Speed Dating Spain: A 24-Hour Love Affair
May 12th was a whirlwind. While I’m in Ireland for this program, I somehow found myself falling in love with… Spain. I know—it sounds wild. But yes, a spontaneous day…
Posted inIreland Parliament Theatre
From Parliament to the Press: A Day of Politics, Poetry, and Perspective
Today was full of motion, meaning, and a bit of taco juice. It began very early—around 5 a.m.—when Rueben and I caught our flight back from London. We’d just spent…
Posted inBelfast Troubles UK Walking Tour
Two Sides of the Wall: A Day in Belfast
Today we took a day trip to Belfast, and I’m still unpacking the weight of what we experienced. I had expectations—tense history, emotional stories—but none of that prepared me for…
Posted inGuest Lecture Ireland Troubles
Headlines, Binaries, and Broadcast Bans: Media, Conflict, and Northern Ireland
This morning, before our scheduled lecture, I went on a peaceful “Mary walk”—a ritual I've started, named after the statue of Mary I pass each time. I ended up in…
Posted inGlendalough IFCO Ireland Wicklow
Rated R…eal Life: Context, Culture & Classification at IFCO
Today we visited the Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO)—a visit that turned out to be far more thought-provoking than I expected. IFCO isn't a censorship board; it’s a team of…
Behind the Lens: Inside RTÉ and the Art of Telling the News
Today’s visit to RTÉ (Raidió Teilifís Éireann) was a deep dive into the world of Irish broadcasting—and honestly, it felt like stepping into a live heartbeat of the country’s media.…
Practice, Art, and a Bit of Dutch Courage
Today started with no set plans — and turned into one of my favorite days so far. While wandering Dublin, I stumbled upon a completely free open studio event. I…
Posted inHowth Ireland Old Hurdy Gurdy
Horns, Cliffs, and Claddaghs: A Full Day in Howth
May 10 took us out of Dublin and into the charming coastal village of Howth, pronounced like “oath” (Irish spelling never fails to surprise). The day was packed with oddities,…
Kissing Stones & Chasing Sheep: A Day Out with Paddywagon
Today—Friday, May 9—we hopped on a Paddywagon tour bus bright and early, crossing the River Liffey to meet our guide. Right away, we could tell this guy was a character:…
Posted inGuest Lecture Ireland National Print Museum Theatre
The Weight of Words: From Print to Performance
Guest Lecture We began the day with a thought-provoking guest lecture on Irish identity, media, and the evolving landscape of culture in Ireland. The speaker touched on everything from newspaper…