GLENDALOUGH & WICKLOW GAOL

On Sunday we went to visit Glendalough, one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland. This early Christian monastic settlement was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century although most of the buildings that survive today date from the 10th through 12th centuries. The surroundings also include some of the most beautiful mountains and lakes in the country, so we took some incledible pictures of the landscape.

After lunch we went to Wicklow Gaol. This prison was built in the eary 18th century and it has a history of cruelty and shame. Within its walls thousands of prisoners from the Great Famine, the 1798 rebellion and the War of Independence lived years of torture, starvation and disease. It closed in 1924 and it is now a tourist attraction as well as the most haunted building in Ireland. Luckily, we didn´t see any ghosts during our visit!!

On Monday it was back to lessons in Rathdown College, after a weekend full of new experiences.

SATURDAY IN DUBLIN

Last Saturday we went to Dublin. The weather was very nice. We walked a lot and were very tired at the end of the day but it was definitely worth it! Take a look at the pictures we took. We had a great day!

We started visiting the world reknown Trinity College.

The we went to O´Connel street and saw The Spire of Dublin, or Monument of Light, a stainless steel, pin-like monument, 121 metres in height.

 After that we went to the Georgia area of the city where we visited the James Joyce Centre. We learnt about the life and times of the famous XXth century Irish writer and his controversial work and writing style.

The we walked through town doing some shopping in O´Connell street...

... the Temple Bar area, with its trendy restaurants, shops and markets....

 .... and the group decided they would like to see Dublin´s Hard Rock Cafe, so we stopped there too!!

After a short break to have lunch, we went to the Guinness Storehouse. We were surprised by how big and modern it was! Seven floors of interactive displays about the Guinness production process, bars and restaurants and even live music!! And of course we got some souvenirs for friends and relatives.

We were really exhausted when we got back to the college but it was a great experience.

THURSDAY AND FRIDAY

Thursday and Friday were also really busy days for all of us here at Rathdown. On Thursday, after lessons in the morning, we walked to Dun Laoghaire, a seaside town just twenty minutes away from the college.

Some of us tried the typical Teddy´s ice cream!!  Yummy!!!

We found a wonderful surprise by the sea. There was a funfair in Carlisle Pier. Having funfairs on piers is very typical in the British Isles. We had fun despite the rain and the view of Dublin from the wheel was fantastic!!

After dinner we got ready to go to the disco organised at the college. We all had fun with our international friends!

Some interesting things happened on Thursday too. In the afternoon some of iur students took part in the cookery lesson with the Irish students, which was a paella cooking competition... shall I tell you who won or can you guess!!!

Yes!! The first prize went to Miriam, Sara, Almudena and their Irish team mate! Well done!!

Other students chose the Arts and Crafts session or basketball, and also had a nice afternoon.

And now get ready to read about our fantastic weekend in Dublin!!! Coming soon....

MORE LESSONS AND ACTIVITIES AT RATHDOWN

Yesterday (Wednesday), we spent the day at the college. We went to class in the morning, had lunch and then took part in the integration programme with the Irish students.

Later on, we played a "Generals, Captains and Soldiers" game in the college fields with the rest of the students in the campus.

After dinner, we took part in "Rathdown´s Quiz Night". In teams of six we answered five rounds of general knowledge questions, many of them about Ireland, and..... guess who won??!!!

FIRST PRIZE!!!

SECOND PRIZE!!!

And look at us relaxing in the evening in the TV room in the girls´ residence!

That´s all for now from Rathdown College. You´ll hear from us again in a few days. Bye for now!!