When I think about my time in Ireland, it’s not just the cities or the people that stand out—it’s the nature. There’s something about Ireland’s landscape that takes hold of you, especially when you’re by yourself. I found a kind of solace in the simplest things, like sitting in the park and watching the birds, or taking long walks through fields of endless green. For me, nature wasn’t just a backdrop in Ireland; it was a companion, a teacher, and a reminder to slow down and truly experience the world around me.
I spent a lot of my time alone in People’s Park, just watching the world go by. But it wasn’t just the people I was observing—it was the birds. There was something calming about seeing them fly by, hopping between trees, or just gliding across the sky. I found a lot of peace in that. The more I watched, the more I felt connected to the rhythm of the world around me, in a way I hadn’t before. Every bird was like a little reminder to be present. And Limerick, with its rich greenery and river views, was the perfect place to just sit and be.
In fact, it became a bit of a daily routine. I’d grab a coffee, find a spot near the river, and just take in everything around me. The sounds of the birds, the rustling of leaves, and the occasional splash of the river—it was like the world was moving in perfect harmony, and I was just part of it.
You don’t really get it until you see it, but Ireland is ridiculously green. And I mean, green. There’s something about the way the landscape just feels alive, with lush fields and forests around every corner. I found so many hidden gems in Limerick, tucked-away spots where I could just sit and take in the beauty of it all. Everything was so vibrant—every tree, every patch of grass, every wildflower. It was like nature was constantly inviting me to stop and pay attention.
But if I had to pick one place in Ireland that truly changed me, it would be Galway. I was only there for a few days, but those few days felt like magic. The ocean air, the friendly people, the live music playing every night—it was like a dream. The vibe of the place felt different from anywhere else I visited in Ireland. There was something so special about the way the city came alive at night, with musicians on every corner and people chatting like they’d known each other for years.
The coastline was breathtaking. I spent hours walking along the water, just listening to the waves crash and feeling the salt in the air. It felt like a place where everything made sense—a place where time slowed down, and all I had to do was sit and soak it all in. It was the perfect mix of nature and humanity, of quiet reflection and spontaneous joy.
My time in Ireland wasn’t just about seeing new places—it was about learning how to appreciate the world around me. The wildlife, the parks, the ocean, and the ever-present greenery all taught me to slow down and pay attention to the little things. Being alone in these places gave me the space to really see what I had been missing. Nature became my grounding force, and in the simple act of observing birds or walking by the river, I discovered a sense of peace that I’ll carry with me long after I’ve left.”
Olivia G. is studying Education and studied abroad at Mary Immaculate College in Limerick, Ireland.
Comments are closed.