The excursion of the international students to the iconic Cliffs of Moher
It’s eight o’clock in the evening. The sun has only just set, leaving behind soft traces of twilight. The rain comes and goes as quickly as a passing thought. I sit at my white desk, perfectly matching the walls of my room, sip a warm cup of Earl Grey, and begin to write this blog. I still can’t quite believe it, that I am here. I am sitting right in a single room reserved for international students at Mary I. At last, the dream I carried with me for the past two years, once unbelievable and crazy, has become reality.
After an 18-hour flight and a long layover in Istanbul, I finally landed in Dublin. A further two and a half hours brought me to Limerick. The accommodation officer greeted me with genuine kindness, offering a tour of the house, helping me carry the heavy luggage, and then disappearing back into the rain once I was safely settled.
Ireland welcomed me with a dazzling afternoon sun, punctuated by sudden showers. The people here always carried their warm smiles and offered patient directions. At that moment, I knew: I am here, and for the next year, I will live, explore, and enjoy every shade of green this country has to offer.
Linh on the first day at Mary I.
It has only been two weeks since I first set foot in Ireland, yet this country never fails to amaze me. The first week was Orientation for international students, where we gathered from diverse nations, France, Germany, Palestine, and many more. We played games, sang, danced, and enjoyed pizza night. One evening, we even had a lively meet-and-greet at a local pub that stretched late into the night.
The International Student Ambassador Team at Punch’s Bar for the Meet and Greet Event
Mary I turned out to be even more beautiful than anything I had seen on Pinterest, the endless green lawns, the cozy classrooms, the perfect harmony of ancient stone buildings and modern spaces, and the ivy-covered Foundation Building – everything just looks like in a fairytale.
And beyond campus, our adventure took us to the Cliffs of Moher. Standing there, with the wind rushing past, I realized I was on the very site where Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was filmed, where Harry and Dumbledore searched for a Horcrux. To see such a place with my own eyes was nothing short of magical.
The excursion of the international students to the iconic Cliffs of Moher.
All of these small but meaningful experiences have left me deeply impressed. Ireland is not just a destination; it is a feeling, a rhythm of life that reveals itself little by little. From my short time here, I have gathered 6 impressions about this extremely green island:
1, Céad Míle Fáilte means A hundred Thousand Welcomes in Irish. And yes, people here carry kindness in their smiles and are always ready to help, especially when they see me looking a little lost on the street. And the lecturers and staff at Mary I are just the same. Annette, Emma, Alison, Sandra, all of them have been so supportive and approachable, making students feel that Ireland is just like home.
2, Irish weather is the most unpredictable companion you’ll ever have. One moment the sun is shining, and the next, the rain sweeps in without warning. Locals often describe the weather as “grand,” which can mean anything from sunny and warm to rainy but bearable. My best advice? Never step outside without an umbrella; you’ll never know when you might find yourself suddenly soaked!
3, Tea is a must-try beverage here. From Earl Grey to Barry’s Tea, every cup in Ireland seems to carry its own comforting flavour. A cup of hot tea (usually with milk) seems to be the answer to everything: a study break, a rainy afternoon, or simply a way to start a conversation.
4, Walking becomes a way of life. Back in Vietnam, I rarely walked; motorbikes were always the quickest way to get anywhere, and walking often felt exhausting. But here in Ireland, walking has become the norm: to the supermarket, to class, or to the city centre. And surprisingly, it feels nothing like a burden. The cool breeze, the endless blue sky, the drifting white clouds, all make each walk refreshing and peaceful.
The pretty green playing field.
5, Traditional dance. During Orientation week, I had the chance to watch (and even try!) Irish traditional dance. The rhythm, the fast footwork, and the lively music created an atmosphere that was both joyful and unforgettable. Even as a newcomer, I felt swept up in the energy and spirit of it all.
6, Greener than anywhere else you can imagine. They don’t call Ireland the Emerald Isle for nothing. From the rolling hills to the campus lawns, the green here is unlike anywhere I’ve ever seen. Even after just a short time, I find the endless shades of green soothing and refreshing, like nature itself is always close by, wrapping you in calm.
Mary I on a sunny day, with golden light spilling over green lawns and clear blue skies stretching endlessly above.
Two weeks may seem short, but Ireland has already given me a hundred memories and a thousand welcomes. The Emerald Isle truly leaves its mark on my heart, and I know that in the year ahead, there will be countless more stories waiting to be told.
Limerick, one soothing Saturday!
by Linh Dong, Vietnam
