Arcadia Ireland

Last weekend we hosted the largest group of UCD STEM and Internship Programme students we've seen in a while for an exciting trip to Belfast. The day began early as students gathered, ready for a day filled with learning and adventure.

 

 Our first stop was Queen's University Belfast (QUB), known for its rich history and academic excellence. Arcadia has a strong partnership with QUB, and we have been sending semester students there for many years. Coincidentally, our visit coincided with a comic convention on campus at Queens. Characters from Ghostbusters, Star Wars, and other popular franchises roamed the halls, bringing a fun and lively atmosphere to the university. At Queens we met with Professor Dominic Bryan, who gave the perfect introduction to what was to follow on the tour.   

Our second stop was a tour of areas of significant political importance, led by Professor Bryan. We visited iconic landmarks, including the Peace Wall, and learned about the city's complex history, including the Troubles and the ongoing peace process. One of the highlights was learning about the famous murals in Belfast. These murals have evolved over the years and now often reflect solidarity with international causes, such as Palestine. 

Next, we concluded our city exploration at the iconic Belfast City Hall. Here, students had the option to visit St. George's Market, one of the oldest and most vibrant markets in Belfast. There was also enough time to wander around the busy Saturday afternoon streets of City Center and get a feel for the place.

The final highlight of our trip was the visit to the Titanic Belfast museum, a place dedicated to the history of the Titanic, from its construction in Belfast's shipyards to its tragic sinking. Our students had the opportunity to view the  detailed exhibits, which included artifacts, interactive displays, and personal stories of those who were aboard the ship.  

Overall, the trip to Belfast was a great success. It provided our UCD STEM and Internship Programme students with a blend of education, culture, and entertainment