When people picture the Irish landscape, they usually envision bright green fields, sheep roaming around, and a stunning coast. The countryside of Ireland is romanticized endlessly, with places such as the Cliffs of Moher drawing in over one million people a year. I knew that when coming to Ireland to study abroad in Galway, I wanted to explore all the sights the country had to offer and by doing so I have realized that there are no photos that can compare to what it is like to be in the moment in Ireland. 

I went for the cliffs but stayed for the fish and chips! 

One Sunday morning, my friends and I decided to go visit the Cliffs of Moher, so we headed to the bus station to buy our tickets. To get on the bus, we had to pay in cash only or buy the tickets online through their website, and we thankfully got this sorted out right before the bus was about to leave. When we arrived at the Cliffs of Moher, we paid 12 euros for the student rate ticket to enter and explore. To say we had to dress warm would be an understatement; the winter season was in full action that day, and the winds were especially strong at the cliffs. 

When I look back on this day, I can remember the sound of the waves crashing and the wind trying to blow us away. I think of the delicious fish and chips and clam chowder and the brief moments of the sun breaking through the sky and shining down on the fields.  

Group selfie taken at the Cliffs of Moher. Soon after, we all went to the gift shop because Sam, the only one without a hood on, needed to get a beanie for the rest of our adventure.  

Finding comfort and excitement during the Lally Tour to Connemara 

A week or so after my friends and I went to the cliffs, our entire CEA CAPA group went on a tour to Connemara and Kylemore Abbey. This trip was arranged for us, yet we all had a chance beforehand to vote between three different options for a day trip. 

The tour bus made sure to take several stops for us to step outside and take in the views of Connemara on our way to Kylemore Abbey. I loved not feeling in a hurry and admiring all the gorgeous nature around me, especially the sheep and waterfalls! Thanks to the bus driver, everyone on the tour got to learn about the rich Irish culture of Connemara as well. Not only does this area have stunning views, but since it is a Gaeltacht region, you get to hear the Irish language frequently.  

In Ireland, you will find signs everywhere that have both English and Irish translations for the different place names. Although you can get along just fine speaking English in Ireland, you will find yourself hearing and seeing the Irish language wherever you go. As someone who grew up hearing two languages spoken constantly at home, I found being in a bilingual country like Ireland very comforting.  

Waterfalls right outside of the stops on our bus tour. The sun was out for the majority of our stops, but so was the wind!

I unintentionally found myself matching the scenery which was a pleasant surprise. 

The Famous Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden accompanied with lots of wind! 

Walking in Kylemore Abbey, I felt I was transported back in time as I walked through all the different restored period rooms. The decorations, mannequins wearing gowns, and furniture all carried a romantic vibe to them with tons of florals and pastel colors. While being here I got to learn about the history of Kylemore Abbey and how the West Wing was destroyed long ago in a fire. Now with the restored rooms anyone can come visit and see what it must have been like when it was originally built in the late 1800s. 

After taking the shuttle bus from Kylemore Abbey to the Gardens, I spent over an hour exploring the area with two other members of my CEA CAPA group. During the first half, the sun was shining and the wind had settled down. And just when I was least expecting it, the clouds came and so did the rain and wind. This is just one of the many quirks of living in Ireland, and thankfully, the sun did eventually return. 

Pictured above is Sam, another CEA CAPA study abroad member, being the subject of my photography. A lot of the plants in the outside Garden hadn’t bloomed, so we found the plants inside! 

The iconic Kylemore Abbey, photographed right before we started our adventure.  

There’s no place like Ireland—so go and explore it! 

 I’ve seen some of the most beautiful sites I’ve ever been to and I’ll never forget how lucky I was to study abroad here. There is also much more to Ireland than just the Irish landscape alone, along with the landscape comes the Irish people who have a long history filled with such lively culture. I would recommend that anyone studying abroad in Ireland should take full advantage of the bus system and go out and explore as much as you can because you will not regret it.