Dr. Martin Lockerd recently led a group of ten University of St. Thomas (UST) students on a two-week study abroad program in Ireland, delving into the nation's rich literary, historical, and cultural heritage. The program, titled "Yeats in Context," centered on the work of the renowned Irish poet W. B. Yeats and his contemporaries.

The trip faced an initial delay due to Hurricane Beryl, which postponed the students' departure by a few days. Despite the setback, the group spent nearly two weeks immersing themselves in the Irish experience.

65th International W. B. Yeats Summer School

The centerpiece of the trip was the students' participation in the 65th International W. B. Yeats Summer School in Sligo, Ireland. Sligo, a region deeply intertwined with Yeats' life and poetry, served as an ideal location for this academic program. The summer school brought together students from around the world to engage in a comprehensive exploration of Yeats' legacy through lectures, seminars, poetry readings, and various cultural events.

After the summer school, Dr. Lockerd guided the students to Galway, with stops at significant religious and literary sites. These included the shrine of Our Lady of Knock and Thoor Ballylee, a 15th-century tower house where Yeats lived during the height of his career. In Galway, the students embarked on day trips to Kylemore Abbey, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Aran Islands-landscapes that famously inspired Irish playwright John Synge.

Study abroad student Gabriela Clinton tells us, "The breathtaking sights in Ireland truly gave me a sense of peace that I needed, as well as a sense of adventure and curiosity. As we read W.B. Yates's literature, I developed an appreciation for poetry and theater far different from what I've experienced in high school literature, especially when surrounded by the inspiration behind his writings."

Though their time in Dublin was cut short due to the initial weather delays, the students made the most of their day in the city. They visited Trinity College and participated in a literary tour of Dublin's city center, enriching their understanding of Ireland's cultural contributions.

Another UST student Dorothea Jacoby shared that, "Theyvisited breathtaking sites, including the view from the top of Knocknarea Hill which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and the town of Sligo, and the waterfall at Glencar Lough. We also made a detour to Our Lady of Knock, a Marian apparition site, which was not originally on our schedule but Dr. Lockerd was happy to make time for such a moving experience."

An Experience of a Lifetime

Many of the students, several of whom had never traveled abroad before, described the trip as a transformative experience that deepened their appreciation of Ireland's unique beauty and cultural heritage. This enriching experience was made possible through the generous support of the William J. Flynn Center for Irish Studies.