Ireland: Places Where Inspiration Lives

By Carolina Leon, who studied abroad on the Ireland: Creative Pilgrimage in Ireland program in Summer 2025.

This past May, during my time in Ireland, my peers and professors encouraged us to look beyond what we first see. The landscape of the Burren, and the way it shapes the lives of the people who live there, inspired me deeply. It also helped me reconnect with my creativity. As part of our program, we created Visual Journal entries based on our experiences. Slowing down, paying attention, and taking in each moment helped me enjoy the creative process and appreciate the country even more.

Here is one of my reflections from a journal prompt:

“As an artist, I’ve trained my eyes to find beauty in things that might seem small or unimportant. I look for the spaces in between, the parts that are often missed or hidden, and through my art, I try to bring them into focus. When I look back at my photos from our time in Ireland, I notice a pattern: many of them are close-up shots of flowers, plants, textures, and other little details in nature. Taking these kinds of photos helps me slow down and really take in my surroundings. It’s a calming process that helps me feel more connected to the world around me. Big landscapes and famous places, like the Burren, are beautiful and powerful. But there’s also something special about the small things we usually walk past without noticing. Both the big and the small parts of nature inspire my work and help me see the world in a deeper way.”

I truly believe everyone can benefit from experiencing another culture. If you ever have the chance to study abroad, I encourage you to take it. What you learn—about the country and about yourself—will stay with you for a long time.