Our class trip to Ireland began early on a Monday morning when we left our town at 6 a.m. After a long day of travelling, we finally arrived at our host families. We didn’t have much time to rest because we went straight to the city center to make sure we knew how to get to school the next day. The first days were very exciting: we explored the city, wandered through the streets and attended our language school. Although going abroad and going to school at the same time sounded a bit demanding, it turned out to be a great mixture of fun activities and communication practice.

During the first week, we visited the EPIC Museum and the Jeannie Johnston Famine Ship. EPIC impressed us with its interactive rooms and personal stories about Irish emigration. The Jeannie Johnston helped us understand what the journey across the Atlantic was like during the Great Famine. Walking through the ship and hearing about the passengers’ living conditions made history feel very real.

One of the first highlights of the week was the Irish Dance Party. Guided by an instructor, we learned several traditional dances. She showed us the basic steps and then demonstrated how the dances should look when performed correctly. It wasn’t easy, especially at the beginning, but everyone tried their best.

The next day, even though we were still tired from the dancing, we went on a long day trip to Belfast. We visited the Titanic Museum, where we learned how the famous ship was planned and built in the city’s shipyards. Afterwards, we had some time to discover Belfast on our own and experience a city with its unique history.

After these two intensive days, we enjoyed a more relaxing activity: the Howth Cliff Walk. The weather was mild, despite the sharp wind and from the cliffs we had a wide view along the coastline. The walk gave us a chance to breathe fresh air and enjoy the natural beauty just outside Dublin.

The second week began with the same enthusiasm as the first. On Monday, we visited Dalkey Castle. There, actors dressed as historical characters showed us medieval life in an entertaining and engaging way. The tour was both educational and amusing and some students even took part in short role-play scenes.

During the next few days, we took part in more cultural activities. One group played Gaelic games, including hurling and Gaelic football, which were new and exciting for all of us. The other group visited the Irish National Botanic Gardens, where we walked through the glasshouses and explored the peaceful outdoor areas. It was a calm and beautiful experience in the middle of the city. The pub singalong took place the next day. There, we learned to sing traditional Irish songs, some of which we already knew from the Irish Dance Party.

Our trip to Ireland was a memorable experience filled with culture, history and nature. We explored museums, learned about Ireland’s past, danced traditional dances and tried Gaelic sports. Most importantly, we spent two weeks learning, laughing and sharing moments that brought us closer together. It was a journey full of discoveries that we will remember for a long time.