Departure Day and Day 1 of Tennessee Tech College of Business Study Abroad Ireland

After months of anticipation, the Tennessee Tech College of Business study abroad trip officially took off on the evening of May 11th. With our suitcases packed and passports in hand, we gathered at the Nashville airport filled with energy and curiosity. This journey promised not just business visits and cultural experiences, but the kind of shared memories that would last a lifetime.

We landed in Dublin on the morning of May 12th, greeted by cool Irish air and a sky blanketed in soft gray clouds—a true welcome to the Emerald Isle. After navigating customs and gathering our luggage, we boarded our coach and began our journey north.

Our first stop was the charming town of Downpatrick, located in County Down, Northern Ireland. While it was initially just a stop for lunch, the visit quickly became much more than that. To my surprise—and the group’s excitement—we discovered that Downpatrick is the burial place of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, along with Saint Brigid, one of Ireland’s most revered female saints.

Students had some free time to explore The Saint Patrick Centre, the only permanent exhibition in the world dedicated to Patrick’s life and legacy. The exhibit offered an immersive introduction to his journey from Roman Britain to becoming a Christian missionary in Ireland. We then visited Down Cathedral, the resting place of Saint Patrick, whose grave is marked with a simple stone bearing his name. It was a reflective and meaningful way to start our adventure—standing at the site of Ireland’s spiritual heritage before diving into its modern-day business landscape.

But I had a surprise in store for our first official business visit.

Rather than announcing it ahead of time, I kept the destination a mystery. As we pulled up to Castle Ward, the excitement on the students’ faces was undeniable. Located near Strangford Lough in County Down, Castle Ward is an 18th-century National Trust property, known for its unique blend of classical and gothic architecture. But it’s even more famously known as Winterfell—the iconic Stark family home in the HBO series Game of Thrones.

Just as the students were taking it all in, a man wielding a sword boarded our bus in full medieval attire. Gasps and laughter erupted as he welcomed us to Winterfell. We were each handed a cloak and led on a private tour of the estate, walking through filming locations used in the first three seasons of the show. From the courtyard to the archery range, every step felt like stepping into the fantasy world of Westeros.

Beyond the immersive fun, the visit had a strong business focus. A local guide gave a fascinating talk about the economic impact Game of Thrones had on the region. From job creation in tourism and hospitality to local craftsmanship and filming logistics, Castle Ward’s transformation into Winterfell revitalized the area’s economy in ways both direct and far-reaching. It was a perfect case study in how entertainment can stimulate regional development.

Before leaving, we tried our hand at archery, reenacted a few scenes, and of course, snapped photos on the Iron Throne—an unforgettable highlight for everyone.

Our final stop of the day was Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. A vibrant city with a complex history, Belfast is now a thriving hub of culture, innovation, and education. We checked into the Maldron Hotel Belfast City, a modern and comfortable base for our time here. After a quick freshen-up, we headed out for dinner at the Morning Star Bar.

Tucked down a narrow alleyway, the Morning Star is a Belfast institution. Originally established as a coaching inn in the 19th century, it’s known today for its warm atmosphere, traditional pub fare, and award-winning steaks. The students loved the cozy feel of the place, and we shared our favorite moments from the day over hearty Irish dishes.

As our first full day came to a close, it was clear this trip was already living up to its promise: a blend of cultural discovery, academic enrichment, and just the right amount of magic.

More adventures await tomorrow, but for now, we rest well in Belfast—with dreams of thrones, saints, and swords still fresh in our minds.