Game of Thrones

Today I went on the Game of Thrones tour. It was one of the best experiences in my life. I saw many things that I could have only dreamt of seeing before. It was honestly like a dream come true to see the rolling hills, hundreds of sheep and other farm life, walk across a rope bridge, feel the cool and warm currents from the ocean and from the valleys.  We visited the Cushendun Caves, Giant’ Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and the King Road (Dark Hedges ) as well as Carrickfergus Castle, Carnlough Village, and Dunce Castle. In the case of the Dunluce Castle, a portion of the castle that had the kitchen and staff in it broke away from the rest of the building and plummeted into the sea killing many staff persons. The Dunluce castle served as a reference for the design of one of the many castles in Game of Thrones.

One really interesting natural land mark we saw was Loughareema- The Vanishing Lake of Northern Ireland. Loughareema is a lake that disappears completely into the ground from time to time as if a lake had never existed there before. When we drove past it was dry. However, our tour guide informed us that it had been filled on the last tour he did just a few days prior.

One of my favorite places on the tour was when we walked across the rope bridge to a beautiful island. The walk to the rope bridge and island was a little strenuous but it was definitely worth the effort because the view up there was absolutely stunning. We had a clear view of Scotland and we could see right through the water below us. Chelsea, Diana, and I enjoyed the fresh air and the close to our wonderful trip.

 

Place, Identity, and Literature in Dublin and Belfast

Given the anniversary of both the 1916 Rising and WWI, and given the imbricated history of the two, this study abroad course considers English and Irish history and literature that prefigures, rises out of, or comments upon events affecting Ireland from 1914-1918. These years helped prepare the ground for an Irish nation—and for a bifurcated “Irish” identity—one based in what we know as the Republic of Ireland, the other in Northern Ireland. In order to better understand these texts and the complex literary and cultural identifications that they register, the course will also include theoretical studies of “place”—by which I mean “space invested with meaning in the context of power.”

This course will combine theoretical considerations, literary analysis and experiential learning in the places that formed the crucible of 20th and 21st century Irish identities. These posts reflect the class’s experiences, ideas, and insights while in Ireland, and while considering questions of place, representation, and identity.