Courtesy Image

Ireland, mossy green fields surrounded by free-ranged sheep, red heads, interesting culinary combinations, and skilled stoic heartthrobs like Cillian Murphy and Paul Mescal—at least that is what comes to mind when I think about Ireland. I’ve never gone, but 9 Summer Creek High School students had the opportunity to explore and establish their own ideas about the green country with chemistry teacher Ms. Daly this spring break, making lifelong memories and friendships along the way.

Ireland is widely recognized for its thoughtfully designed Norman and Anglo-Irish architecture. Many students remarked on how breathtaking the buildings were.

“Saint Patrick’s Cathedral was, in my opinion, the most beautiful, along with the Big Ben,” junior Clarissa Perez said.The cathedral was the most beautiful to me because you can just sense a wave of vulnerability when you’re in there, and the structure itself is so beautiful, and the glass art was so mesmerizing that I could just stare at it for hours.”

One of the biggest stereotypes about the Irish is how nice and friendly they are. Perez feels their polite image is well deserved.

“I was surprised by how much nicer everyone is compared to here at home; everyone greets each other and says good morning to each other,” Perez said.

Sophomore Jessica Castillo’s budding friendship with an Irish elder, proves the friendly Irish myth. To be true, while on the flight to Dublin, Castro spoke and became good friends with a northern Irish man named Paul, with whom she remains in contact via social media.

“He was so funny and sweet. … Paul and I talked the whole plane ride, and he taught me how to play solitaire on his phone. Castillos said. He gave me so much good advice on life. Meeting Paul was probably the highlight of my trip. He also taught me a lot about the Irish and why Northern Ireland is separated from Ireland. He told me about his family and his work too. He was very interesting.”