Introducing Me... And Cork Ireland

Hello Everyone!

My name is Lauren Battista and I’m from Oxford, Pennsylvania, just an hour outside of Philadelphia.  I am a writing and communications interdisciplinary major with a film minor and wish someday to become a novelist or a screenwriter. Music is also a great passion of mine and I like writing my own songs on the piano.            

I tend to be more of an introvert but I do enjoy taking on challenges. Just this past May, I took part in a five day camping excursion on the Appalachian Trail even though I’d never gone without a shower in my life.  We roughed it for sure, having to weather severe storms every night and hike long distances during the day.  It was quite an adventure.

Me and my camping gear. And, yes, it was heavy. 

Currently, I’m studying abroad in Cork, Ireland. I have been here for almost a month since I took an introductory class for three weeks. So far, Cork  is amazing. I’m addicted to the  mouthwatering, fresh scones and Barry’s hot tea. I’ll admit I have gotten lost in the city center a few times while trying to find things like the grocery store and the immigration office. But, overall, Cork has been treating me well.

   For those unfamiliar with the city, Cork is located at the southern tip of Ireland and was once known as the Venice of North since most of its roadways were originally waterways. It was originally named for a castle, or a tower house as it is properly called here, but only a small section of that wall remains today in a park called Bishop Lucey Park. It’s one of the only green spots in the city center and is always overflowing with pigeons and people alike.

The remains of the original castle of Cork. 

One of the most surprising things I’ve learned about Cork, and Ireland in general, is that St. Patrick’s Day, although still a big holiday here, is not celebrated as vigorously as it is in America. While it’s true that Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, he is more important to Irish American immigrants, because St. Patrick represents their home and so they use it as a day to pay homage to their culture and country of origin.

In fact, one of the most common songs affiliated with the Irish, "Danny Boy," wasn’t even completely written by the Irish. A man named Frederic Weatherly, a British lawyer, actually wrote the lyrics we know today while the tune was an old-Irish tuned called “Derry Air.” However, since it reminded the Irish of their fight for independence, it is recognized as a national Irish song.

Frederic Weatherly.

Ireland is also known for being the originator of the harp, which is the country’s official symbol and the only musical instrument to be used as such. In the past, it was even considered to be a good occupation to be able to play the harp, because it was used to entertain the ruling chieftains and other wealthy people. Though, when England started taking over, it tried to suppress the Irish culture which left harpists out of a job.

Cork, in particular, is known for its exceptional dairy butter and the infamous Blarney Castle with the stone that is nationally known to bring you good luck if you kiss it. What most people don’t know though, is that there is no set origin story of where the stone comes from; there are five different stories.

Blarney Castle 

My personal favorite involves the Queen of Fairies who fell in love with a young chieftain. Supposedly, he died in battle and the queen found his body on a stone near the River Lee. The legend goes that his blood and her tears caused magical powers to be absorbed into the stone. It’s depressing but romantic at the same time.

And that’s another thing about the Irish: they like tragic love stories for some reason. I don’t know if it’s because sadness is easier to describe or that more people can relate to it, but sad Irish love stories seem more prevalent than  in other cultures. 

As I continue to study and live here in Ireland, I’m hoping to learn about some more legends, however, maybe some more uplifting ones. Also, I’m excited to explore many traditional Irish festivals and music, but most of all, I can’t wait to see the world. This trip is a chance of a lifetime and I don’t want to waste a minute.

Now, let the adventure continue!
Looking forward to working and sharing my experiences with you guys! 

Kissing The Blarney Stone, Kudos to Katie O'Donnell for the Photo. :)