2024 Dublin Spring Seminar

On Thursday we had our long awaited debate against the Irish our team took a pro conscription stance unfortunately we weren’t able to win under the judges opinion but we did win the popular vote. We also went to the James Joyce museum which was originally a Georgian mansion with beautiful architecture. Along with artistic works based on his books.

Today’s adventures first took us to Butlers Chocolate Factory. Where we got to go on a tour of how the chocolate is made and packaged. Then we got a tasting of some of the chocolate as we saw a short film on how Butlers was founded. Finally we got to decorate our own chocolate elephants before leaving. After that we had lunch and went to the James Joyce center to see how he lived and look at some of the things he did in his lifetime. After that some kids went to do final debate prep and some practiced for the basketball game tomorrow. Once that was finished we went back to the lecture theater for the debate. There were great points from either side but in the end Belvedere won. Though we lost it was still a fun and intense time.

Today was a great and adventurous day for the crew. First we set off to go look at Tara and New grange as they were two very interesting places to visit. We learned about the bridge that you cross over the boyne river because it was very important to Ireland as it represented the battle of the boyne. The trip has been great so far as we have a little time left here in Ireland. 

Today I took the train in to school like most other days. After arriving at school we went straight to a history class with Mr Altman who was full of energy. He talked to us    about the main characteristics of Ireland and some historical events that made it what it is today. Then we hopped straight on     bus and headed north. Our first stop was the hill of Tara which was an ancient inauguration site for ancient kings of Ireland. Then we drove over to where newgrange is but the bus first took us to knowth which I think is one of the coolest places we’ve been to. It is similar to newgrange, which was where we went to next, as it is an ancient burial site used for megalithic passage. There was over 200 people found at knowth and around 6 people found at newgrange because of its open door since its discovery the 1600s. The difference between the two other than the 18 smaller satellite mounds at knowth and the overall design of them is one thing. At newgrange during the morning of the win

Our day today was very educational and fun, with a few quick lessons in the morning followed by an immediate trip to the Glasnevin Cemetery area. We were taught about the topography of Ireland and Irish literature through 2 very enjoyable mini-lessons which were directed by Belvedere staff. We then went to the Glasnevin cemetery, where we learned a lot about the politics surrounding the 1916 rising and the people who were involved in it. We had a quick lunch break at the lovely cafe, and then made our way to the Botanic Gardens right next door! There, we were allowed to wander, taking in the beautiful fauna and wildlife living in that area. 

Today’s adventures were full of reflection and remembrance, as we visited the Glasnevin cemetery, as well as the neighboring botanical garden! We visited the graves of many famous key Irish fighters in the 1916 uprising, as well as other figures important to the culture as a whole. The botanical garden was an added and unexpected bonus to the day, with a wide array of plant species arranged throughout the space, and a variety of wild animals sprawling across the grounds!