From February 21st to February 28th, we, class 7A, spent our language week in Bray, a charming town close to Dublin. We were accompanied by our teachers Mrs Ehling-Zeugswetter and Mrs Utz. During our stay, we got to experience Irish culture up close and created memories for a lifetime.
Our trip officially started after we had all arrived safely in Bray, where we were picked up by our host families, feeling joy and excitement. Throughout the next seven days, there wasn’t even a minute we spent lying around doing nothing. Instead, we were constantly exploring.
On Saturday, a guided tour of beautiful Dublin awaited us. We had probably never been more embarrassed than when our tour guide made us sing right in the middle of Dublin – but that’s another story. After six hours of sightseeing, we felt like our feet would fall off, but on Sunday, our next trip was just around the corner: Kilkenny Castle. There, we finally got a taste of typically Irish weather: pouring rain and strong winds – a perfect combination.
For the next few days, we spent our mornings at school and our afternoons wandering through Bray or exploring Dublin. Occasionally, we had an evening program that included bowling or Irish dancing – a surprising highlight of the week. However, the most exhausting part of our stay was surely climbing Bray Head. Hiking up steep trails full of rocks and roots growing out of the muddy ground was an experience in itself – but it turned out to be totally worth it, as we got to enjoy a breathtaking view once we were finally on top of the mountain.
After seven days of Irish culture at its finest, we eventually had to say goodbye, leaving with an empty wallet but a heart full of memories. (Cordula Dangl)
Oh, Ireland! The land of rain and sun,
Where people have red hair and a lot of fun.
Where there are a lot of sheep,
And the Guinness is not cheap.
If you get found by the stone,
Luck will never leave you alone.
The grass is green, the skies may weep,
But laughter here runs strong and deep.
Music plays and dancing flows,
In the land where the shamrock grows. (Timea Ableidinger, Roja Österreicher, Julia Haumer)
