What a week

I didn't manage to post something last week because I had loads of other things to do!

The week started with a 4-day-visit by the family. I had been looking forward to their arrival because  I hadn't seen them for almost two months. Next to visiting places likeDublin Castle and Christ Church Cathdral, drinking Guinness in the Guinness Storehouse, eating Irish food at restaurants, ... I still had classes to go to. The combination of being a tourist and being a student wasn't easy, but I managed prett well I think.

One of my favourite picures of the family-visit

The family had just left Dublin city and I was already packing for the second part of the week: a trip to Northern Ireland together with Sofie.

We arrived at Belfast after a two-hour-trip and for our first day, we decided to take it easy and so we just had a look at the city centre, do a bit of shopping, went for a drink, ... .

Day 2 was a lot more active: we went to Carrickfergus Castle, Carrick-a-rede, Bushmill Distillery, Dunluce Castle and, our favourite, the Giant's Causeway!

Carrickfergus Castle, just outside of Belfast: a Norman Castle form the 12th century

Carrick-a-rede: beautiful viewings!

Carrick-a-rede: it was a bit disappointing that you had to pay £5 to cross a small rope bridge.

Bushmills: because we didn't had a lot of time, we didn't visit the distillery itself. But it was a great place for a delicious lunch.

The ruines of Dunluce Castle, just outside of Bushmills.

The Giant's Causeway

The Giant's Causeway: impressive!

Overwhelmed and tired by our second day, we stayed in Belfast city for our third and last day. Belfast really surprised us as a modern and pleasant city.

Art near St Anne's Cathedral

St Anne's Square

Titanic Museum

Shopping centre: great view over Belfast at the top of the building

The leaning Clock Tower

Botanic Garden

Queen's University

Murals in the Protestant area

Murals in the Catholic area

Even though Belfast and Northern Ireland were great: we were happy to be back in Dublin.

Tess x

Going for a walk

This week is reading week which meant there was some extra time to visit Ireland.
The group of Erasmus students decided to go to Howth, a small harbour just outside of Dublin.

Brave as we were, Elien, Morvan, Sofie and myself chose to do the big tour around the peninsula : walking 10km up and down the the hills. The others prefered to stay in the village.

After a couple of climbs, it became clear that the Belgian girls had overestimated their condition a bit but we finished the tour eventually in 3 hours.

At the end of the day, everyone was exhausted but also happy they did the tour because the view was magnificent.

Seals in the harbour

resting a bit before starting the walk

 

 

Some views

Tess x

My first Irish birthday

This week started really good since I had something to celebrate: my birthday!

Hanne came over from Belgium to celebrate it with me and the other Erasmus students from Mater Dei.

My room got re-decorated by Hanne

Some birthday gifts and cards.

I simply love Percy Pig!

My pancake-baking team

Birthday cake and muffin

And the birthday party of course!

Thanks everyone for the food, drinks, presents and wishes!

Tess x



Galway and music

Last days have been quite busy but I decided it was time for an update.

I had a friend coming over whose ideal holiday = loads of music.
Which  is no problem in Ireland.
The only problem was my camera: the few times I didn't forget it at home, it refused work.
I hope to give you an idea of the past days.

Galway: for everyone who loves music or just wants to have a nice time

beautiful by sunset

street image

Galway: where Guinness smiles 

By Vincent 

In this student city, there were live bands, streetmusicians, parties and concerts everywhere. Unfortunately, the quality of the videos is terrible. You'll just have to believe me!

Back in Dublin:

C.W. Stoneking in the 'Button Factory'

Next big party: my birthday party next week!

Tess x