|
|
|
Irish Studies Summer School |
|
|
|
| |
 Queens University
The promotion of cultural understanding is the ultimate aim of the Irish Studies Summer School. For the last four years, the Summer School has moved home for one week to Queen's University Belfast, migrating north to further the continued success of the peace initiatives in the new millennium.
The Question:A consistent source of fascination for the students is that perennial question: Why can't Catholics and Protestants get on with each other? Sometimes the simplest and most naïve questions are the best and the most difficult to answer. By the end of the six-week Summer School, students are always better informed about the conflict, but being in Belfast, the students are able to ask the questions directly to those involved.
The Vision:Twenty years ago, USIT furthered its mission of promoting cultural understanding among American and Irish students with the first USIT Trinity College Irish Studies Summer School. It was probably raining, but nevertheless, the enterprise was a huge success! This new cross-border co-operation is the natural progression of a worthy and important project that continues to grow in reputation and size. Queens University now host their own Irish Studies Summer School so Trinity and Queens share resources for this week in Belfast.
Marching Season:Our students were sensibly undeterred by the exaggerated reports broadcast across the world the week before. The July 12th holiday in Northern Ireland is best known for the Orange marches, which commemorate the victory of King William at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. Unfortunately, it can be a time of unrest in Northern Ireland. However, this unrest rarely lasts more than a couple of days, as was the case again this year. By July 12th itself the streets were calm again and any students hoping to see some action had to content themselves with the £3 steins of Murphy's stout in the Eglington Bar!
Journey North:Armed with maps and booklets and brochures on Belfast, two coaches full of participants ambled north towards the border. A few snored as we crossed onto the better roads on the far side. The sun shone and was to continue to do so as we swept down into Belfast and the leafy Queen's Elms Residences. After a brief orientation session, the students were let loose around the university area's entertainment venues.
The Accommodation:The students stayed in single rooms in self-catering campus accommodation at the Queen's Elms Residences - about 10 minutes' walk from the main university buildings. Breakfast was substantial, with a choice of heart-stopping Ulster Fry or yoghurt & fruit to follow the usual cereal and toast! Essential after those jugs of cocktails and steins of beer at the nearby student bars.
The Classes:Classes were held in the new and pristine Peter Froggatt Centre overlooking the perfectly manicured quad of Queen's University. Students were shocked at the absence of stern guards and 'keep off the grass' signs (as seen at TCD) and rolled around on the lawn with glee! Some lecturers even sported blushing tans having been persuaded to decamp from the lecture theatres out under the trees. The fascinating week-long programme was organised in co-operation with Dr Sophie Hillan of the Institute of Irish Studies, Queens University and Dr Peter Collins of St Mary's College, Queen's University. A highlight of the week was Dominic Bryan speaking on Parades and Symbols in Northern Ireland.
The Tours:The classes were complemented by an eye-opening tour of Belfast city and its famous murals, and an all-day trip up through the Glens of Antrim to Ballycastle, a hair-raising crossing of the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge, a wave at the distant shores of Scotland and a leap about the Giant's Causeway.
The Evenings:Evening events included a tour of the City Hall followed by a civic reception full of pomp and ceremony when the students were officially welcomed by the Lord Mayor of Belfast. Another evening was filled with the words and verse of celebrated northern poet writers, Medbh McGuckian. However, the event of the week was the trip to Stormont Castle, home of the Northern Irish Assembly, for a tour of the impressive building and special round-table talks with representatives from four pro-agreement parties. Students were able to pose the questions they had always wanted to ask to prominent members from both sides of the community. The heated exchange that ensued was enlightening!
The Opinion:Belfast was quiet. The streets and bars were uncannily empty, but then locals often choose to holiday abroad (and 'down south') for the July 12th holiday. This spaciousness combined with azure skies and incredibly hospitable natives to the city, made for a wonderfully interesting and special week in a beautiful part of the island.
One week was definitely too short, a thought echoed repeatedly as the buses lumbered through the crowds of O'Connell Street upon arrival back in Dublin. 76 students, 3 faculty staff, and a few Dubliners now consider themselves far better informed and eager to return to the warm and welcoming city of Belfast!
|
|
|
|
|
|
