Ireland Study Abroad Day 11: Dingle Delights, Ice Cream Innovation, and a Birthday to Remember

Day 11 of our Ireland study abroad trip was one I’ll never forget—for the scenery, the inspiring business visit, the charm of Dingle, and, most of all, for celebrating a personal milestone: my 40th birthday, surrounded by some of the best people I could ask for.

A Birthday Surprise on the Road

The morning started like any other on this trip, but I was completely surprised when the students burst into a rendition of “Happy Birthday.” It was one of those heartwarming moments that made me incredibly grateful to be traveling with such a thoughtful and fun group. Turning 40 has never felt so good.

A Sweet Spot: Murphy’s Ice Cream and Sean Murphy’s Story

Our first major stop of the day was one that stood out for both students and faculty as a favorite business visit of the entire program: a meeting with Sean Murphy, co-founder of Murphy’s Ice Cream in Dingle.

Sean welcomed us warmly and shared the incredible story behind Murphy’s—a business born from a passion for quality and a commitment to Irish ingredients. He spoke about how he and his brother Kieran started with a simple idea: to make ice cream with real cream, real flavor, and no shortcuts. They now craft small-batch ice cream using milk from rare Kerry cows, sea salt from Dingle Bay, and even brown bread and Irish gin in their flavors.

But what really made the visit special was Sean’s openness with our students. He spent a generous amount of time answering their questions, talking candidly about entrepreneurship, innovation, sustainability, and what it takes to grow a business in a small town with global appeal. His passion was infectious, and many students walked away inspired by both his creativity and his authenticity. And of course, we got to sample some of the ice cream—yes, it’s as good as it sounds.

Exploring the Dingle Peninsula

With cones in hand and minds buzzing with ideas, we spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the Dingle Peninsula—a place that looks like it was painted by hand. From the wild Atlantic coastline to the colorful streets of Dingle Town, the region is packed with beauty and character.

Some students wandered into artisan shops and galleries, others walked down to the harbor or snapped photos of the iconic fishing boats and friendly locals. Dingle is a place where you can feel the culture in every corner—from the street signs in Irish Gaelic to the storytelling musicians tuning up in pub doorways.

A Perfect Evening in Killarney

Back in Killarney, the birthday celebrations continued in the best way: wandering the town with Sean Alley, popping into shops and pubs, enjoying the laid-back charm that makes Killarney such a warm and welcoming place.

We eventually settled in for a delicious appetizer tasting at Harrow, where the flavors were as thoughtful and beautifully presented as anything we’d had on the trip. From there, we followed the sound of fiddles and laughter into another pub, where we ended the night with live traditional Irish music and a toast to good company and great experiences.

Looking Ahead

Tomorrow, we say goodbye to Killarney and head to our final destination: Waterford, where more history, culture, and learning await. But for now, I’m ending this day feeling deeply grateful—for the students, the stories, the ice cream, the Irish landscapes, and an unforgettable 40th birthday on the Dingle Peninsula.

Here’s to the final chapter of this amazing adventure!