The Wellbeing Ambassador social initiative was developed in September 2020 as a way for students to support each other as well as engage in workshops and talks provided by Student Experience. There is also a focus on charity work and giving back to the local community.
The charity we have chosen to support this year is Barnardo’s and we will be doing so by selling raffle tickets for a Christmas hamper. This can be a difficult time of year for families so is important to focus on a charity that looks after the welfare of venerable children. This semester our Ambassadors expressed an interest in environmental matters, due to this we have decided that all items in the hamper will be either organic, environmentally friendly or locally sourced.
Sticking with the Environmental theme, our Wellbeing Ambassadors are also running a Clean Up Dublin initiative. They have been in contact with Dublin City Council who have provided all the material needed to set this up. There will also be complimentary tea and cake afterwards to say thank you to all student participants.
On Saturday the 13th of November Dorset College students took off to visit the vibrant city of Belfast. It was an unusually mild day in Dublin for mid-November, a good sign for any day trip in Ireland. Taking off from Dublin the tour driver Aiden pointed out notable landmarks on the way out of the city and provided a wonderful telling of the background and history of Northern Ireland.
The first stop of the day was the magnificent Titanic Museum in East Belfast. This is a superb attraction for the city and has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors since it first opened 9 years ago.
The museum is based in Queens Island on Belfast Lough where the Titanic was originally built, this is where it all began before it was sent to Liverpool to take off on its first and only maiden voyage. A wonderful place to visit for those who are still curious about this tragic tale and the workmanship that was involved in its creation.
The next part of the Belfast experience was to take a driving tour of the murals that are synonymous with the culture of the city. Creating an imprint or statement through visual art is something that Belfast does better than any other city. The walls of the city are full is amazing artwork, both traditional and contemporary. This is a practice that started as a way to advertise the political leaning in certain areas of a once divided city but has now become a showcase for artistic talent and culture.
Game of Thrones Mural
Belfast boasts some stunning Churches and Cathedrals within the city they are worth the visit for anyone interested in religious history. The beauty of the architecture and the care is taken in their restoration is something to truly admire.
After a long stroll around the city centre and exploring what there is to offer it was time to make the way back home to Dublin, tired but happy.
On a cold but sunny Friday afternoon, the Student Experience team took off to visit Dublin’s most iconic attraction, the Guinness Storehouse.
It felt like the perfect time to take a walk across the streets of Dublin, with shoppers milling about and a hum of excitement throughout the city centre.
A sip of the black stuff is the only thing our Semester Abroad students need to become full-fledged Irish citizens. It may be an acquired taste but a necessary one when living in the capital, especially during the colder weather.
Guinness storehouse
The Guinness brand is recognisable throughout the world and the Storehouse is a real treat for any Guinness enthusiast. The building consists of seven beautifully restored floors, with each one being a unique experience.
Dorset students
The students had a wonderful time learning about the brewing process and the history behind our national drink. While partaking in a variety of different Guinness products our Semester Abroad students also got the best view of Dublin at the 360 Gravity Bar.
What to expect from Galway Christmas Market as an iconic festival makes its return.
The colourful event is due to be set up even earlier this year to make up for a lost time, with the market set to be welcoming visitors from November 12 right up to December 22.
Source: Irish Mirror
After being postponed last year due to the pandemic, the iconic Galway Christmas Market has been given the green light to return in November for the holiday season.
Galway City Council is allowing the festival to return to Eyre Square and festival-goers will once more be able to enjoy the beer tent, ferries wheel and much more to come for this year’s festivities.
The colourful event is due to be set up even earlier this year to make up for a lost time, with the market set to be welcoming visitors from November 12 right up to December 22.
While it may only be October, Christmas-lovers are already keen to see what the return of the festival will bring.
Galway Christmas market 2016
Nearby Oranmore Lodge Hotel has revealed details about what to expect from this year's market, with many favourite stalls returning for 2021.
"Once again, this year will feature amusement rides including a 32-metre high Ferris wheel and traditional carousel, Santa’s express train, live music performers, puppet shows, storytelling, school choirs and of course, we all know that it’s not Christmas without a visit to Santa’s Grotto, run by local charities".
"Food lovers can feast on a bratwurst, French pastries, pretzels or confectionery, crêpes and waffles, while families and friends can enjoy a walk through the enchanted light gardens providing the backdrop for a Christmas Market photo, stop off at Santa’s post-box and much more".
"For those that enjoy their beer, you can buy a stein at the German Bierkeller which also offers a range of traditional German beers, apple cider and mulled wine".
Christmas market
The Galway Christmas Market has been a staple of the festive season in Galway since 2010 but had its run cut short last year in the interest of public health.
At the time of the cancellation, Galway City Council said: "Following the public health guidelines and the release of the governments ‘Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19’ framework, Galway City Council has taken the difficult decision in the interest of public safety to cancel activities and events in Eyre Square in the coming months including the Christmas Markets and comedy festival.
"We understand this news will come as a disappointment to the general public, event producers and traders as well as the local businesses".
"Galway City Council would like to acknowledge efforts of the various event producers in adjusting their plans to comply with the latest and changing guidelines".
"However, Galway City Council has decided that in the interests of public health, there will be no organised events in Eyre Square for the foreseeable future".
