Yesterday, our group took a tour of the ruins of Clonmacnoise, a monastery founded in 544 by Saint Ciaran that became a hub of learning and religion. Today, the ruins are important to the Irish people both from a religious standpoint and from one of national unity; Clonmacnoise was attacked frequently by the Vikings and […]

Today our group had the opportunity to hear traditional Irish music and listen to some fantastic storytelling at the Doolin Music House. Although we were able to listen to a lot of live music in the pubs during our time here, this was the first time we heard traditional music played on a fiddle/flute. I […]

Yesterday, our group visited the scenic Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most iconic tourist destinations and an example of how Irish citizens will often will often step up to help out their communities. The cliffs have been hugely important to County Clare’s tourism in recent years, making their protection crucial in order to provide […]

Yesterday morning during our bus ride to Lahinch, we got to learn more about the Irish education system from Tom, who worked in primary education for many years. This was of particular interest for our group, as our documentary is focused on the impact education can have on civic engagement/Citizens’ Assemblies. Although we have interviewed […]

While conducting interviews, our group met Dr. Quixada Moore-Vissing, an American civic researcher with a PhD in education leadership and policy. Dr. Moore-Vissing is doing important work surrounding deliberative democracy in the United States and is hopeful about the possibility of mini-publics being implemented there. Additionally, Dr. Moore-Vissing has put us in contact with Dr. […]

On our drive back from Connemara, we talked about a dark stain on Ireland’s history; the abuse inflicted upon children by Catholic priests at Letterfrack Industrial School (pictured below). Tom mentioned that although many of the struggles the Irish people have been through in the past have been a result of British involvement on the […]

In desperate need of a sweet treat, McKenna, Maddie, Dermott and I made the trek into town to get some ice cream from Murphy’s today. When we walked in, we were greeted by a scene that demonstrates the generally friendly nature of Irish citizens. At Murphy’s, there are workers whose job it is so welcome […]

Yesterday, our group had the chance to hike up Diamond Hill at Connemara National Park. Although the hike was a little tough, it was definitely worth it in the end; the view from the top was beautiful! One thing I found interesting was how Tom said that even though he lives in Connemara, he had […]

Yesterday, we had the opportunity to listen to a poetry reading presented by Mary Madec (pictured below), an Ireland native who now works with student from the US who are studying abroad. Mary’s readings gave us interesting insights into how people who grew up here view the political and social culture here, not only as […]

One thing I have found interesting is that Irish democracy has been influenced by many of the same ideologies and philosophers as American democracy. Yesterday, we went to Christ Church Cathedral to explore the crypts and saw an early copy of a document that all political science students are familiar with; the Magna Carta. Issued […]