Before I arrived in Ireland, I didn’t have much prior knowledge of Irish culture. Living in New York City, I have been exposed to the basics of Irish culture, but only on a superficial level. Being immersed in the unique culture of Ireland during this first month of my program has been an enlightening experience. 

A colorful street in Dublin I stumbled upon

Food & Pub Culture 

Pub culture is a key part of Irish culture—a deeply rooted part of the routine of locals. The pub is a place of community and spirited conversations. In my experience, in the U.S., pubs are more about the drinking, while pubs in Ireland are about the atmosphere. Many of the pubs in Dublin have historical significance when it comes to literature or Irish independence. It’s fun to try the traditional Irish drinks and talk to locals. Many of the pubs have live music, which creates an exciting environment to enjoy a drink or food. Dublin does not just have an Irish food scene, however; since the city is multicultural, the food reflects that. It’s exciting to have the traditional Irish meals, but Dublin is filled with hidden gems of other cultures' foods. 

The pubs in Dublin all have their own unique style and vibe. This pub even allowed dogs inside! 

On almost every street, you can find a cute café or restaurant. It’s always fun trying to find a spot to eat. 

Art 

The art scene in Dublin is quite unique. Not only are there statues of prominent Irish figures on the city's most famous streets, but there are also many beautiful painted murals to admire. The city has a range of museums to get lost in and explore. One of my favorites thus far has been the National Gallery of Ireland; the building itself is stunning, and the museum has artworks from all across Europe. Another great part about the abundance of museums is that most of them are free (such as the National Gallery). 

This picture is from the National Gallery—one of the many historic European paintings the gallery has. 

A bust of James Joyce in St. Stephen’s Green. 

Many historic areas in the city are easy to access and walk around in, like the outside of Dublin Castle. 

A statue of Lady Justice

Dublin Inside & Out 

Dublin is a hub of businesses, social events, and creativity. There are so many things to do in Dublin, and it is accessible to travel outside of the city to get away from its hustle and bustle. I recently traveled to a small coastal town outside of Dublin called Howth. The town has great seafood and beautiful cliffs to hike on and see the views of the water and town from up above. I enjoy how Ireland has a range of lifestyles: there is the busy city life and the tranquil outdoors, and it’s easily accessible to travel in the country as well. 

Admiring the beauty of the coastal town of Howth. 

There are towns near Dublin that have a completely different feel. 

In Howth, we were greeted by adorable sea lions! 

Excursions & Classes 

CEA CAPA has included many excursions in my program so I can really experience a full scope of Irish culture. My classes allow for greater exploration of Dublin, such as trips to Irish soccer games and rugby matches. What I admire most about Ireland is how multifaceted it is; there is always something to explore, and I feel beyond lucky that I am experiencing this beautiful culture through the CEA CAPA program.