24 Hours until Departure with No Passport, but Everything Does Work Out

Tuesday morning I woke up still in Mayo and after having some breakfast, Des told me of a nice walk to take so I got ready and headed out. Two minutes after a left turn out of the driveway of their cottage, leads to a small rocky beach along Clew Bay. To the left is Clare Island and ahead are the hills of Achill Island. Breathtaking does not even describe the view. I sat along the wall of the beach for a few minutes taking in the view and wishing that I could stay there forever. After my few visits out to the area, I settled on the fact that Mayo is by far my favorite area of Ireland. My time spent on the beach made me miss it even more. I continued on the walk and it led me up a hill where I was able to look out and see my cousins' house and see the sea to the left and right with Inishturk out in the distance. The road was narrow and passed down into fields of cows and eventually looped down onto the "main road" which leads to the harbor out to Inishturk and led me back to the cottage. The walk alone made me yearn for more time in Ireland and with a minor mishap, I almost had my wish..



As soon as I got back from my walk, Luke and I packed up the car and headed back for Kevin's house in Kilcock. We arrived back later in the day and were met by cheers from Kevin's girls. It had been almost a month since I had last seen them so it was great to be able to spend my last bit of time with them. We had dinner and then enjoyed a cuppa altogether before Luke left for the night.

The next morning ushered in my last full day in Ireland and again, nothing felt real-I did not believe this was the end. I got ready for the day and Erin was going to take me to the train station to go into Dublin for the day. As soon as I was putting my purse together, I noticed my wallet was missing...I searched everyway-my suitcase, my coat, everywhere. I was also out of credit on my phone so I used Erin's to start calling anywhere where I suspected my wallet might be. Mind you my passport, credit card, ATM card, all IDS, money everything was in there. So in looking at the clock and seeing that I had nearly 24 hours until my flight back home to America, it was time to get to work. I called Des back in Mayo to check the house, Luke to check his car, the community center on Inishturk, the ferry out to Inishturk, the Garda station in Westport...I called everywhere I could think of in the County of Mayo. However, none of the results coming back were what I wanted to hear. The last time I had remembered using my wallet was at the community center on Inishturk. I had to think about changing my flight, trying to get into the embassy, there was a lot to take in. I called the American Embassy and learned that I needed 2 passport photos, $150, and any form of ID...things were just not going my way. So Erin and I headed into town and got credit on my phone and went to the pharmacy to get my passport photos. I then tried the emergency number for the US Embassy and was told that I could come in the next morning at 8:30am to get an emergency passport and that I should be able to make my flight the next day. I had been told that everything would work out and I only took the Irish saying with a grain of salt because I was starting to panic.

Kevin had taken the day off work to help out with the outrageous situation at hand and after I printed off my flight information, he had gotten word that if I was able to make it to the Embassy by 4, I might be able to get my passport that day. Well, it was 3:34 and to get into Dublin and to the other side of the city was not going to take only 26 minutes. However, we jumped in the car and sprinted into town and made our way to Ballsbridge. To make matters worse, there was a horse show in the area and the Irish Soccer League was playing Manchester United at a stadium down the road so traffic was only setting us back. By the time we pulled up to the 70s style building, it was 4:20. Kevin told me to run to the entrance and start pleading like I never had before. I ran to the window and the security guard, Eamon, took sympathy on me and called to see if there was anyone still in the passport department to help me out.

Thankfully Eamon came back to the window and let me into the door of the security hut. Just as I was about to go in, Kevin also came to the rescue with money for me to pay for the passport. Eamon took my iPod and cellphone and then I had to go through a metal detector and was given a lanyard. Eamon then had to escort me into the building, radioing when he was opening the door and then he had to sit with me in the room throughout my entire time in there. I was surprised my new friend did not have to come into the bathroom with me. To say that security at the American Embassy was overkill compared to the Irish Parliament would be an understatement. The woman who helped me get my passport just so happened to be from an island near Inishturk in Mayo so she was surprised to learn that I may have lost it out there. Eventually after filling out a few forms and learning more about my shadow Eamon, I received my emergency passport and was now free to head back to America, my unintentional plan to stay a little while longer had not worked. Eamon led us out, but apparently I had walked to far ahead of him as he was closing the door and at to sprint to get back by my side. I was given my iPod and cellphone back as I left and after bidding farewell and g'luk from my new friend, I ran to Kevin's car and we headed back. On our way we passed by Stephen's Green, the Grand Canal, Grafton, Trinity, River Liffey, but I could not help wish that I had had a proper good-bye to the city that had become my own. Maybe my mishap and the rain on my last day in Dublin were both supposed to happen so as to stop me from saying good-bye, but allowing me to know that I would be back and did not need to cry and trudge around the city. I will be back.

When we returned to Kilcock, I was wiped out and ready for dinner. I played with the girls for a bit and then had my final dinner in Ireland. After dinner, Erin and I ran to Tesco in Maynooth to get some Moro bars to bring back home. On the way, we had to pass through the main street of Maynooth and I was able to see the Roost, Mantra, Brady's, O'Neill's, the Happy Hound, the Laundrette, Bagel Factory, Lotus, Supermac's, Mizzoni's, Dunnes, and Maximus all again. I was able to say my good-bye to the 'Nooth, but it was all so different during the summer-it was almost dead. When we made it back to the house, Luke had called over and we enjoyed a cuppa, so though he was off and the girls went to bed. Erin and I watched a movie and then I headed to bed to prepare myself for the morning. I was relieved to not have to worry about getting up early and heading into Dublin to get my passport.

In the morning I woke up with a pit in my stomach and a broken heart, I never knew how soon my journey which started in January would end. Time had flown and as I brought my suitcase down the stairs, I was overcome with a desire to go back to the start. I got ready with my Mayo jersey and then had my final meal. Eve told me that I was flying back to America that day and I couldn't help but feel her grief as well as mine. Kevin was running late so Erin, the girls, and I loaded my stuff into the car and headed for the airport. On the way, I enjoyed listening to the girls belt out Lady Gaga and other popular music one last time. All I could do was laugh and enjoy the moment. Before I knew it, we were pulling up to the terminal and I was getting out of the car saying good-bye to Erin, Hannah, Eve, and Ella. They had become my pseudo family during my time here and I couldn't thank them enough for all that they had done for me. I sobbed as I hugged them each good-bye and turned to walk inside to check-in.

I forgot about the potential of having to pay for overweight luggage and as I put one of my bags onto the belt, I was told that I would need to pay 40 euro. Oh dear, here came the tears. I asked if there was anyway I could give them a credit card number, but they could not. More tears came and the woman I was working with took sympathy on me, but her co-worker did not and with only 25 euro on me, I frantically called Erin. She was already on the highway back so it would be some time for her to turn back. I thankfully remembered that I still had 100 Norwegian Kroner on me and so I ran to convert them, but that only gave me 10 euro. With only 5 euro to go, I grabbed my plastic bag full of change that I had been carrying with me and counted out 5 more euro. Thank the lord. This whole losing the wallet deal was not working out too well. However, the woman informed me that she was not able to accept cash so she sent me over to another desk. Thanks a mil for telling me earlier...I then left my bags and ran to get my boarding ticket. Finally I had in my hand and then made my way to security and my gate. I was beyond ready to just get home and end this traveling chaos. When I made it to my gate, I realized that I had to go through customs there in Ireland so I filled out a customs form and then went down some stairs and was released to my gate. One of my housemates from Dublin was also leaving about the same time on a different flight and after searching her gate with no sign of her, her surprise arrival at my gate was exactly what I needed. I had been so stressed out trying to get my bags onto the flight and with the stress of leaving, I needed a friendly face to make my laugh. However, our visit was too short and parting from her was just another notch on my long good-bye belt. Soon I boarded my flight and as soon as my plane left the ground, my seven month adventure ended and things for me had changed, utterly changed...

“Tim Mac ye said? Well then, you’re very welcome to Inishturk.”

I feel it’s only appropriate to dedicate an entire post to the only island that’s better than the mainland of Ireland itself, Inishturk. A small island off the coast of Co. Mayo is where the true motherland for me lies. The Turk is where my great-grandpa McNamara called home and where I also know claim as home. I have heard endless stories of Inishturk from my Grandma and Uncle Johnny as well as my Mom and aunts and I wanted to see what the island, where a lobster fisherman named Tim Mac hailed from, was all about. Since I had come down to stay with my Irish family, they wanted me to try and get out to the island and so Monday morning came and I was on the ferry out. They sent me on my own and I was quite nervous about going on my own. Certainly I had roots on the island, but I had no idea where to go or what to see exactly and was hoping these people would remember Timothy McNamara.



When we arrived at the pier in Inishturk, I was apprehensive about getting off the boat and was curious how I was going to be received. As soon as I got off, I found an older woman standing there and asked her where the B&B was where my great-grandpa had lived. Apparently she owned one of the B&B’s, but soon enough was swept up in conversation and since “over the bushes” meant absolutely nothing to me, I kept walking. People were standing in their doorways simply staring at me, knowing full well that I was an outsider. I quickly walked up the road and called my grandma and mom to get some information about where the house was. I also asked a lad named David, but being from Louisburgh he didn’t know too much about the history of the island. However, he did tell me to follow the road for the Loop walk around the island. With a few failed attempts to find the B&B, I figured this was my best option to figure out my game plan for the next ohhh six and a half hours. I walked up the road which turned a bit steep-triggering me to whip out the inhaler and continued until I got to the gate which David told me to close or else the sheep would get out. As soon as I got through the gate, I made sure that gate was closed like it never had been before so as not to make any Inishturk farmer mad. The path soon turned into a bunch of rocks in a winding path. Soon I was at the back of the island and was looking out at the Atlantic Ocean with nothing out there but America somewhere out there.

I sat on a rock for a while just thinking and calling my mom. I watched the waves beat down the steep hill against the rocks. Rocks were scattered all about in the middle of the green pastures. After my mother encouraged me to go into town and talk to the people, I decided to finish the walk and find somewhere to go—to find out more about Tim Mac on the island. The rest of the path took me up a hill and around the edge of the hill that spilled down into the ocean and then went back down around a small lake or a giant puddle. The path was set close to the bottom of a hill with it rising on the right and then going down into a small valley below, housing sheep. At the end of the puddle, there was a turn where three sheep were staring at me, waiting for me to get closer. As I grew closer to the sheep, they started to walk in front of me and almost started leading me on my way. Along the way I also looked down and saw the GAA club of the island and then rounded around and came upon a few houses. The road continued to wind and then came back around to the front of the island. There were fields on the right that went down to cliffs leading down to the ocean. Houses were scattered on the left and soon I was passing one as the three men out front all looked at me as I passed…still knowing I was a stranger. And then making myself even more obvious, I asked where the community center was and they gave me directions and I nodded and moved on. Soon enough I came to one of the most beautiful spots on the Turk for views, Clare Island was straight ahead and the mainland to the right and the harbor area down below with the community center on the corner. I was starving at this point and decided to just walk in and try to get a bit of lunch…little did I know what I was getting myself into.

As soon I walked into the center, there was a large room on the right with a pool table and then to the left was the pub. When I walked in, the six men at the bar including the bartender all stopped what they were doing and turned just staring at me. There was no music on or anything so the place was absolutely silent. I nearly died in that moment as I tried to look for peace offering words so I could be accepted into the pub. I was mortified for the few silent seconds and almost ducked out—I knew I should not have gone alone. I can only imagine what my eyes looked like as I just stood there. If you have ever seen Waking Ned Devine, I was the lotto man from Dublin sneezing in the back of the church during the funeral. Thankfully, the silence was broken by David the lad I had met earlier in the village. I did not have time to recognize him because my head was spinning and I could not see straight. He belted out the obvious that I had come all the way to Chicago to come to Inishturk. Everyone was still a little apprehensive of the strange American in the pub, but I tried to settle in by ordering something to eat. I settled on a ham sandwich and some soup. Thankfully David was a bit of a chatterbox so he kept talking to me and then invited me to sit at the bar. Soon enough the man next to me asked why I was on the island and in explaining that I was Tim McNamara’s great-granddaughter—things got a little crazy…

The older gentleman in the corner of the bar, Joe, was able to figure out that I was third or fourth cousins with the bartender. Things took off from there and for the rest of the day he called me “cuz”. Joe was the one who knew the most about my great-grandpa and called him Tim Mac. He even pointed out the house, well maybe, which was my great-grandpa’s. Soon the bartender, Vivian, alerted his mom and dad who were in the back in the kitchen and they welcomed me as well. My lunch was brought out and the dad shook my hand and told me I was very welcome back home. I could not believe the hospitality of the people. Everyone kept checking to make sure my sandwich was alright and that I was doing fine. I was certainly welcomed and made to feel at home. Everyone was talking with me and then I was offered a pint of Guinness. Looking back, maybe I should have said no-but when on Inishturk! Soon enough different people were funneling in and they were talking to me about all different things from politics since they found out I worked in the Dail and then Irish music. Vivian pulled out a CD of some of his favorite Irish music and the pub was filled with the flute, fiddle, and the whistle. A few pints were bought for me and I talked with a few many people. I was even invited to go “island-hopping”. Clearly, they have a lot to do around there… Joe was soon over and bless his soul, he was explaining different things to me about the island, but with his accent I honestly could barely make out a word. He shared in the pint extravaganza and my glass was never empty before the next one was poured. Vivian warned me that I was on the slippery slope with a laugh and I completely believed him. The people of Inishturk must not have a lot to do and it being a bank holiday, people started funneling in towards the last few hours for a drink. I met several people and signed the guestbook to remind them and myself of my journey to the Turk. I was told that I looked like a real Irish woman with my wild hair, freckled skin, and my sip of the Guinness. Finally, someone in this country thinks I’m Irish and not American or Spanish.





My day was spent in the community center with the rain coming down outside and by the end of the day, the mainland was nowhere in sight and I had met the slippery slope that Vivian had warned me about. I was a little nervous to get on the ferry back, but before I knew it, I said good-bye to Vivian and was taken to the pier by my new friend and his son. His son was also going back to the mainland so the two of us, along with all of the visitors from the holiday weekend. It seemed as though there were more people leaving the island than were staying. It had been a nice day and even though I had been nervous to come over by myself, all had turned out well and I was glad I had made the journey. I was told to come back to Inishturk anytime and will certainly look to do so in the future. When I made it back to the mainland, I was happy to get a warm shower, dinner, and a cuppa tea.

I Remember That Summer in Dublin

When I woke up Monday, it began to hit me that it really was just about the end. Monday morning I woke up and few of the girls and I went down the street to a pub that serves an Irish breakfast. I was really expecting it to be any good, however, I was pleasantly surprised. I was able to delight in toast, tea, rashers, sausage, eggs, and beans. My future meal has come to be the unhealthy traditional Irish fry. We sat outside and I could not have been happier at that moment-beautiful day, amazing food, and great company. I then made a pit stop at the Spar, convenience store, on the corner by our house to see if they had a box I could use to ship some things home and my dear Polish friend assured me that he would save one for me. From there we then went to Henry St. to do some shopping. I knew I could not join them for the whole time, so I soon left and then went back home to try and finish my paper and presentation. I made some progress and then started another project of my own. I had bought an Irish flag on the street and wanted all of my roommates to sign it so I went around bothering everyone as they were also working on their papers and was able to get my flag fully signatured. That night a few of us went out for a few drinks and talked about the last few weeks, then on our way home we ran into a group from our program who were out celebrating our friend’s birthday so we decided to join them and headed back down the street.



On Tuesday, I was determined to finish everything up and for the most part was able to for the whole day. Later that evening we had a farewell dinner provided by UCD so we all got ready and sat outside for a bit enjoying the weather in our back garden. Then we walked over to the Brazen Head, which is Ireland’s oldest pub. There we were in a private room and given a three course dinner. In between each course there was a man who stood up and told us stories about the famine, fairy forts, and a variety of different things. At the end, we were simply told we could go so the dinner really didn’t feel like a good-bye dinner and didn’t really provide any closure for the program. However, we then headed home and since almost everyone except me and two other girls in my house had to present the next day.



Everyone was off presenting their internship projects in the morning, so I tried to review and finish everything before they got back. When they did come back bragging and boasting, I was quite jealous and had wished I could enjoy the day. However, I was still able to get out with some of my roommates and enjoy our time as we went to Stephen’s Green for lunch and enjoyed the weather for a bit. After our lunch, I went to print out my paper and buy a few gifts and then headed back to the house. That night one of my roommates wanted to take advantage of all of the ethnic restaurants near us, so we went to a Lebanese place down the street and my mouth has never been happier. I delighted in my chicken something or other…and then we went home and I finished everything up for my presentation and then we went out with almost everyone in our program. Basically everyone had finished except for nine of us, but we all went out and had fun, while saying good-bye to everyone.





The next day I woke up early and headed to UCD on the #10 one last time. I met two other girls in my presentation group on the way. My presentation went well I thought and as much as I hate speaking in front of people, the presentation was pretty easy and I’m not sure if that’s only because it was with only 4 other people or I’ve just gained more confidence in Ireland, but it went well and on the way home I had surprise. As I was waiting for the bus, someone in an Irish accent called my name and completely confused, I made out that it was my roommate from Maynooth (Brid’s) friend Jackie. Even though it wasn’t Brid, it was great to see Jackie before I left. I was so happy to finally be done and actually have the chance to feel like it was summer. However, I was consumed with thoughts of packing and saying good-bye. Two of my roommates left on Thursday so it was all entirely bittersweet even though it didn’t feel like they were actually leaving. One of my good friends, Melissa, was leaving Friday morning so a few of us went out to dinner at a place called the Porterhouse and enjoyed some traditional Irish fare. After dinner, Melissa wanted to go listen to some music so we walked around Temple Bar and eventually wound up at O’Donoghues by Grafton Street. There weren’t many people there and a female folk singer had the mic for the night so it wasn’t your typical Irish music, but we sat upstairs and talked for a few hours thinking about the summer. Eventually Melissa had to get back and finish some packing so we headed back and went to bed.





The next morning I was woken up by Melissa saying good-bye and as I watched her walk down the stoop and disappear, it didn’t seem real that summer in Dublin was ending. I couldn’t even imagine being Melissa and getting on a plane home that morning. The rest of the day was pretty rainy and I did not feel well from suspected mold infiltrating the house so I just packed a little and hung around with my other roommates. Our landlord decided to send over some gardeners on our last day so of course our back garden actually looked enjoyable for once, which was a shame since we never used it. For dinner, Marissa, Kat, and I met up with our other housemate Mal, her sister, and friend at a Thai place down the canal for dinner. The food was incredible and made me wish we had discovered some more of the restaurants in our area. When we got home, the four of us got ready and headed out for our last night. I truly did not feel as though it was the end and we headed to our favorite pub down the street, Flannery’s. The place was packed and made for a great last night to end our time together. We headed back and since Mal had to leave the house at 4:30 for her flight to Paris, we stayed up and saw her off.







The next morning was certainly hard with no sleep and packing up and saying good-bye. Again I said good-bye to Marissa and Kat and felt as though I was simply going away for the weekend to visit a friend or something, not to move out and go back to America. I hurriedly had to run out the door and get a cab to take me to the train station across the city with my huge suitcase. As I passed Camden St., Grafton, Trinity, and O’Connell St., I started to cry and knew things just would not be the same. Soon the cab pulled up to Connolly Station and I went to get my train ticket for Boyle, Co. Roscommon to visit my roommate Helena from Maynooth. I lugged my suitcase onto the train and made myself comfortable, the train ride was about 2.5 hours and as soon as I got there, I was met by Helena and her neighbor. We went into town for pizza and then we were met by her parents who took us back to her house. For the afternoon we hung out and then went to mass during which I had a massive cough attack and had to leave. That night we headed to Carrick on Shannon and had a great time.









On Sunday, Helena’s family went to the Roscommon Football match in Dublin so we simply hung out all day and then that night her neighbor picked me up and drove me to Castlerea to catch the train to Westport, Co. Mayo. Again I had to say good-bye but it did not feel real. When I arrived in Westport, I was met by my cousin Des and his wife Anna and their son Alex. I had not seen them since May so it was great to see them and see how big Alex had gotten. From Westport, we drove to the house that my cousins all share in a “village” called Accony outside Louisburgh. I had been to the house for a week with Des’ brother Kevin a few weeks before, so it was nice to be somewhere familiar. When we arrived, Des’ dad Luke was there and we talked for a bit and then I headed to bed.



The purpose of my trip down to the house was to visit Inishturk…

Tipperary Far Away

After my last day of work on Thursday, I went out to dinner and then to a house where some other people in my program live. A few of my roommates were there too and we hung out for a bit and then headed to O'Donoghue's, which is a pub where they play traditional music. My cousin Kevin had recommended it to me, as well as other multiple sources so I was excited to check it out. O'Donoghue's was also where the Dubliners got their start so I knew it had to be good. By the time we got there the place was packed and the music had already begun. We managed to position ourselves against a wall and tried to obscure anyone's view. The band was two guys with instruments, one with a banjo and the other with a guitar. There was also another guy who was doing the singing. They played many of the classics which I feel like I have known since birth. This band was probably the best I have seen in Dublin yet, they were definitely closer to the good stuff you would find out in the West.



The next event was highly confusing and puzzling----Before I knew it, I was standing in front of the band, singing along and the Bulgarian man next to me asked if I was Spanish. The band took a break and then the singer also asked if I was Spanish. I have no idea what is wrong with everyone in this country, but this has been the second occurrence where people have thought I am Spanish. YES-look at my paler than white skin and my hair. Clearly, I am a native Spaniard. I really do not understand, I thought maybe I'd be mistaken for Irish rather than SPANISH! but apparently to these two men, I was Spanish. They were shocked to find that I was American--really? Was this a joke? Anyways, the singer then insisted that they play Spanish Lady for me...oh dear. It just so happened that the people sitting behind us were all from Spain and they agreed with me that I did not look Spanish, they were just as confused--although that might have been due to their broken English. No matter, my new friend in the band gave me one of their free sandwiches for the mix-up and I was not complaining. Soon though we left and headed home.





The next morning I was off to Tipperary to visit my roommate Brid from Maynooth. I barely made the bus and then traveled from Dublin to Cashel. I had been there once before with Saint Mary's to visit the Rock of Cashel, but I had barely seen the town. Luckily, I got off at the right stop and was met by Brid-we walked for a little bit and visited her mom at work in the bank and then headed out to her house. She lives a few minutes outside Cashel in a small village and lives on a farm where they raise cows and cattle. Brid absolutely loves her dogs Spot and Polly so after hearing so much about them all semester, I was excited when I finally got to meet the loves of her life. We walked around her farm a bit and then made some lunch. Her dad came in from working and I met him as well, although his accent was so thick it was difficult to understand most of what he was saying. Her dad then asked if we wanted to head out on his tractor and why not? So the three of us got into the tractor and went around with him doing what he needed to do. The roads were so bumpy and we were so packed into the tractor that it was basically like a roller coaster ride, but still fun. After our ride, we headed over to her sister's house and walked her crazy little dog, Spud. After a few encounters with some different dogs, we ran back to the house and then went to Clonmel quickly to a shop for her sister. As soon as we got back, an amazing dinner of bacon (different from the American kind) was waiting for us and it was all insanely delicious. As soon as we were finished eating, we hurried to get ready and then picked up two of Brid's friends to go to the cinema and see Toy Story 3. I really didn't know what to expect since I hadn't seen the second and it had been years since I saw the original, but overall it actually wasn't bad. We went back to Brid's after the movie and fell straight asleep.











The next morning we had a traditional fry of sausages, rashers, eggs, potatoes, toast, tomatoes--all my absolute favorite. After breakfast we were so stuffed that we took a short nap, then woke up again and took the dogs for a walk around the farm. We passed the calves and went into a field where there's a ring fort on top of the hill. No big deal, just a fort of trees built by the Celts way back when..they really act like having a historical landmark on your property is no big deal here, I was amazed. They can't tear any of the trees down though because there's a legend that if you do illness or death will fall upon you and that happened, coincidentally, to their neighbor. After the walk, Brid's dad offered to take me out on the tractor again and we went to pick up some hay bales in the field. Another bumpy, but exciting ride was in store for me. As soon as we got back a lunch of lamb was waiting for us and Brid's Granny came for it. We all talked for a bit and then after we cleaned up, it was time for me to head back to Dublin. Brid had to work that night and I needed to work on my internship paper, so her parents drove me to the bus stop and then I got on and headed back.





When I got back my roommates who had stayed in Dublin were going to Messr Maguires for a few drinks so I quickly got ready and then we headed to the quays along the Liffey. The place was fairly full when we got there and we found a table and sat down enjoying some of the house brews they make on their own. We talked for a while and then the music began to blare from the DJ and eventually we headed back home. The next day I passed up the World Festival in Dun Laoghaire to work on my paper and the house had plans to go to the Vat House to hear the band we had seen our first Sunday together. We got ready and then headed to see the band, I couldn't believe this was going to be my last time seeing this band who I had gone to see since March..it was all too weird. As soon as we got there, people were already gathered around and they were putting on a show. Phil, the fiddler, usually isn't too talkative and just sits and plays his fiddle, getting up every so often to show off his skills. However, this night he was in rare form and was putting on the best show I have seen and was making jokes all night. It was a great way to go out and the crowd even demanded an encore at the end--it was great. On the way home three of us decided to duck into Flannery's for a pint thinking it wouldn't be too busy since it was a Sunday. However, there were people everywhere since there had been some matches on during the day and everyone was celebrating. We then headed home to Grove Park..

Over and Out

The final week of the internship for many in my house was a time of relief. They are almost done, never to go back to their employers or fellow interns; they were excited to be done. My reaction however was quite different. I was dreading this week. I knew the weeks would pass by too quickly, just as my whole experience in Ireland as done, but I was just not ready for Monday to come. I woke up and knew it was the last week I would have to be up at 8:15 only to make tea and biscuits, shower, hurriedly get ready, and hope to be out the door by 9:30 while rushing out with my hair still wet. The last few times I would run down the stoop of 92 Grove Park and throw in my iPod headphones and walk down Camden St. hoping not to be run over as I crossed all of the different roads. The last few times I would turn at the Bleeding Horse and then walk up to Harcourt St., making my way past others trying to get to work as hurriedly as they can. The last few times I would walk through Stephen’s Green past the gardeners and the old men strolling through on their morning walk. The last few times dodging the hundreds of Spanish schoolkids at the stop lights and making my way down Kildare St. to the gates of the Leinster House. I miss it all far too immensely already.





Monday was a fine day and filled with spurts of rain. I had to spend my lunch inside instead of my usual time spent outside on a bench in Stephen’s Green. After work, I foolishly realized at the foot of my door that I had locked myself out and since no one else was home yet, I had to patiently wait for someone to rescue me. Monday was also one of my roommate’s birthdays. Coffey, who is from China and goes to school at Wisconsin-Madison, was turning 20 and wanted us all to go to dinner. We walked around to different places and wanted to try somewhere new. We made our way to the Temple Bar area and went to the Porterhouse and had traditional Irish food. Realizing we were down to less than two weeks together, we enjoyed each other’s company and had fun celebrating Coffey’s day. We all had to finish up our history papers which are due Friday so everyone stayed in and tried to get as much work as much we could on our essays.



Tuesday was another day of intermittent rain. At work Margaret took me to tea and I enjoyed one of my last scones here, which I can only describe as the best in the world. We joined the “ladies” and gossip ensued about the recent issues in politics and what their kids were doing. For lunch, the skies had lifted and I was able to join my roommate in the green for our lunch. Everyday there are a group of four people, we assume related, who come to the park with their three dogs-Toby, Sandy, and Sunday. We know we’ve spent too much time in the park when we know the names of these dogs. These people love their dogs as one guy, Gerry, always picks up one of the dogs and holds him like a baby while singing “Rock a-bye baby”. It’s fairly nauseating, but entertaining while also reminding me of my Dad with Guinness. Even though I have never actually talked to the people of the park, I am going to miss them greatly for all of the entertainment they provide. Tuesdays mean the Bachelorette in 92 Grove Park. So we were all excited to watch it and learn Frank’s secret. We also were ecstatic to see Chris move on to the final two. Unfortunately, the excitement had to be scaled down as I sought to finish my paper on Michael Collins. Thankfully it is over and done with, but I still have another to work…





Wednesday, again, saw rain here and there. However, the rain lifted during lunch and I was able to make it out to the green again. Also, during tea time I walked down to the coffee dock to get tea for Margaret and I and was able to make eye contact a few times with Enda Kenny, the leader of the Fine Gael party. Earlier that day I also did the same with the leader of the Labour Party, Eamon Gilmore. Ahhhh something I will certainly miss doing on a regular basis, running into politicians. Melissa and I sat by Gerry and the dogs and enjoyed their entertainment for one of the last times. After work, I walked around for a bit and then made my way back to the house. Thankfully I made it just in time before the rain and thunder hit. Strangely since I have been here, I have never heard or seen thunder and lightning so it was a new experience. That night my friend, Niamh, who stayed my family in Peoria last summer came over since she studies in Dublin and the two of us and Kat and Marissa went out to a place we had heard about near our house. There was a combination of three venues in one, I’m not quite sure why they don’t just call the whole place one thing, but nevertheless they have three different venues in one building. All summer we had wondered where all of the people our age were hanging out. Well it turns out this was the spot. Everyone there looked as though they were college age and some even a little younger. Quite honestly by the end of the night, I was bored of it. I realized I would much rather be in the company of those who might be older, rather than those who are obnoxious and still younger. We said good-bye to Niamh and headed home. I knew tomorrow was the last day and I did not know how to handle it all.

When I woke up this morning, I knew it was going to be hard. I had a knot in my stomach and all I wanted to do was ask to keep working. However, today my time had come to see the end. When I received the information that I would be interning in the Dáil back in May, I was beyond excited and ready to start then and there. I could not have been more excited, especially to work for someone from Mayo, who turned out to have several connections to my relatives. I would have never dreamed to have had the opportunity to work in a foreign government, but here I am. My day started out just like all of the rest, tea and biscuits, shower, hurriedly get ready, routine commute. However, when I walked up to the Leinster House I nearly lost it when I presented my letter at the gate for the last time and the last time I would get my visitor badge and the post. Things were weighing on me and it was hard to take in. Maybe I am being a bit overdramatic, but I think this summer has had the biggest impact on me than any other experience I have had---even more than my semester in Maynooth. I feel as though I have changed in different ways and have grown more independent. However, when Margaret walked through the door of the office, I wanted to blubber and cry—the last good morning we would exchange. Since it was my last day, she took me down to the canteen for tea and scones, since she knows how much I love them. Some companies give their interns a cash gift at the end of their time, although I am not likely to receive one, however the gift of these scones which Margaret has given me over the weeks has been far better than any comfort a hundred euro could provide. We joined two of the ladies and chatted a bit about a few things that were going on in the office and then had to go back to work. The last bite of the scone may have been one of the top 10 saddest moments of my life. The day continued on just as it normally does, Margaret makes some phone calls and fills me in on the different cases and how they are approaching them. I then went to lunch in Stephen’s Green and couldn’t believe it would be the last time I would be sitting there during work and would watch all of the regulars. I shall miss the man named Jerry who sounds like a pirate with his three dogs: Toby, Sandy, and Sully. The gardener in the bright blue overalls will also be a favorite.









The rain began to start spitting so I headed inside for my last trek into the Dail. As soon as I went back in, my stomach dropped and I got the same feeling I always do before I have to say good-bye to someone…the awful nauseated sensation when I jut want to get it over with. Eventually the time came to say good-bye and with a nice firm handshake and a walk to the door of LH2000, I said good-bye to Margaret. It was so strange walking away from the woman who had been a complete stranger only six weeks ago and then was someone I was around for several hours a day. In a typical manner, I began tearing up and had to compose myself until I made it past the gate and the let it out. Surely I looked ridiculous welling up down the street so I made a beeline for Merrion Square and the park in the middle, which has come to be my favorite spot in Dublin. The park has so many trees, you feel secluded and almost out of the reaches of the city. The walk helped me to calm down and then led me to walk around for a bit, past the row of Georgian buildings to the Old Canal and back to home at Grove Park.

Another Week in Dublin, Another Week of Bliss

The last week has been a bit chaotic with a heavy dose of rain. Monday started out fine at work, things in the office have slowed down since the Dail is now on recess. However, that does not stop the constituents from sending in queries and other things to be done. There are less and less people around and not as much excitement as there was just in my first week of work. However, I was excited when lunch came around on Monday. My roommate from Maynooth, Helena was in Dublin for the day looking at dresses for a Debs dance she had been invited to. Debs is basically Prom in Ireland and since Helena opted out of the optional year, which most people do here in their high school equivalent, all of her friends at home are graduating and just now starting college. We met up and were able to catch up, it was so amazing to see her and incredibly comforting to see a familiar face. Unfortunately, our lunch didn’t last long and then we had to say good-bye, but thankfully I’ll be seeing her in two weeks when I go to visit her in Roscommon.

Tuesday welcomed nothing special, except endless rain all day. However, it was the annual Bachelorette night when almost all of the house gathers in the living room and watches Alli try and find her husband. Most of us are rooting for Chris, but we will just have to wait for next week to find out if he will stay or go…

Wednesday at work was fun. Margaret took me to get tea and a scone and then we were met by John who was down to get some work done since he is on holiday the next week. For lunch, the three of us went to the Member’s Dining Room for an “end of term” lunch and had a wonderful meal. The party leader of Labour was also at another table and we made eye contact, so that was my claim to fame for the day. Once the meal was over and we each had enjoyed two glasses of wine, we were back to work. When I got home, it was time to try and work on the two papers we have to do for UCD so everyone has been struggling with trying to get them done so we can enjoy the end of our time in Dublin.

Thursday was the last day I would see John due to his holiday during my last week so we had to say good-bye right before lunch. It was so surreal saying good-bye and well being the crazy person that I am, I started to tear up and thankfully made it out of the room before I became a blubbering mess. What an embarrassment I am! The weather was finally sunny and warm so I made it out to Stephen’s Green and relaxed in the sun while people-watching and enjoying the usuals who are always out too. However, when I came back in from lunch John was still here and so another good-bye was said and then it was officially the last time I would see him at least for now. After work, three of my housemates were going to London, a trip I was supposed to go on but didn’t due my debacle with my visa and being bound to Irish soil until August 5th. The few of us left in the house sent them off and then attempted to work on our papers.



Three of us, Marissa, Shelby, and I decided we wanted to get out of the house so we got ready and then went down the street to a beer garden, Tram Co., which a few young Irish people have raved about. Well, there was not much raving to do about the place since no one was there when we walked up, so we decided to head down the street towards city centre and check out a pub. On the way there, the rain which had started, began to get heavier and heavier and we were soaked when we finally arrived at Hogan’s. We had a drink there, but the crowd was a bit older so we decided to leave and head back down Camden Street and try to find somewhere else to go. When we walked outside it was nearly a monsoon. I was the only one with an umbrella so the three of us tried to all get under it, but it was not too helpful. We ended up sprinting from one overhang to the next and resting for a bit under each one. Eventually we made it back down the street to Tram Co., but there still were not many people. We ended up dancing for a bit and then decided to go back home and sleep.

With the two papers looming over my head, I woke up early and made myself some scrambled eggs and rashers and then went to UCD to try and knock out one of my papers. Starting out with 700 words, I made it to 2,000 with only 500 more to go and then headed back home to get some dinner-there is only so much Michael Collins I can handle in one day. Marissa and I had talked about getting Tako (as they spell it) fries from this place down the street so as soon as I got home, we sprinted off and had some of the delicious fries smothered in garlic sauce, cheese, chili sauce, and fresh grilled ground beef. Yes, it is fairly disgusting, but absolutely delicious. I lounged around and then headed to the airport because a friend from Peoria who’s interning in Scotland for the summer came to visit. I picked Sam up and then we walked around Dublin a bit and met with Marissa to go down the street to a pub called the Bleeding Horse. From there, we went down the street to Flannery’s, another favorite of ours, and spent some time there. Eventually after a long day, we made it back to the house and I fell straight asleep.

The next day I took Sam to the Guinness Factory and although it was my third time there, it’s always a good time. We poured our own pints and mine was given a “very good” for which I was proud. From there we ran into a market where you could get 16 plums or clementines for only €1! A complete steal in a city where everything costs an outrageous amount. We stopped off a pub and tried some traditional food. We then walked around Trinity, saw the Dail and Stephen’s Green. Dublin is slightly annoying to walk around in right now due to the large influx of tourists and a recent infiltration of Spaniards into the city-we have no idea where all of these Spanish children have come from, but I think I see more of them than I do Irish. I was incredibly tired when we finally made it back to the house so I needed a nap and then we got ready and Marissa, Shelby, Sam, and I went out for the night. We decided to give Tram Co. one more shot since we heard Saturday nights were fun, but again—no one was there. We then headed to Harcourt St. and went to Copper’s, which can always be interesting. We stayed there for a bit and my endless fascination with the “floor staff” there, as they call themselves, continued. If someone spills even a little bit, they rush over instantly with their mops and have the mess taken care of in seconds. Possibly a little OCD, but it is what it is. We had a long night and I was more than ready to get to sleep.





The next day we lied low and the London travelers made it home and we were able to all catch up. A few of us decided to go see the movie Inception, which was absolutely mind-blowing. The plot made me think like never before and by the end of it my mind was fried. I had never had to think so hard in a movie just to follow the plot. I was even shaking a bit, I’m not sure if that was from sitting too close to the screen or what. I highly recommend it, but certainly be prepared to think. After the movie, I headed with Sam to the Temple Bar area to get some food and listen to some Irish music. I took him to where I had gone many times with my SMC friends. He enjoyed the Irish stew and we listened a bit to the traditional music. Since Sam had to leave the house at 4:45, we headed back early and said good-bye since there was no way I was going to wake up that early and then go to work for my last week.

I Love This City Tonight, I Love This City Always

Yesterday it really hit me. I don’t know why, but when my friend sent me a message yesterday morning saying 4 weeks until I saw her-I broke down inside. I was literally on the brink of tears and my stomach was in the knots that I get whenever I have to say good-bye to someone. For some reason this single message was all that it took to send me over the edge. I was distracted that morning on my way to work with what I still had to do before 5 August. At the current moment I am overwhelmed with different emotions. I am inspired to get out and see everything I still need to see in Dublin-I am sad to see say good-bye to work, my friends, and Ireland-I am excited to get back home and enjoy time with my family-I am overwhelmed with the two papers I have to write for UCD-I am also a bit homesick and just ready to get back already…I really don’t know how to manage these feelings.



Last night I was talking with my roommate and we wanted to get out of the house and get around Dublin so we walked around and took photos of different things we are going to miss. I think the walk helped me in knowing that even when I do leave Dublin, it will always be a part of me. I will always think of it as my city. When I come back (and I will come back), I know I will be able to make my way to Stephen’s Green, to walk along the canal and be able to walk by the Georgian buildings on Leeson St., and to walk to my favorite pubs of Whelan’s, Flannery’s, and the Bleeding Horse on Camden St…I have only recently become a part of Dublin, but now it is a part of me.







I think the thing I will miss most about my summer here in Dublin is work. For most people they cannot wait to leave at 5 o’clock and are at all times ready for the weekend. Maybe if I was here long enough I would have the same sentiments, however, I truly love it here. I am certainly going to miss waking up every morning motivated as I make a cup of tea and read the latest headlines on irishtimes.com. I will also miss my walk to work. I love passing the man in the orange jumpsuit on the corner by our house passing out the Metro paper and also walking with everyone else who are trying to get to their offices. I also do not know what I am going to do when I am not sprinting across the street trying to avoid being splattered by cars or when I make a left turn and end up on one of the nicest streets in Dublin as I pass various prestigious businesses and the Department of Foreign Affairs. My favorite part of the walk is when I make my way through St. Stephen’s Green especially when I pass the same gardener everyday in the royal blue overalls and say hello and when I enter into the main center area and the sun suddenly pours down.

Entering into work is another thing I love. Everyday I go to security and have to present a letter to them, which allows me to walk in with no problem, over the few weeks they have begun to recognize me and like to play a few jokes and what not. I also enjoy when Margaret, the secretary, walks in and we have a bit of talk on different things to what’s going on for the day or when I did over the weekend. She provides great entertainment at work and I’m going to miss her telling the phone to “sod off” or yelling at the computer because she doesn’t know how to use it. Her little sayings will also be missed of everyone being referred to as creatures and telling me that I am a free agent to do what I want and calling me a star, pet, love, and angel. Some of the advice she has passed along since she has worked here for so long as also been invaluable. Her running out of the room with her purse clutched under her arm after a phone call with an “eegit” for a smoke will also be missed. Her rolling of her eyes at me and shrugging her shoulders while talking to a said “eegit” will also be greatly missed.

Something of great importance to me at Leinster House is the tea break. I know…not much to do with work, but it certainly does here. Tea is a way of getting to know someone here. Just through putting milk in tea for Margaret, I learned that she likes a lot so that she is helping to build her bones and she was not too impressed with my Dad that he did not choose milk to build up his own bone density. Tea is also when friends who work in different places come together and are able to reconnect. Sometimes I am down in the coffee dock right before eleven and as soon as the hand strikes the hour, people are coming down the stairs, through doors to get in line for their tea—it’s honestly incredible and entertaining to watch. In my time down there attempting to get internet, I have noticed there are distinct groups who get together everyday and have their time to catch up and slag each other. The scones alone are worth loving teatime here. Only 65 cents, they are the best things to have ever met my taste buds. They are homemade daily and are to die for; if I could I would make the person who makes them move with me for the rest of my life. I am also going to miss the hospitality of everyone here. Everyone says hello in the hallway and always try to make small talk. Running into politicians who I see on the TV in the office of the Dail will certainly be another event of work I will miss. The woman down the hall who occasionally bakes is another of my favorite people at work. Overall, I am happy here and the same excitement I got when I came to the Dail for the first time back in April has certainly not faded even today.





Three weeks from Thursday I will be leaving Irish soil and will be landing back on American soil. In that time I still have to finish work, visit my roommates from Maynooth, write two papers, see and eat all of Dublin, hopefully make it to Inishturk, complete a presentation, move-out of Grove Park and set up temporarily with my family, spend time with my Irish relatives, pack my life into two suitcases, and not regret or miss a moment left.

Slainte!