St. Scholastica Ireland Program

03/13/2020

With the spread of COVID-19 we are forced to cut our spring semester short. We are all disappointed that we'll be missing six weeks in Ireland. So, here are some new born lambs to help lift our spirits... 😞☘️😞

03/01/2020

Remember to Listen to Owen--Owen Cronin has been our bus driver and guide for years. When I think we need to leave at 9:30 to get to Newgrange, Owen says 8:45. So we leave at 8:45 and get there just in time. When he suggests spending 2 hours at Glendalough and I overrule him and say 90 minutes, I am texting him 85 minutes later to extend our time. When we have an extra hour in the afternoon, he recommends the Dunbrody Famine Ship and negotiates a special rate when we arrive.

So, my question to Facebook is, how long has Owen been driving and guiding us? I remember him driving us 15 years ago, back in 2005. I have a photo of him with Sister Mary Odile Cahoon and the last time she was in Ireland was 2004... So, who remembers Owen before 2004? Anyone have old photos of him from the 90's?

02/18/2020

It's great to meet alumni who stop by Louisburgh. Yesterday Jolene (Heil) stopped by with her husband. Alumni from 1987, do you remember her? Here are some photos to jog your memory...

02/14/2020

First day of our Galway trip. We decided to run all the way out to the Cliffs of Moher since storms are forecasted for tomorrow--always trust recommendations from your guide and driver; Owen. It was a wonderful day. The Wild Atlantic Way furnished great waves and the picturesque Neolithic tomb, Poulnabrone dolmen.

02/10/2020

Storm Ciara hit Ireland hard this weekend making for a windy and wet local tour. But our students were troopers and enjoyed the stories shared by our tour guide, John Lyons and the wild wind on Cross Beach.

We tromped through flooded streets at the welcome dinner and one photo below shows the flooded road the students had to cross after enjoying live music at McNamara's Bar. But dealing with a little rain and wind are part of the experience in Ireland.

With Tom Gibbons, Laurie Anderson, Cami Herendeen Gibbons

02/03/2020

We won big at community bingo on our first Sunday in Louisburgh. The Irish welcomed us warmly, but were jealous of our beginners luck. Students won €10, €30, a big box of biscuits, and a bottle of Smirnoff's vodka. But the big winner was fellow teacher, Laurie Anderson, who won the €100 grand prize 💲☘️💲 --Tom Gibbons

01/23/2020

Nine days and counting until we leave for Ireland. Items are added to lists and then checked off. Piles are growing. Last Amazon orders are placed.

09/24/2019

What a celebration!

At homecoming on Saturday we celebrated 40 years of the Ireland program with faculty, staff, alumni and Peter Sweeney who came all the way from Louisburgh!!! Thanks to all who came out!! 🇮🇪

05/14/2019

40 days away!

The Ireland in the Spring
40th Reunion is nearing. Tickets booked?

04/26/2019

Did you fall in love in Ireland? The Alumni Association wants to hear all about it.

On Valentine's Day, we featured 46 alumni couples who found love at CSS. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of our Ireland in the Spring program, we want to know - did you find love in Ireland? Share your story below for a chance to be featured in our next Scholastica Magazine!

03/08/2019

Well, some of you (Meg) asked for a really cool t-shirt for the Ireland reunion in Louisburgh. I think you will not be disappointed. We actually have women's style shirts as well as men's. Here is a link to the long-sleeved women's shirt at the bookstore.

https://shop.css.edu/collections/tees/products/ireland-study-abroad-womens-tee-long-sleeves

5.3 oz., 100% pre-shrunk cottonMissy contoured silhouette with side seamSeamless 1/2" collarDouble-needle stitched sleeves and bottom hemTearaway label

10/23/2018

You are cordially invited to Edward Smith’s photography exhibition, running November-December in Tower Hall on the CSS Campus in Duluth.

08/16/2018

Lisa Roseth and I had our first Ireland reunion planning meeting. Still not much to report. We discussed pub venue, reunion gifts, and t-shirts. So, to make up for general lack of specifics, I've added this great photo, courtesy of Monica Boyer and unnamed lamb.

08/06/2018

The Ireland in the Spring Semester Program is
40 Years Old!!
Time for a Reunion!
June 21-23 in Louisburgh.

05/08/2018

And we’re off! An incredible closing weekend for us all, with a final banquet, an amazing traditional music festival, and our window art exhibit. Thanks to all, near and far, for all of your love and support during our studies in Ireland. Special thanks to the people of Louisburgh, Peter and Teresa and the Louisburgh Holiday Cottages, and Eoin, our amazing bus driver. Until next time... Sláinte!