Home » Photos
Category Archives: Photos
Supermac’s or McDonald’s? Which To Enjoy In Ireland?
Editor’s note: This story was written before the Robert Morris University group returned to the U.S.
By Brooke Smith
DUBLIN, Ireland — Fast food is practically on every corner in the United States, but n other countries, not so much. For the Robert Morris University students on this years trip to Galway, Sneem and Dublin, fast food wasn’t be as easily and as accessibly available.
In the United States, the biggest fast food chain is McDonalds, while in Ireland it’s Supermac’s—a chain similar to McDonalds.
The euro saver at McDonald’s, similar to the $1 menu at the popular fast food chain in the United States, features different items including the mayo chicken sandwich and chili chicken sandwich. Both sandwiches are €1.50 each, or about $1.90.
At Supermac’s one of the top-selling meals is the “Big Cheese.” For €4.95 customers can get a double cheeseburger, medium fries and a soft drink of their choice.
Not to be outdone by Supermac’s, the McDonald’s in Galway also features a double cheeseburger meal. For €4.50, you get a double cheeseburger, French fries and a soft drink. For €0.50 more, or €5.00, you can make your meal a large.
As far as breakfast is concerned, at Supermac’s, for €6.00 you can get full Irish breakfast. For €0.95 more, you can get tea or coffee, and you also get a free daily newspaper with your purchase.
The Supermac’s in Erye Square in Galway was also in the same building as Quiznos Sub, and ice cream parlor, and Papa John’s pizza. Both Papa John’s and Quiznos Sub are popular chain restaurants back in the United States.
The McDonald’s on the pedestrian only street in Galway is in the perfect location for those looking for a quick lunch after a busy day of shopping. It is also open late which can be convenient after spending the night out on the town.
Supermac’s serves a chicken strip meal with fries and a drink for just under €6.00. The chicken and sauce are both similar to what one would purchase at a Chick-fil-A in the United States.
The cheeseburger meal was popular among RMU students. Three out of four students from RMU had this meal and enjoyed it.
Well, Hello Dublin
Editor’s note: This story was written before the Robert Morris University group returned to the U.S.
By Paul Wintruba
DUBLIN, Ireland — Dublin sits well on the English-influenced East coast of this island nation, while Sneem is located on the traditionally Gaelic west coast.
Sneem, shown here, and Dublin are about 300 miles apart, but culturally feel so very different
Appreciating Ireland
Editor’s note: This story was written before the Robert Morris group returned to the U.S.
By Whitney Snyder
DUBLIN, Ireland– As the Robert Morris students pack up their belongings, they begin to reflect on the last two weeks of their stay in Ireland. Although the group as a whole regrets to go, this has been a trip that will linger in the minds of the students forever.
What an experience it has been. The first few days in Galway were memorable. James Perry stated, “Galway had a small town feel with a city atmosphere. It was a very fun place to experience.”
Eyre Square, Galway
While in Galway, tour leader Batt Burns gave us a walking tour . Many of the students took advantage of the fun and inviting atmosphere that the surrounded them.
After traveling to the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and visiting the Burren College of Art, the group arrived in Sneem.
“The locals in Sneem were very friendly, and they went out of their way to invite us to different pubs throughout our stay,” said Carly Maloney.
Overall the group agreed that Sneem was one of the best experiences on the trip. Although the village is small and quaint, several students walked away with cherished memories.
The Sneem Hotel, along with its caring staff, added to the experience that the group had there.
The Sneem Hotel
Saturday night was pub night, where live Irish music was played, as several of the students joined in on the dancing and fun. Burns joked, “This is by far one of the liveliest groups that we have had here in Sneem.”
For several, that was a very rewarding compliment.
Wednesday afternoon the group made the journey to Dublin after a stop at the Blarney Castle and the Rock of Cashel. Dublin, much like the city of Pittsburgh, has a fast-paced environment. “There was a world of difference traveling from little Sneem, to the capital city of Dublin,” said Perry.
What a transition it has been, going from one of the smallest villages in all of Ireland, to the capital city. Several of the students were taken back but they adapted to the new surroundings very well. After dealing with the echoes of music from underneath the hotel, to drowning out the shrieks of locals, students stayed positive after their first night in Dublin.
Overall the Robert Morris students were able to enhance their experience by being so open to change and adversity along the way.
“I came to Ireland, a foreign country, knowing no one from Robert Morris and being nervous I would not make friends nor have a good time. To say the least, I could have never been more wrong. I could not have dreamed of a more memorable experience in Europe. Everything from the food to the scenery and everyone including the hotel staff, the bar flies, and the amazing people I met from my school made Ireland the most magical and heart-pumping adventure I have ever been a part of,” stated Lauren Rozman.
The author (second from right) and friends celebrate the end of a two-week Ireland stay.
“It’s been one of the best times of my life. I have met so many new friends, and I do not want to go home,” said Bobby Carr.
Not only has this trip allowed many students to gain a plethora of knowledge and experience, but the memories and friendships that have been made will last a lifetime.
Appreciating The Love Of Words
By Sara Dinwiddie
DUBLIN, Ireland — John Waters is a famous Irish journalist and writer, but when you first meet him you might think of him as a mad composer. But once he gets down to business, his eyes light up with the passion of his words as he shares his wisdom on journalism and where it stands in modern times.
Waters grew up in western Ireland in the 1960s and 1970s. He did not receive much of an education, especially not in journalism. Instead, he sort of got in the back door to get his career started. He started off writing about rock and roll. As he shared his story, he explained that he learned — after writing much about rock and roll — that he was way off in how he needed to write about music.
Waters likes to write about rock and roll because, as he says, “Rock’n’roll runs up and down the spectrum of human response,” meaning it can bring about a whole array of emotions from anyone because it can be interpreted in different ways.
Photo: Anthony Moretti
When Waters told RMU students how to become good journalists, he said they should not change their style, what they write about or the view they take because of what other people are writing about.
“What you’re being told [by the news] is to promote an image,” said Waters, when asked about modern journalism. The writer is “the witness of the world from your [the writer’s] perspective,” and as such the article should be written in their style and thoughts.
Parents remind their children that they aren’t the center of the universe, but Waters says that journalists need to believe otherwise. He talked about how each person has a unique perspective on a story because they all have different pasts and different influences in their lives.
Waters discussed how, because of modern technology, many people are losing their sense of value and feeling unmotivated and unable to stand out. His advice stands: “You are the center of the universe.” Write with your own voice, be confident, and people will notice.
Waters is currently 57 years old and is still producing new articles and books in Ireland.
Yoga, In Ireland
Editor’s note: The photos for this story were taken while a group of Robert Morris University students were in Sneem, a small town in southwestern Ireland
By Rachel Calhoun
DUBLIN, Ireland — Being away from home is no excuse for not staying healthy. Here’s an example, as I demonstrate various yoga poses.
Yoga Pose: Tree
Location: Panda head dedication statue. The Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries dedicated the piece to the former President of Ireland, Cerbhall O Dålaigh.
Yoga Pose: Crocodile
Location: D O’Shea’s pub in downtown Sneem. It is famous for being a featured image on postcards and calendars that can be purchased throughout Ireland.
Yoga Pose: Triangle
Location: Outside the Sneem Elementary school. Batt Burns, Robert Morris’ tour guide, taught there.
Yoga Pose: Headstand
Location: Entrance to the Sneem Hotel. It is one of many possible places to reside in Sneem. This hotel with a gorgeous view and welcoming staff members is the perfect place to relax.
Yoga Pose: Warrior Two
Location: Steel piece of a silhouetted tree sculpted by Tamara Rikman. It was a gift to the people of Ireland from the President of Israel, Chain Herzog, in memory of Cearbhall O Dålaigh, on June 19, 1985.
Yoga Pose: Turkish Twist
Location: Steve (Crusher) Casey Statue. He was a world heavyweight champion wrestler from 1938 until his retirement in 1947. He was born in 1909 and died in 1987.
Yoga Pose: Balancing Half Pigeon
Location: Outside of Dan Murphy’s Bar. Commonly known as Murphy’s, this local Sneem bar has a fake fireplace inside, but the pub is always nice and warm.
Yoga Pose: Crow
Location: The view from the back of the Sneem Hotel. The atmosphere creates a sense of tranquility for all hotel guests. The hotel offers free kayaks to take out on the water all day long for anyone staying.
A Conversation With Irish Journalist John Waters
By Chris Mueller
DUBLIN, Ireland — It’s not every day a group of students from the United States gets the opportunity to hear one of the most respected but controversial writers of a foreign country speak. For a group of 24 Robert Morris University students, many of whom are journalism majors, the chance to listen to John Waters of the Irish Times talk for almost an hour was quite the treat.
Waters touched on a variety of topics during his session, sharing the background to issues and his opinion of them.
First up was the situation in Ireland. “It is looking more and more like Ireland is going to continue to follow the currents of the world rather than relying on their own set of morals to make important decisions,” Waters said.
One of those ‘currents’ includes the highly debated situation on abortion, which Ireland is debating whether to make legal in some circumstances. The country has not made a definite decision, but it definitely has Ireland up in arms on which way to turn.
Next, Waters did not give the impression that the mainstream newspapers were really making a significant impact on the country as they had in the past “It remains to be seen if newspapers will go back to being newspapers,” he said. “Rather than being solely based on ideology.”
Photo: Anthony Moretti
He then addressed what young journalists need to know coming into the profession. “If you’re going to write you’re going to be unpopular,” he explained. “You’re not going to please people being a journalist.”
That made sense, but what he said next may have been the most intriguing piece of information. “The most important thing a writer can have is subjectivity. It is essential to write what you feel, think, and know.”
It’s essential to hear someone high up in the ranks of a particular profession, such as Waters, give a piece of advice to someone young. It’s a great way to start to gather the information needed on how to reach success, but is no use unless applied to the novice’s repertoire.
Experience The Five Senses On The Ring Of Kerry
By Rachel Calhoun
Editor’s note: This story was written as a group of Robert Morris University students was traveling from Sneem, in southwest Ireland, to Dublin.
DUBLIN, Ireland —
I can hear the creaking and squeaking of the old-fashioned bike tires rolling over the stone path. The breeze is so fresh and cool as it blows through my hair. To my dismay, I notice the front tire of my bike is completely flat because of the sound of my breath getting shorter and pedaling becomes almost impossible. Hearing the birds chirping and the bees buzzing give me the motivation to continue.
The next day I take the trail on foot hoping to enjoy the experience a little more. I knew quickly which off-the-path trail to not take when I heard the wet mud squishing underneath my feet. Listening to the water bugs swimming over the mud made my decision to turn around a lot easier.
I continued on further down the trail and began to smell a very strong floral aroma. I came across a large bush of gorse. The plant jetted out onto the trail and about hit me in the face, just as the vibrant yellow color of it did.
Once I passed the gorse, the stench of manure flooded my nostrils. Looking to my left, I encountered two cows enjoying their breakfast. Chomping on the hay and slurping up their water, they immediately noticed my camera in their faces. It was almost as if they could smell my presence because I did not make a sound when I approached them.
The scenery throughout the trail is very magical. It brought a sense of tranquility because the views were peaceful and beautiful. The mountains looked as though they were carved out of giant rock. All of the colors across the hillsides seemed as if they were painted on a blank canvas. The radiant blue sky was a reminder of how that day was so perfect to be outside.
There were many unique and pretty farm houses along the trail, as well. The strong rock wall on the front of this house showed a lot of Irish character reflecting the rock walls outlining the driveway and throughout the town. The houses along the way reminded me of home, and that is when I realized I should make my way back to the Sneem Hotel.
As I began my journey back, the uneven pavement began to burrow into my shoes. Trying not to think about the pain, I took a deep breath and absorbed the fresh Irish ambiance.
Take Me Back To Sneem
By Jenna Vidic
DUBLIN, Ireland — When it comes to any vacation, the place you lay your head at at night can make all the difference in the world. While on the two weeks tour of Ireland the students of Robert Morris University have agreed that the Sneem Hotel is wonderful.
The staff is pleasant and accommodating, and everyone tries to succeed.
“This hotel is very nice, the people are pleasant and the food is amazing,” said student Brooke Smith.
It is not unusual to see the owner, Louis Moriarty, walking around talking to his guests and helping out where he can. Moriarty cares how the customers feel about their experiences and wants to try to keep the costs as low as possible so that everyone can lavish themselves.
The hotel offers customers free bikes to get around the town and to ride on the Ring Of Kerry trails. There is also the options for customers to use the free kayaks for the inlet right behind the hotel.
There is also a small gym located in the basement of the hotel. Along with the gym in the basement there is a sauna and a Jacuzzi for guest to relax in.
And that room ought to be used after someone enjoys a tremendous meal. An older couple seated in the bar said, “We had the Margherti Pizza oh my was it delicious! The thin crust was baked just right so it was crispy not soggy. And the sauces to cheese ratio was just right. We added some other toppings on ours but I am sure it would be just as wonderful plan! I strongly recommend it!”
The only thing that the food lacks is the service at the hotel restaurant. It takes for a long time to be asked by the servers if needed a drink or food. Paul Wintruba, another RMU student, noted, “They are very nice it just takes a while to get a drink or food. That is their only downfall to the whole place.”
The view is just as pretty as the hotel. The hotel is place about less than a mile from the town of Sneem but it seems more than that. It is private, so customers can relax and enjoy their stay. But the hotel has one of the most amazing views with a mountain and an inlet that reflects the beauty of the land when it is all calm.
Sneem Hotel gets four and a half out of five stars for there great hospitality and wonderful food.
Residents Of One Small Irish Town Rally For Better Ambulance Service
By Tiffany Brandon
SOAK, or Save Our Ambulance Kenmare, has rallied residents in this small Irish town
KENMARE, Ireland — Vakaris Martinaitis, a 2-year-old boy from Middleton, County Cork, passed away this month after sustaining injuries from a fall inside his family’s home.
At the time of his fall, an ambulance was not available to transport him to a hospital. Because of that, the treatment of his injuries was delayed at Cork University Hospital. Martinaitis passed away shortly after.
Like many counties across Ireland, Middleton’s ambulance service was withdrawn as part of a‘re-structuring’ carried out by HSE/NAS (The National Ambulance Service) last year. The National Ambulance Service is working to replace on-call ambulance staff with “fast response vehicles” which will have no patient carrying capacity.
Many newspaper articles have referred to the cutbacks in ambulance services as “death by geography.” “The National Ambulance Service is trying to reduce resources because they feel many of our ambulance services are nonessential based off of their location,” said Donal Keogh, a chemist at the town pharmacy in nearby Sneem.
“The HSE/NAS usually determines the need for ambulance services based off of population size. And unfortunately, since there has been a drastic change in Ireland’s economy over the years, little towns like Kenmare are struggling to afford these types of resources,” Keogh added.
In April 2013, a campaign known as S.O.A.K (Save Our Ambulance Kenmare) was formed to resist cuts to the ambulance service in South Kerry. Shop owners all throughout Kenmare and nearby towns, including Sneem, have posted petitions inside their stores for locals and tourists to sign in hopes of saving their ambulance services.
“The closest hospital to Kenmare is Tralee,” noted a waitress who works inside Café Mocha, a coffee shop located in the center of Kenmare. “That is about 90 minutes away from here.
“Could you imagine if you were seriously ill or in severe pain during that 90-minute ride in a vehicle that is not equipped? Or if you didn’t have transportation to a hospital at all? That is why a fully operational ambulance service with patient carrying capacity in essential in Kenmare 24,7.”
Media reports have documented cases of loss of life due to delays in the transferring of critically ill patients to hospitals. However, according to S.O.A.K in Kenmare, “This cannot happen here.”
Many counties in Ireland, which also are fighting to keep their ambulance services alive, have resorted to fundraising for an AIAA (All Ireland Air Ambulance). The deployment of Air Ambulances is influenced by many factors some of which include: life threatening injuries where speed is essential, remote rural locations where lengthy road journeys may be faced, the ability to overfly congested roads, and direct or long distance hospital transfers.
“I think it is very important for residents to petition and fight for their ambulance services,” said Maire Keogh, a shop assistant at the Sneem Pharmacy. “Not everyone has transportation to drive to a hospital when there health is in danger. We need to bring this severe problem to light because it is our lives, and the lives of our family and friends that are at stake.”
Sneem, Ireland, Is Quite The Home Away From Home
By Katie Abramowich
SNEEM, Ireland — There may not be any place like home, but when your home is 3000 miles away, this small Irish village is a fine replacement.
A terrain of rocks and fields, sheep and cows, and rolling streams decorate County Kerry. The winding, narrow roads are enough to give anyone carsickness – especially with Batt Burns, Irish tour guide and storyteller, behind the wheel – but the ride is well worth it. From carsickness to homesickness, Sneem’s refreshing atmosphere seems to cure any troubles.
Sneem was the home of 24 Robert Morris University students and two faculty from May 15-22, before the group traveled to Dublin. The students, along with their two educators, were set up luxuriously in the Sneem Hotel.
The Sneem Hotel’s staff welcomed the large group of students with warming and genuine smiles. Willing to help with spotty Wi-Fi connections and malfunctioning room keys, none of the staff ever complained about the group’s constant demands.
Students received the comfort of Sneem immediately upon swinging open the door to his or her hotel room. A spacious room with tall windows brightened the modern space. Lucky guests could view the inlet from their windows, but even those without “the view” did not have to look out to an eyesore; those guests could see large rock formations, lush green grass, and bright yellow gorse.
The view from the Sneem Hotel
The hotel owner also let his dog, Red, run freely around the grounds. Red and other dogs in the town never wore collars and followed visitors loyally on walks. Chris Mueller, an RMU journalism student says, “The dogs were a great addition to the hotel. They were so friendly and made us feel like they were our own pets.”
Red leads a tour of Sneem for a group of RMU students
The beautiful scenery in the town also helped everyone feel at home.
Tucked along the southwestern coast of Ireland, Sneem has water, mountains, and greenery. Two squares, which are actually triangular, lay on each side of a bridge that connects the entire town of 350 residents. Brightly colored buildings along the main street operate chiefly as pubs, shops, bakeries, and restaurants.
At any hour of the day, people trickled in and out of the pubs for dining and drinking. The locals never turned down a visitor for a conversation. Leah Fleischel, a sophomore at RMU, commented about the friendly Sneem residents, “They were incredibly friendly and accommodating. It seemed like every person you came across you could find common ground with. It truly makes Sneem unique.”
It was the people of Sneem, who welcomed the RMU students with open arms, that made visitors feel like locals. Before leaving, John Vincent O’Sullivan, a Sneem resident, told a view of the students, “I hope you come back to Ireland soon. I love you all.”
Of course they will come back. If these students had a choice, they would never leave.
RMU in Ireland 2013 