Arcadia Ireland

Last Saturday marked the commencement of an eagerly anticipated day trip and  final co-curricular event of the semester! Students from UCC, UCD and TCD along with myself were promised a blend of history, exploration, and shared experiences. I'll be honest, I had never been to Cobh and last I'd heard of Spike Island was when it closed back in 2004. I was curious and interested to learn more. 

Our rendezvous point was Cork Kent train station, where we assembled with anticipation. It was cold but it was dry, bright and sunny. We left for the short train journey to Cobh and from there, our group dispersed, each with their own agenda for the morning. Some ventured to the towering cathedral in Cobh with a chance to admire the architecture and tranquil surroundings. Others opted for a visit to the Titanic Experience, delving into the captivating story of the ill-fated ocean liner. Meanwhile, a few chose to simply wander Cobh's streets taking pictures of this cute colourful town along the way. I myself enjoyed a delicious cup of coffee and the finest sausage roll I'd ever tasted while looking out at the sea and taking in all that the Irish times had to offer for the weekend! It was nice to sit in a new town just watching the world go by seeing the locals go about their normal Saturday routine. 

Reconvening at Kennedy Pier around noon, we came together once more, our individual adventures setting the stage for the day ahead. Boarding the ferry to Spike Island, we embarked on the next leg of our journey with excitement and curiosity.

Spike Island, nestled in Cork Harbour, holds centuries of history within its shores. From its origins as a monastery to its role as a formidable fortress and later a prison, it stands as a testament to Ireland's rich and varied past. Our wonderful tour guide "Felicity" offered glimpses into these layers of history, enriching our understanding of this remarkable island. She was knowledgeable and engaging even during moments of intense April showers. 

Following the guided tour, we scattered once more to explore Spike Island's offerings. Some delved into its museum (a prison up until 2004 mainly for young offenders), eager to learn more about its past, while others took to its nature trails, immersing themselves in the island's natural beauty. Amidst these adventures, I got the feeling that people were imagining what it was like to complete a prison sentence on this remote and probably very lonely place.  

As the day drew to a close, we gathered for a group photo, capturing the smiles and once again celebrating the Arcadia Community in Ireland. With hearts full and minds enriched, we boarded the ferry back to Cobb, savoring the last moments of our island adventure.

Arriving back in Cobh, we had a brief window before our journey home. Once again, I took a moment to sit and enjoy a cooler drink whilst overlooking the sea in a well known hotel with beautiful views of the water.  A large ferry, probably from France, sailed by and people waved. My mind started to imagine the Titanic and what it must have been like for the people departing from Cobh and waving goodbye to loved ones.

Just like that, our final co-curricular event of the semester had drawn to a close. Cobh exuded a unique charm that lingered in my thoughts long after we departed its shores. The visit to Spike Island left a profound impression, prompting me to reflect on the lives of the youth who once called it home during their formative years. I found myself wondering where they are now and what paths their lives have taken since then. This experience served as a poignant reminder of the power of our co-curricular events—they offer us a window into the past, allowing us to appreciate Ireland's rich history and step into the shoes of those who came before us.