Winter Adventures in Ireland: An International Student's Perspective

As the year winds down, join me in reflecting on the magic of winter in Ireland—from festive traditions to snowy surprises and school celebrations.

Winter Weather in Ireland

One of the most striking aspects of winter in Ireland is the late sunrises now that daylight savings time has ended. Waking up in the dark can be tough, but stepping out to witness breathtaking orange and red hues across the horizon makes it worth it.

Surprisingly, we got some snow recently! But in true to Irish fashion, the rains soon arrived and washed it away. Snow is rare here, but when it arrives, it’s absolutely magical. I still fondly remember March’s unexpected snowfall, transforming the school grounds into a winter wonderland. It was such a treat to walk through the snow on my way to class.

Exciting School Events

This winter has been brimming with unforgettable school events. A highlight was our choral competition, where year groups competed passionately. My year group had been striving for victory for three years, and we finally won this year with Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat from Guys and Dolls.

Other year groups performed different songs and competed within smaller groups. It’s always a proud moment, especially for final-year students like me, as we count down our remaining days in senior school.

Embracing the Christmas Spirit

Ireland’s festive traditions have made my first Irish winter as an international student particularly special. As the holidays draw near, festive cheer fills the air. Watching The Late Late Toy Show was a joyful experience—it’s an annual celebration featuring the season's most popular toys. I absolutely loved watching it!

In our boarding house, the much-anticipated boarder dinner is approaching. It’s a festive feast featuring roast dinner and indulgent desserts—a true highlight of the year!

We’re also gearing up for Christmas Jumper Day, where we wear festive sweaters to raise funds for charity. Other cherished traditions include Kris Kindle (Secret Santa) and our school’s end-of-term carol service, which fills everyone with warmth and joy.

Balancing 6th Year Studies with Festivities

Amid the holiday cheer, my focus remains on academics as I prepare for the Leaving Certificate. Project work plays a significant role in many of my subjects.

For art, 70% of my grade is based on two practical components: the booklet and the practical exam. To prepare, my classmates and I have been working on mock projects since September. I recently completed my 5-hour practical mock exam, drawing pointe shoes and a rose to express my chosen theme. The experience was intense but rewarding and provided invaluable preparation for my final projects, due in April.

I also received project briefs for other subjects, such as computer science. Although nervous, I’m determined to manage these alongside my mock exams in January.

My First Irish Winter Break as an International Student in Ireland

This year is unique as I’ll spend winter break in Ireland instead of returning home to Japan. With important mock exams approaching, I wanted to embrace an Irish winter fully.

I’ll celebrate Christmas with a close friend’s family and New Year’s with a host family arranged by HSI. Experiencing Irish holiday traditions firsthand feels like an exciting new chapter.

As the year concludes, I cherish the memories I’ve made and look forward to what lies ahead. Life in Ireland has been an incredible adventure, and I’m excited to see what the new year brings.

Happy holidays! 🎄

Me in the Irish weather!

Grafton Street Christmas lights, Dublin.

Sunrise over my school campus in Ireland.

My pointe shoes and a rose for my Leaving Certificate art project.