Exploring Ireland: Part 2- Howth (and Oktoberfest!)

On Friday night, some friends and I went to Dublin's version of Oktoberfest.  I tried a lager; it was okay (still not a huge beer fan, but it's growing on me).  I also had a German pretzel.  There was a large "meat swing" where they were cooking sausages and other meats.  I didn't have one, but my friends bought one and I had a bit and it was pretty good.  There was also swings like the kind they have at amusement parks, which was awesome.  Afterwards, I had a mulled wine (which was served warm) and then split a German pastry (kind of like fried dough but much better) called schmalzkuchen with nutella.  Overall it was really fun; one of the best nights I've had here so far, especially since I don't think I will be making it to Germany this semester.

The meat swing.

The outside of Oktoberfest- on the right are the swings.

The Samuel Beckett bridge, which is next to where Oktoberfest was.  He's one of my favorite playwrights, and the bridge is really cool looking, so of course I took like 10 photos of it.

On Saturday, we went to Howth, which is a fishing village only about a half an hour train ride away from the city centre.  We got fish and chips at this place known for just that called Beshoff Bros.  It was the best fish I have had in my entire life.

The water was such a pretty color.

We then went on a hike on the coastline (Howth is a peninsula), which had some amazing views.  To be honest, I like Dublin, but I like the countryside in Ireland much more.  It always seems sunnier when I leave the city (which is likely just a coincidence, but still), and the sights are more impressive (and a lot more green).

Sitting on a rock.

After the hike, we went to Howth market, where I bought a yummy oreo cheesecake, pesto sauce (from Italy), and a hand painted porcelain vase (which is actually made in Poland, but close enough...right?).

It looked like a utopia.

Then we had dinner at a pub which was having a really good deal on salmon- only 12 euros.  It was pretty good, but the fish earlier was better.  Also I would've preferred to have other seafood for dinner, but that didn't work out, so I might just have to go back.  Anyway, Howth is beautiful and the fish is super fresh and tasty and I'd recommend it to anyone who visits Ireland.

One last picture- the sun setting on another amazing day in Ireland.

Sunday I worked on a paper for one of my classes.  All day.

Monday I had my interview for my internship, which I haven't written much about on here because the placement offer was provisional until I officially got offered the placement after my interview- which I was!  I will be interning at the Irish Wheelchair Association for 7 weeks, starting in late October.  I will be working with the Director of Sports.  He told me the first few weeks I will be mainly job shadowing, but after that I will take the lead on running exercise programs for their members, many of which have either physical disabilities or mobility impairments (not all are in wheelchairs, and some people who use the gym there have no physical disability at all).  I am really excited; I think it will be a good opportunity for me to get some hands on experience that I would not have gotten in Boston this early in my academic career.

Tuesday I had a field trip to Na Fianna GAA, where I learned how to play handball, Gaelic football, and hurling.  I liked Gaelic football the most.  As many people probably know I am not great with sports involving balls (hence my experience in gymnastics and my current affinity for lifting).  I was able to preform some aspects of the sports okay, but other things were difficult and definitely required a lot of learned skill.

Not a great picture, but here's me in my hurling gear.

Today I had my first of four papers due for this semester- I wrote mine about the change in relationships between the Catholic Church, the government, and the individual since Ireland became a Free State in 1922, and how that affected views of sexual morality, especially in regard to unwed mothers.  Needless to say, I am glad to be done with it.

Tomorrow I am leaving to go on a 3 day field trip to Northern Ireland- which is part of the UK so technically I am leaving the country! I am really excited- I will be going to Belfast, the Giant's Causeway, and Derry.

Also, I have booked my flights for my mid semester break- I will be going to Italy and France.
I AM SO EXCITED.