Farm Fun and Team Bogging

The first week of classes went by quickly, and the weekend arrived. On Saturday, the students were able to get out of Dublin and visit Causey Farm in County Meath. It was a great opportunity to see the countryside, learn more about Irish culture, and enjoy the outdoors. Despite the dark clouds during the drive to the farm, the sky cleared up and it ended up being a sunny day. 

The trip to the farm was packed with all sorts of activities. One of the first activities was baking Irish soda bread. Students worked in small groups to prepare the bread, which was later enjoyed with butter and jam and vegetable soup for lunch. It was such a treat to be able to eat the bread they made. 

Students were also able to meet many of the animals living on the farm. They had the opportunity to hold puppies, rabbits, and chickens. Additionally, they were able to visit with pigs, cows, ducks, alpacas, sheep, horses, goats, donkeys, and a reindeer. They even got to watch a demonstration of how the farm dog herded the sheep. 

After visiting the animals, it was time for some music and dance. Students were each given a traditional Irish drum called a Bodhrán. They learned how to play the Bodhrán and had some time to practice drumming along with Irish music. The drumming did not last long because it was soon time for a Céilí dancing lesson. They learned all the steps to this traditional dance and are now fully prepared to attend and participate at an Irish wedding. 

The trip to Causey Farm did not end there, though. To conclude the visit, the students took a trip on a tractor to the nearby bog. Some students chose to jump into the bog while others enjoyed watching from the side. Whether students jumped in or not, it was a bonding experience for all. It was truly a complete trip to the farm with something for everyone to enjoy.