A Week Spent Studying Ireland’s Living Landscapes 

After capturing my first week in the Living Landscapes in the West of Ireland course at the University of Galway, I’m sharing here the best snapshots I have taken. I have been introduced to field-based learning in ecology, geology, and wildlife survey techniques. From the start, the focus has been on understanding how landscapes are shaped through the interaction of abiotic and biotic factors, and how human activity is deeply connected to natural systems rather than separate from them. It has been an extremely positive start to the program, especially getting to learn outdoors in real Irish landscapes.  

Purple Foxglove showing off its vibrant colors in front of the green foliage. 

Back at Grand Valley State University I am a senior planning to graduate in the spring with a B.S. in Wildlife Biology and Natural Resource Management. I couldn’t be more grateful for this opportunity to engage in hands-on field work to expand my skills and knowledge for life outside of undergrad. 

Glory to all the landscape of Garden Lake Commons! 

Field Trips Around Galway 

One of the most interesting parts of this week has been seeing lecture concepts come to life in the field. Throughout these field trips around Galway, I have begun to understand how Carboniferous limestone and the Galway Granite complex shape the land beneath us.  

Hiking our way to the top of Garden Lake Commons. 

Being able to physically observe rock formations, erosion features, and glacially shaped landscapes has made it much so much easier to connect theories about earth's formation with what I am actually seeing. These landscapes feel like they are constantly telling a story about time and I enjoy diving into the world of geology which I previously lacked knowledge on. 

Granite and limestone at Connemara. 

Picking up the goodies, trying to find some fossils! 

Glengowla Mines excursion teaching us the history of Irish miners. 

Experiencing Irish Hydrology 

Hydrology has also stood out during this first week, especially through visits to bridges, turlough systems, and limestone drainage areas. Seeing how water moves through upland and lowland environments, and how seasonal flooding shapes environments, has made me realize how different water flows through Ireland compared to in my home in Michigan. 

Appreciating the river running through The Punchbowl in Gort, Ireland. 

Freshwater systems depositing into Galway Bay near Dunguaire Castle. 

Exploring Biodiversity and Field Survey Methods 

We have also started to explore biodiversity and field survey methods, which has been one of my favorite parts so far. Learning how scientists observe species through direct and indirect methods, and beginning to recognize plants and wildlife in the field, has made ecology feel much more hands-on and real. Prepping mammal traps and birding have been the highlight of the biotic side to our ecological adventures.  

Glengowla mines turning into a petting zoo, who knew? 

Birding near the Lough Corrib coastline, Peregrine Falcons in sight. 

Overall, this first week abroad has been exciting, informative, and a great introduction to studying living landscapes in Ireland. I’m so happy I made the jump to experience a new life at the University of Galway.