Meeting the Locals

Meeting people in Dublin is no easy feat. Around 7 million people from other countries visit this small island which is only about the size of Indiana. The major airport is just outside of the city center in Dublin, making it the top destination for Ireland tourism. Walking around the popular streets, you see many people with cameras around their necks, hauling suitcases or heavy backpacks, and attempting to experience the city just as much as I am. This makes it difficult to meet any local people for more than a brief conversation, but I have been lucky to meet some and find out their perspective on their country. It was easier to speak to locals up in Glencolmcille because it was a smaller village in a more remote area. The people were friendly and happy to have a conversation. Our Irish teacher, Ronan, and the people hosting us at Oiedas Gael were great and educated us in many ways about the culture and area that they didn’t need to take the time to do. I had a few conversations with locals at the pub also, because this seems like they best way to meet people. Public houses have a huge place in Irish culture and trad sessions bring strangers together and they were happy to include the students from Boston.