It was May 20, and Harry Styles’s new album “Harry’s House” had just been released. We were on our way to Killarney on a bus. I was sitting in the front row with my AirPods in listening to Harry’s new album for the first time. We were driving along the mountains of Ireland looking out at the most beautiful ocean views, dramatic cliffs and the most vividly green grass you will ever see in your life. Of course, there were also sheep scoured across the green grass.
I remember hearing “Daylight” for the first time as I was looking out the window. I played the song over and over again because I never wanted that moment to end. It was a moment of tranquility and peace, hearing such beautiful music in a beautiful country.
The first full day after we landed in Ireland, we were taken through Slea Head, which is a circular route within the Dingle Peninsula, where there are so many unbelievable sites to see and visit.
We stopped at Coumeenoole Beach, and upon arrival, you immediately see a huge cliff dropping down to a beach. The area is very rocky and the waves crash against the rocks to create one of the most breathtaking scenes I’ve ever seen. There are stone steps that lead down to the beach. Once I got down there, I sat on the edge of some rocks and just stared at the water. Then, a wave crashed into me and I got soaked. At this point, I figured I should just jump in the water. So, I ripped off my sneakers and ran into the water in the blink of an eye. The water was so freezing, yet so invigorating. I had never felt more alive.
Class ended around five. One day after a long but fulfilling day of class, I needed to take a nap before our plans for the night. There was a huge window in our room that faced the backyard with a view of the mountains.
It had been pouring when I fell asleep, and by the time I woke up from my nap, there was a double rainbow in the sky and a warm yellow tint permeating the space around it.
My point of reminiscing on these two memories from my time studying abroad in Dingle is to make anyone who reads this understand how much of an incredible opportunity it is. And if you can do it, please do.
