MAGGIE GILROY
Reverb Editor
With St. Patrick’s Day coming up in less than a week, it’s time to break out the plastic green bowler hats and the “taste my lucky charms” t-shirts, right? Until a few short years ago, I would have agreed with this.
St. Patrick’s Day has created a very distinct picture of the Irish culture in American’s minds: the jolly redhead with a Guinness in one hand and some Irish Spring soap in the other. As a second-generation Irish-American, I am always happy to see others embracing Irish culture. But, unfortunately, it appears that people are latching on to the uglier, or even untrue, aspects of Irish culture. Prior to my trip to Ireland, my perception of Irish culture was fueled by the same outlets as anyone else’s: through stories, movies, music and marketing. It wasn’t until I stepped on Irish soil that I was able to push these stereotypes out of my mind and truly discover the many facets of Irish culture.
My grandfather came to America on March 15, 1958 from Trim, County Meath, a tiny town about an hour away from Dublin. After hearing stories about Ireland my whole life, I was eager to visit my grandfather’s hometown. As soon as I got a glimpse of the grass in Dublin (which, in my opinion, truly is greener) I realized that it is a country rich in culture and personality. While my grandfather relished being back in his hometown, running into people he grew up with and visiting his old house, my family and I embraced being typical tourists.
In Trim, I was fascinated to see castles spread throughout the town. I had trouble wrapping my head around the image of my grandfather playing around old Norman castles as if they were just an everyday part of the town’s landscape. One of these castles was Trim Castle, the oldest demonstration of Norman architecture in Ireland. Trim is rife with beautiful churches and, whether or not you identify with a religion, it is hard not to be moved by the grand architecture. Naturally, one of the most beautiful churches we visited was St. Patrick’s Church in Trim. My sister even had the opportunity to utilize her Irish dance skills in a pub in Trim with some local musicians.
As we moved on to Cashel, to visit my great-uncle, we visited even more castles. One castle, the “Rock of Cashel,” sat on a hill overlooking the town displaying one of the most breathtaking views I have ever witnessed. After visiting the castle, my family enjoyed listening to my great-uncle Theo tell stories about Irish history and how it currently affects the lives of Irish people.When we arrived at Dublin, it was hard to make it to every destination. At Trinity College I set foot in the most beautiful library I had seen and had the opportunity to witness the ancient Book of Kells. Although I had previously only known the Ha’penny Bridge through the boxes of Beweley’s Tea, I found myself walking across it.
I attended some of the highest caliber plays I had ever seen in the audience of Sean O’Casey’s The Plough and the Stars at the Abbey Theatre, gaining a deep appreciation for Irish theatre, and later put my fingers in the bullet holes left over from The Easter Rebellion that had been the subject of the play. After watching the rebellion play out onstage and walking in its location, I then walked where the rebels were executed in Kilmainham Gaol. And, yes, a visit was paid to the Guinness Factory.
I returned home with a deeper appreciation for Irish culture. After speaking to Irish people and learning their history, I realized they were part of a culture that defied all stereotypes possible. And while I continue to participate in St. Patrick’s Day activities, I participate with a pride for a culture that has provided this world with art, literature, theatre, music and hundreds of stories that will continue to be shared for generations to come.
The Irish culture is not the only culture we have a limited perception of. But, you don’t have to fly miles away to experience other cultures. Our campus is home to many cultures that you do not have to be a member of to learn about and embrace. Strike up a conversation with an exchange student and learn the history of their ancestors. You will find yourself in awe of a world that is too big to fit into a cliché.