I’ve only just completed my first full week at Maynooth and already so much has happened. Freshers Week as they call it over here was a whirlwind of meeting new people and going to parties. But even after being here for two weeks, I still have jet lag! This made it so hard to stay awake and focus in my classes. Luckily we didn’t do any learning the first week. My classes consist entirely of Irish studies classes, including an Irish language class! This past weekend a group of my friends and I went to Killarney, a town in southwest Ireland, to do some sightseeing and hiking. Saturday we hiked  12 miles around a lake in Killarney National Park- the most I’ve ever walked in my life! I’ve never really hiked before but I think I’ve discovered a newfound passion for it, especially over here. Ireland has many famous and beautiful hiking spots, and I plan on hiking as many of them as I can. The hike in Killarney was especially beautiful. Everything was a vibrant shade of green, and the lake views were spectacular. We also explored Muckross House, a beautiful Victorian mansion on the shores of the lake. On Sunday, we explored the town of Killarney with some of the friends we had made in the hostel. This was my first time ever staying in a hostel, and it definitely made for an interesting experience. They’re a great option because they’re so cheap, but sometimes you really get what you paid for- I got sick the last night there! Hopefully it’ll clear up soon. This week is when classes really get started, so I hope I won’t have too much homework. I can’t wait to see what my next adventure will be!