Good craic

A look at cultural immersion in Ireland

By University of Notre Dame

March 16^th, 2023

“Craic” (pronounced “crack”) is an Irish Gaelic word for “fun.” While Notre Dame students work hard at their studies in Ireland, the holistic experience includes engagements with culture and recreation.

Killary Sheep Farm

Killary Sheep Farm is a traditional working mountain farm in Connemara. It has approximately 200 ewes and lambs roaming freely in the mountains with spectacular scenery overlooking Killary Fjord, on the Wild Atlantic Way. Notre Dame students studying at Kylemore Abbey visit the farm to see a sheepherding demonstration. The farm’s owner, Tom Nee, instructs his sheepdog, Holly, to corral the animals using various vocal commands.

Head farmer Tom Nee also gave a demonstration on how he shears the sheep in the traditional way, with hand shears.

Students also got a demonstration on bog cutting. Killary Sheep Farm uses a slean to to cut the bog, which is the traditional method.

Sister Genevieve’s Chocolate Kitchen

Kylemore Abbey is a working Benedictine community and the most popular tourist attraction in western Ireland. Visitors witness the Benedictine liturgical way of life, but also observe their work. St. Benedict had a motto, “Ora et labora,” or, “Pray and work.” At Kylemore, sisters make a variety of items by hand, including chocolate. The goods are sold at the gift shop on the grounds.

Gaelic Sports

Students were given an interactive lesson on two Gaelic sports: hurling and Gaelic football. The sports are promoted and cultivated in each Irish county by the Gaelic Athletic Administration, or GAA. Each county has its own team(s) and plays other county teams during the season, culminating in the All-Ireland Final held in the 80,000-seat Croke Park Stadium in Dublin.

Chef David’s Scones

Chef David Harrison joined the Kylemore team in the spring of 2019. Using his knowledge of local produce and resources, he creates menus and dishes that give a taste of Connemara to all those who visit Kylemore. On one particular evening, Chef David demonstrated how to make Irish scones.

East and West

The cultural immersion is only part of the experience. Learn more about Notre Dame’s relationship with the Emerald Isle in East and West: Notre Dame in Ireland.