Keep Calm and Shamrock On

Celebrating St. Patrick's Day the right way... in Ireland!!

After a long, but beautifully scenic bus ride from Dungarvan on Friday, March 15, a few students were welcomed at a banquet at the Mansion House. The Lord Mayor of Dublin even personally thanked the group of Mercyhurst students for coming all the way from Erie, PA! I could not believe how nice and welcoming this banquet was. Not only were the organizers thrilled to see our large group of 14, but they also served us the best dinner filled with Irish ham, bread, fruits, cake, tea and wine. In addition to the food, we were given our 5K race t shirts, bib numbers, and a picture with the Mayor.


Saturday was race day! The MU students gathered on the streets with 3,000 other races from around the world to run/walk/stumble a 5K together. I feel so accomplished that I can now say I have ran road races in 2 countries!!

The weekend in Dublin concluded on Sunday when we had the opportunity to walk in the St. Patrick's Day Parade! Who ever said that this was mainly an American holiday was completely wrong because those Dubliners are crazy! It was 10am and everyone was hyper up for the parade while drinking their Guinness's in the street. Unfortunately  we also experienced true Ireland weather that day when it was freezing and raining! Once we couldn't take the cold anymore, we jumped some barricades and RAN to catch the bus back to Dungarvan.

I am so thankful that I was able to be in Dublin for St. Patrick's Day, something that many people only dream about doing!! It was an awesome experience and the best way (I think!) to celebrate the holiday. Later that night the party continued in Dungarvan with some live Irish music at the pubs. Definitely one of the best St. Patrick's Day I will have!