a delicious dinner of Guinness Irish Stew and a birthday cheesecake to celebrate Zoe’s 23rd!

After a bus tour of Dublin accompanied by a history lesson by our very knowledgeable tour guide, we toured the beautiful St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Following some free time for shopping, lunch, and exploring on our own, we visited Trinity College and viewed the Book of Kells.

May 8, 2024

Dr. Debora Belknap and Dr. Stacey Wyland, Associate Professors in the Social and Behavioral Sciences department, departed for a nine-day study abroad program in Ireland from through May 16 as a one-credit extension of Social Psychology (PSYC 3115).

Students will journey through the Emerald Isle to bring Ireland’s legendary hospitality, folklore and history to life. They will gain a better understanding of Irish identity by connecting with locals in the bustling capital of Dublin, exploring the rugged coastline of Galway—known as Ireland’s cultural heart—and touring the castle-dotted hillsides around the Ring of Kerry.

Stay tuned for updates from their travels.