The End of May and Beginning of The Program!

May 31st..in the morning we all met up at Dublin airport. Alexis the Albany Young Ambassador flew in, Michael from Toronto and Andres from Minnesota who were already here! We have two more in our group from the Milwaukee chapter but they are arriving on Saturday. A quick stop for coffee and a Bakewell tart (a short crust pastry with jam and frangipane) and we were off headed to Northern Ireland.

Along the way Dr Tim stopped to show us the Dromore Motte and Bailey. It’s one of the best preserved examples of a Norman Motte and Bailey castle in the British Isles.

When we got to Downpatrick we had our first look around the St. Patrick’s Centre and also had the opportunity to listen to the audio tour; as well as watch the Centre's video about St. Patrick. We’ve been told some of the tech parts are out of date but from an academic point of view it’s a really informative and interesting tour!

After a stop at ASDA (A local store like Fry's or Albertson's) to pick up some provisions it was on to what will be the Young Ambassador house for the next two weeks! Michael (Canada) and I made pasta and chicken for dinner; and we all enjoyed our first meal in the house! Alexis (Albany) and Andres (Minnesota) decided to call it a night, while Canada and I headed out to Denvir’s the local pub Dr. Tim had recommended. Established in 1641 it is the oldest survivng Coaching Inn in Ireland. There was live music and it was a great way to wrap up the first evening here in Downpatrick.