Ireland Study Abroad Day 6: Books, brews, and a bit of Irish Craic

Today was our busiest day yet—but absolutely packed with the kind of experiences that make this study abroad trip unforgettable. We kicked things off with a hearty breakfast at the Hilton Garden Inn, then set off on foot for one of Dublin’s most iconic institutions: Trinity College.

Our first major stop was the Book of Kells Experience, and wow—it did not disappoint. Housed within the historic campus of Trinity College, the exhibit dives deep into the artistry, history, and spiritual significance of this 9th-century illuminated manuscript. The detailed illustrations and vibrant colors still stun after over a thousand years. After learning about the monks who created the Book of Kells, we made our way into the Long Room of the Trinity Library, one of the most breathtaking library spaces in the world. Towering wooden shelves, ancient books, and marble busts of literary and philosophical giants created a reverent hush—and plenty of photos.

Next, we boarded the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, which gave us a chance to rest our feet while still taking in Dublin’s historic streets. We hopped off at one of Ireland’s most legendary institutions: the Guinness Storehouse.

The Guinness Brewery is built into a seven-story former fermentation plant, and the tour is completely self-guided, letting you move at your own pace through exhibits on brewing, advertising, cooperage, and history. We started with lunch at the brewery, where several of us tried dishes cooked with Guinness—like their rich beef stew. To make things more interactive, I created a scavenger hunt for the students, which had them searching the various exhibits and uncovering hidden nuggets of trivia. It added a layer of fun and friendly competition to the experience. We wrapped up with panoramic views of Dublin from the Gravity Bar, pint in hand.

After completing the full loop on the Hop-On Hop-Off route, we arrived at our final stop of the day: the Teeling Whiskey Distillery in the Liberties neighborhood. Unlike the older giants in Irish whiskey, Teeling is a new-generation distillery, opened in 2015 by Jack and Stephen Teeling, whose family has deep roots in Irish whiskey going back to 1782. The tour brought us through their boutique operation where innovation meets tradition. Afterward, we enjoyed a whiskey and cocktail tasting, which showcased their unique aging processes (like rum and wine casks) and their bold, flavorful spirits.

The students went off on their own adventures after the tour, but Sean and I decided to linger a bit longer, sampling some of Teeling’s more exotic expressions—including a few not widely available. One of the highlights was bottling my own whiskey straight from the cask—a perfect souvenir with a personal twist.

On the way back to the hotel, we stopped at a random pub for dinner and were rewarded with excellent fish and chips—crispy, flaky, and just what we needed after a long day. But the night wasn’t over yet! We drifted from pub to pub, following the sound of live music. One particularly memorable stop had a singer/guitarist who stitched together song after song in one seamless mega-mashup, keeping everyone guessing and singing along. It was a spontaneous and joy-filled end to a packed day.

Tomorrow is our second and final free day, and everyone has exciting plans on deck—from museums and shopping to day trips and more live music. Can’t wait to see what adventures unfold!