A Trip to the Ancient North

On a recent trip to Northern Ireland, some of our Cal Poly (California Polytechnic State University) students had a wonderful weekend immersing themselves in ancient Irish culture and even trying their hand at traditional singing. 

Our US students join us from sunny California, but last weekend they were far from Orange County when they delved into the ancient ways of the past. 

Our teachers in the making travelled north for a very special two day tour based on storytelling. The students, along with faculty members were joined by a professional storyteller who divulged ancient Irish legends and myths based on all the areas they visited, including;

• Loughcrew Cairns
• Old Mellifont Abbey
• Kilbroney Park & The Narnia Trail
• Dark Hedges
• Dunseverick Castle
• Giant's Causeway


A very special moment occurred at Old Mellifiont Abbey when one of our students, Bess Nicolds delivered a beautifully haunting rendition of the traditional Irish/Scottish folk song ‘Wild Mountain Thyme’ (Will You Go Lassie Go) made famous by the Clancy Brothers. 

Attendees at the abbey described her performance as “magical”. Take a listen here.

We hope you enjoy it as much as we did!