Time with our Dublin Host Families by Declan Wall and Greg Matthews

View of Bono’s house from the beach. 





Me and my host-brother Thomas at the beach in Dalkey. 



Gregory Matthews:  I was fortunate to spend my family time on Sunday walking around the towns of Dalkey and Kilkenny with my host mother and brother. Dalkey and Kilkenny are suburbs south of the city of Dublin and are known for the beaches and the beach houses around the area. Dalkey reminded me so much of Cape Cod , that while I was Walking around Dalkey center and on the beach it really felt like I was walking around downtown Falmouth. Dalkey is especially known for is the fact that Bono, the lead singer for the famous Irish rock band U2, lives there. This trip was kind of a full circle experience for me because in the stone ages, when my mom was a college student, she spent a semester abroad studying at Trinity college in Dublin (which we visited the day I’m writing this!) and her host-family lived in Dalkey. Not only that, but my Mom is probably the biggest U2 fan in the world, and I grew up listening to U2 songs on the radio in the car and throughout the house. I have also heard countless stories about my mom’s experience at Trinity and in Dalkey. It was really cool for me to be in the same place that my mom lived and I’m very grateful that I got to experience it.






Declan Wall: On Saturday morning, our flight landed at around 8:00 a.m. in Dublin. I was greeted at the airport by Jamie and his father, Joe. Once we left the airport, I got my things settled in my room and I got comfortable in the house. Later in the day, Jamie and I set off to watch the Clontarf vs. UCD rugby game, where Clontarf won 51-29. This was my first time seeing a rugby game, and not knowing what to expect, it blew my mind. After rugby we went into town to get dinner to celebrate Jamie’s sister Lucie’s birthday. Overall, the first day spent in Dublin was a very comforting experience and I felt very welcomed here.



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