Ireland Study Abroad Day 2: From big screens to bagpipes
Our second day in Belfast offered a wonderful blend of education, culture, history, and some fantastic food. From learning about Northern Ireland’s place on the global stage to hearing personal Titanic stories, the day was packed with insight and emotion.
We started the morning with a fascinating talk from Bernard McCloskey of Northern Ireland Screen, the national screen agency responsible for supporting film, television, and digital content in Northern Ireland. Bernard spoke to our students about the agency’s mission—to promote the region as a premier location for film and television production, support local talent, and preserve Northern Ireland's screen heritage.
Northern Ireland Screen has played a vital role in transforming the local economy. Thanks to their efforts, the region has become a major hub for international productions—most famously HBO’s Game of Thrones, which brought a wave of investment, jobs, and global attention. In fact, the screen industry has become one of the fastest-growing sectors in Northern Ireland, contributing significantly to employment and tourism. Bernard’s talk offered a powerful example of how culture and creativity can revitalize an economy and change a region’s global image.
Following that, we heard from Louise McQuillan with Visit Belfast, the city's destination marketing organization. Louise gave an overview of Visit Belfast’s dual roles. On one side, their tourism arm promotes Belfast as a must-see destination for leisure travelers, highlighting the city's rich history, music scene, food culture, and vibrant neighborhoods. On the other, the corporate arm works to attract conferences, meetings, and large-scale events to the city—helping to fill hotels, support local businesses, and position Belfast as a world-class venue for business tourism.
After the talks, our students had a break to grab lunch. I took the opportunity to enjoy a meal at EDŌ, a stylish spot that serves up contemporary tapas. The dishes were flavorful, creative, and just the right size for a satisfying but light lunch. It was a perfect midday recharge before our next activity.
We regrouped at the Maldron Hotel for a 2.5-hour walking tour of Belfast led by the extraordinary Susie McQuillan. Susie’s background as a longtime news journalist brought the city to life in a unique way—her personal stories and historical insights added depth and emotion to every stop. One particularly moving moment came when she shared the story of her great-grandfather, who died aboard the Titanic. She recounted her grandfather’s last memory of his father before he boarded the ill-fated ship—there wasn’t a dry eye in the group.
Mid-tour, we made a stop at the Discover Ulster-Scots Centre, which celebrates the history and cultural heritage of the Ulster-Scots people—descendants of Scottish settlers who arrived in Northern Ireland centuries ago. The center explores their language, music, and emigration stories, especially their influence in the United States, where many Ulster-Scots played a role in shaping early American society. To our surprise and delight, we were treated to a live bagpipe performance, which echoed through the building and reminded us of the deep musical traditions that still thrive here.
After the tour, Sean Alley (my faculty co-lead) and I stopped by Robinson’s Bar, one of Belfast’s most historic pubs. It was the perfect spot to unwind with a pint and take in the atmosphere of the city. We were later joined by Sean’s wife, Lauren McCain, and headed to dinner at Nu Delhi, an elegant Indian restaurant. The food was incredible and the company even better—it was the ideal way to wrap up an unforgettable day.
Tomorrow, our students have a free day to explore Belfast on their own, and I’m excited to hear where their adventures take them. From murals to markets, museums to music venues, there’s no shortage of discoveries awaiting in this captivating city.
Stay tuned!
