SHU in

PROGRAM GUIDE WELCOME

Congratulations on your decision to go to ! Ireland is a magical place filled with exciting people, amazing places to visit, interesting customs, fun traditions, and a unique history. You are especially lucky to be going to the (Corca Dhuibhne—pronounced “Corca Gweenia.”) Within its small compass, it has more interesting antiquities, historic sites and varied mountain scenery than any other part of Ireland. This guide is filled with tips, advice and perspectives from students who have participated in our programs. Speaking of advice, SHU’s Program Director in Dingle, Seán Pól Ó Conchúir, will be there to guide you throughout your stay in Ireland.

Before you depart for Ireland, in addition to reading this guide you might read Irish newspapers or new sites, such as www.rte.ie/news and www.unison.ie/irish_independent. You may also find it interesting to view Irish films before going to Dingle. These films might include Michael Collins, In the Name of the Father, Angela’s Ashes, In America, Intermission and others. Through these films you can get a brief history lesson and a taste of the Irish culture. You may also view a movie that was actually filmed on the Dingle Peninsula: Ryan’s Daughter.

LOCATION

Dingle (An in Irish) is in (Ciarrai) which is also known as the Kingdom. Co. Kerry is neighbored by Co. Cork to the south and Co. to the North. A Fíor- Ghaeltacht (Irish speaking district), it attracts large numbers of people wishing to learn the language. Like the language, folk customs, crafts and lore are still very much alive in the Dingle Peninsula. Dingle, the most westerly town in Europe, is the chief town of the peninsula. Lying partly at the foot of a steep slope on the north side of Dingle Harbor, it is bounded on three sides by hills, which, towards the north, culminate to (950m/3,270ft). Though a progressive town, it still retains much of its old-world atmosphere. North of Dingle town is the mighty rampart of Brandon, and on its western side lays a costal plain, studded with typical Irish hamlets and villages. This western end of the peninsula offers magnificent costal scenery.

CLIMATE & CLOTHING

The climate in Dingle is Influenced by the waters of the Gulf Stream and the prevailing southwesterly winds coming from the Atlantic. As such, it is difficult to predict what the temperatures will be like at any given time. You will likely have some sunny days during your stay, though rain is common in Ireland. On days that may be windy and rainy it can be quite chilly. The Irish weather can be quite changeable, with windy showers often alternating with blue sky several times a day. Many program activities and field trips are outdoors and take place rain or shine. Your enjoyment of the program will be much greater if you dress properly. Please see your “Reminders” checklist for specifics, but a few important items include: A raincoat with hood, a warm jacket, waterproof, sturdy shoes or boots for walking and hiking (these will get dirty), and sweaters and shirts for layering.

When going to a pub, jeans are usually appropriate and the dress is rather casual, though you can certainly dress up a bit if you like. The clubs, however, are a different issue. Irish women are just as fashion-savvy as American women when they go to clubs, and when you do decide to venture to the Hillgrove Night Club dress accordingly (no runners). Remember, though, that you’ll be walking uphill on stone sidewalks so shoes you wear out at night need to be comfortable to walk in. Before packing, don’t forget to check with the airline to determine how much weight you are allowed for your luggage. You’ll be charged if you exceed this amount.

PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP

Camera Make sure you have a camera and a lot of film, or better yet bring a digital camera to share your photos with the other students in your group. Also remember your camera chargers and extra batteries.

Medications If you are taking any prescription medicines abroad with you, make sure you have enough for the entire time abroad and that they are in the original containers. The containers should be clearly marked. If you are taking many medications abroad with you or medications with syringes, you should ask your physician to write a letter detailing the prescription and the necessary equipment that you are bringing. This will all help when going through customs if there are inquiries about the medications. If you have a preferred brand of an over-the-counter medication that you take, you may want to bring it with you as the American-name brand may not be available. WHAT NOT TO BRING

You will not need towels, sheets, and pillows. All of this will be provided to you in your cottage.

Many students find it difficult to operate electrical appliances such as hairdryers and hair straighteners, and it is recommended that you leave these at home. If you do choose to bring other appliances such as straighteners, be warned that they can become damaged due to voltage differences, even with the use of a voltage converter. A simple plug adapter will work for your laptop and will be provided to you upon your arrival.

Aside from a camera and your laptop, the rule for international travel is: if you can’t afford to lose it, don’t bring it. Leave the jewelry and other valuables at home. All valuables, such as your laptop and camera (as well as your passport, medication, credit cards, money and a change of clothing), should be transported in your carry-on luggage and not checked with the airline.

LANGUAGE

Irish, the Irish Republic’s first official language, is a part of the Celtic family of languages, and is closely related to Scottish Gaelic, Welsh and Breton. Most people spoke Irish until the early nineteenth century, but by 1891 over 85% spoke English only. Recent figures show that 35% of Irish adults describe themselves as having knowledge of Irish. This increase is due to a national cultural revival and the creation of an independent Irish State in the early twentieth century. Today, Irish is spoken widely in areas known as the , which are situated mainly along the western seaboard. The Dingle peninsula is one such Gaeltacht where Irish is the first official language, but where most local people also speak English.

CURRENCY AND BANKING The currency in Ireland is the Euro. One Euro (€) is divided into one hundred cent. There are €500, €200, €100, €50, €20, €10 and €5 notes, and coins in denominations of €2, €1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c, and 1c. For the current exchange rate, visit www.xe.com/ucc/. Major credit cards are accepted in larger and tourist-oriented establishments as well as larger grocery stores. Some small shops around town do not accept credit cards. It is recommended that you bring along a credit card. To access the money in your home bank account, you may use your ATM card. ATM’s are easily accessible in Dingle. Check with your bank to be sure your PIN works abroad and to determine if there are any additional fees. It is important to call all of your banks to notify them that you will be using your card abroad. You may want to bring some money in the form of a traveler’s check just in case you should lose your ATM card or it is demagnetized. HOUSING

Your home during your stay will be beautiful holiday cottages in Dingle Town. The house has three bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, living room and dining area. There is a washer and dryer, dishwasher and microwave. You’ll be shown how to use the heaters and hot water timers when you arrive. You are certainly encouraged to be comfortable at home, but not wasteful.

LAPTOP & INTERNET ACCESS

Bring your laptop to use for your work. For laptops with a wireless card, there is wireless Internet access in the Díseart building, which you will have access to during the days when you have class. NOTE: There is no Internet access in your home. The town library has a free Internet service, which can be pre-booked. (One hour maximum use.) Other options for Internet service include the Internet Café in the Holy Ground. You will need an electrical adapter for your laptop.

HEALTH SERVICES

The Medical Centre is situated on The Mall, Dingle. (Phone number 066-9152225). The Centre is open from 10:00 until 12:30 and from 14:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday, and from 10.00 am until 12.00 noon on Saturday. There is a doctor on call outside of these times and house calls are available. Nearby chemists (pharmacies) include Walsh’s on Green Street and O’Keefe’s on Strand Street. Both open from 9:30 until 18:00 Monday to Saturday and from 10:30 until 12:30 on Sundays. Chemists fill prescriptions and sell all necessary over-the-counter medicines.

TELEPHONE SERVICE

You may use the SHU office phone to let your parents know you have arrived safely in Ireland. For free calls, you and your parents should set up Skype accounts Otherwise, there are public telephones in many locations throughout Dingle from which you can call home using a calling card purchased in Dingle. Also, the internet café in the Holy Ground has phone booths upstairs with very inexpensive rates to call the U.S..

To make an International call from Ireland: Dial 00 + country code (1 for USA) followed by area code + number . For example, to call SHU Fairfield dial 001 203 365-7626.

To call Ireland from abroad: Dial 011 353 + area code without initial 0 (e.g.: 66 for Co. Kerry) + local number For example to call the SHU Ireland Program Director from the U.S. dial 011 353 66 9152476.

To call another area of Ireland from within Ireland: Dial area code (including initial 0) (e.g.: 01 for Dublin, 091 for , 021 for Cork) followed by local number.

There will be a cell phone in each cottage to be used in case of emergencies or to reach Seán Pól, your program Director.

SAFETY ABROAD

Dingle is a town that has survived off tourism and fishing in recent years. As such they are well used to Americans, or Yanks, coming to visit them. The SHU in Ireland program is well-known around town, and students find the locals in Dingle to be very friendly. Many people at the pubs will engage in conversations, be friendly and willing to talk with you. However, wherever you are-Ireland or elsewhere-it’s important to get to know someone well before inviting them to your house or going to theirs. Be wary of anyone you don’t know well who wants to come to your house. Remember to establish friendships before you open your doors to strangers. Again, people are friendly, and Dingle is a particularly safe town with the incidence of crime very low by European and Irish standards, but it’s important to use common-sense caution anywhere. Normal precautions regarding personal safety should always be taken. If you are out after dark, avoid poorly lit areas or areas that are not frequented by the public. You should first walk around with a buddy if you do not feel comfortable. While walking alone make sure you are aware of your surroundings, and know exactly where you’re headed.

Emergency Numbers Always carry the wallet card provided to you. It has all of the emergency numbers as well as taxi service numbers. In an IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY dial 112. Specify the service required (Fire Brigade/Gardaí/ Ambulance/Mountain and Cave Rescue/Other) and give details of the emergency, including situation, location, number involved, your phone number. Do not hang up until the Emergency Services have verified that they have all the required details.

CLASSROOM BUILDING

Your Program Director’s office, and your classes, are in a building that is home to the Díseart Insti- tute of Education and Celtic Culture. Díseart was founded in 1996 under the chairmanship of Rev. Professor Pádraig Ó Fiannachta and strives to promote research, courses and cultural ac- tivities in all areas of native and Celtic Culture including language, literature, art, laws, folklore, values, spirituality, history, music, archaeology and customs. The building is a former convent of the Presentation Sisters and is home to the convent chapel containing twelve lancet windows created by one of the foremost stained glass artists of all time, , an Irishman who was at the peak of his career when he was commissioned to create the windows in 1924. The windows, along with the tranquil walled gardens, first laid out in 1849, have become a popular attraction for the many visitors to Dingle. For more information visit the Díseart website at www.Diseart.ie.

LIBRARY FACILITIES

The Dingle town library houses a number of special collections and permanent exhibitions. Opening times are Tuesday/Wednesday/ Friday/Saturday 10:00 – 17:00. Internet access is available.

LOCAL RADIO & TELEVISION

Each cottage has a television set. There are three channels available, RTE1, RTE2, which provide programs in English (www.rte.ie) and TG4 which is an station, but, also provides programs in the English language. (www..ie). Kerry Radio is the local radio station. (www.radiokerry.ie) Each house also have a DVD player, but, please note, Irish DVD players do not play American DVD's as they use a different format, but, students can rent DVD's at the local Movie store.

NEWSPAPERS & MAGAZINES

Principal daily newspapers are the Irish Times, and the Irish Examiner. The most popular weekly newspaper in Kerry is the Kerryman, on sale each Wednesday; make sure you read it. There is a wide variety of magazines available, on all topics.

TAXI SERVICES

Always ask for the price before you leave. Approximate taxi fares are: Within Dingle €5, Dingle to for 3 people €13, Dingle to for 3 people €35. Taxi phone numbers are located on your wallet card.

RELIGIOUS SERVICES

St. Mary’s Catholic Church, located right in front of the Díseart building has daily mass at 10:00 and 19:30, Saturday mass at 20:00 and Sunday mass at 9:30 in Irish and at 11:30 in English.

FOOD & RESTAURANTS

Grocery Shops Your kitchen is fully equipped, and you may find it economical to buy groceries for your cottage to have on hand for breakfast, lunch or snacks. Local grocery stores include Garvey’s, Centra and Spar. Most open from 8.00 until 20:00. Groceries can also delivered – ask the cashier. Give your address and they will be waiting for you at your doorstep. In the grocery stores there are deli sections that provide already-made sandwiches or made-to- order sandwiches for breakfast and lunch.

Eating Out and Tipping Dingle has many amazing restaurants of every type and in every price range. There is not a strong tipping culture in Ireland. Staff are paid a wage and do not rely on tips. But, if you wish, you can tip for certain services, in particular restaurants and personal services such as hairdressing etc. If you want to tip and are in doubt about how much, think approx 10%. All tips are at your discretion.

Eating Out: Breakfast A Traditional Irish Breakfast is a delicious and very filling way to begin your day. It includes two fried eggs, mushrooms, rashers (similar to Canadian bacon), sausages, black and white pudding (another type of sausage), beans, chips (French fries) and toasted tomato. It will usually run about 6 to 7 Euro. (A student favorite for Irish breakfast is Darcy’s Café located down Orchard Lane behind the Post Office.) For a quick, cheap breakfast, the bakery across the street from your classroom offers rolls, scones and donuts for under one Euro and hot breakfast sandwiches such as minced meat, ham and cheese and others for 2 -3 Euros each. The nearby Homely House offers American food such as bagels and cream cheese.

Eating Out: Lunch For lunch, you can grab a sandwich at Centra on Main Street, Spar Supermarket on Green Street or SuperValu for about €3. These sandwiches are freshly made that morning. A favorite is egg salad and bacon (you’ll see some different sandwich combos than you’re used to…try them!). You can also have sandwiches made for you at the deli counter. Most of the pubs offer both hearty meals for 8-10 Euro at lunchtime, but also a toasted or regular sandwich options for around 4-5 Euro. If you would like to sit down and eat, alumni suggest these places for lunch:

Ashes, located on Main Street, has a wonderful Seafood Chowder soup which makes for a great meal. They also have lovely wraps and their sandwiches are always satisfying. For dessert they have a Sticky Toffee Pudding that must be tried by all.

An Café Litreacha is a book shop in the front and a café in the back and serves huge toasted ham sandwiches and great chocolate cake.

Adams pub on Main Street has hearty lunches and a cozy pub atmosphere.

Eating Out: Dinner In addition to the many restaurants serving everything from seafood (local fresh seafood is a specialty of many establishments) to Italian. You can get pub grub at most of the pubs. Pub grub is cheap and includes sandwiches, hamburgers, chips (fries), and various stews and meat pies. Pub grub is perfect when you are on a tight budget, but still want to have a delicious, filling meal. Below are some student favorites.

Murphy’s Pub on Strand Street serves inexpensive pub grub and traditional meals, and they serve until 9 pm every night. Try the toasted sandwiches, French onion soup and the many home-cooked meals. Also good for lunches.

John Benny’s Pub, also on Strand Street, has great inexpensive pub grub and traditional meals. And they usually have music every night. Try the Spaghetti Bolognese and banoffi pie for Dessert. Also good for lunches.

Danno’s is located in an alley just off of Strand Street. This is a cozy place with a roaring fire. The walls are decorated with rugby memorabilia, and the best part of this restaurant is Danno himself, who is a lively fellow and a great man to have a chat with.

There are so many pubs and restaurants in Dingle...Try something new!

IRISH MUSIC IN DINGLE

Both instrumental music and song have a long tradition on the Dingle Peninsula, and the area has become a Mecca for traditional music lovers. Many roving musicians have come to settle in the area and have blended their talents with those of the local native musicians. Traditional Irish music session in the pubs each night (usually beginning around 9:30) are a must. John Benny’s, The Small Bridge and The Dingle Pub are just a few to visit in Dingle Town. Learn more about the music scene on the Dingle Peninsula by visiting www.dingle- peninsula.ie/tradmusic.html.

LOCAL MUSEUMS

The Great Blasket Centre in Dún Chaoin, on the tip of the Dingle Peninsula, is a fascinating inter- pretative centre/museum, honoring the unique community which once lived on the remote Blasket Island. This community produced a huge amount of literature, referred to as “The Blasket Library”. Included in the library are such classics as “The Islandman,” “Twenty Years A- Growing” and “Peig”.

Corca Dhuibhne Regional Museum is located in the old Schoolhouse in Ballyferriter. A bi- lingual exhibition has been installed in the Museum, interpreting many aspects of the rich archaeological resources of the Peninsula and also to the main historical events and persons of the area. It houses the personal library of the former parish priest, An tAthair Micheál Ó Cíosáin.

CULTURAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN EUROPE AND THE U.S.

Experiencing cultural differences first hand is one of the goals of traveling. Just as Europeans sometimes see Americans (especially in the Northeast) as self-centered and always in a hurry, Americans traveling to Europe for the first time often notice a more relaxed pace of daily life and less preoccupation with schedules and deadlines. Shops may close early… You will not find any bank open on a Sunday…Lines may not move as fast… Everything doesn’t always start “on time.” The key thing to remember is to relax and to try not to get annoyed or judgmental. Learn to enjoy this cultural difference. Remember that anything worth doing takes time.

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Irish Blessings for your Travels

May the Irish hills caress you. May her lakes and rivers bless you. May the luck of the Irish enfold you. May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.

May you have the hindsight to know where you’ve been, The foresight to know where you’re going And the insight to know when you’re going too far.

May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields and, Until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.