My Third Year in Galway- Julia Egan

My name is Julia Egan, a BA Drama, Theatre, and Performance with Archaeology student from Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. I’ve just finished my third year of studies in Galway, a year that has to have been the best one yet. Coming out of my second year, one which was entirely online, I was looking forward to being back on campus and in Galway, able to see my classmates for the first time in person in almost two years and continue to explore the city that I fell in love with my first year.

The Brilliant Events and Markets Galway Has to Offer

One of my favourite events which occurred during the first semester was the Galway International Arts Festival, a two-week celebration of the Arts in all forms which usually occurs in late July but was delayed this past year due to Covid-19. The festival brings together artists and performers from all over the world to present their work, a truly unique experience that draws many international visitors to Galway each summer. I was able to see two performances as a part of the festival: Medicine by Edna Walsh and Blindness by José Saramago and Simon Stephens. Both were fantastic and unique experiences which I have continued to reflect upon over this past year. It was amazing to be a part of bringing live theatre back to Galway and I cannot wait to see what is a part of the programme for this year’s Festival in July.

In returning to Galway, one of the things I was most looking forward to was the various markets which occur around the city each weekend and during the winter holidays. The Umbrella Eile market was a new addition this year, featuring artisans selling jewellery, prints, soaps, freshly baked goods, and more! I fell in love with the creations of ‘Things Sophie Makes’, a crochet and jewellery company, at this market in addition to picking up several postcards and prints from other local sellers. The Christmas market, running from mid-November until the end of December, is also a must-do for anyone coming to Galway during the holiday season with dozens of artisan stalls and food vendors.

The Flea-Style market, which just marked its ten-year anniversary, returned late in the second semester and is any vintage and upcycled clothing lover’s dream! The weekly Galway Market by St. Nicholas’ Church is also a favourite of mine. I especially love getting a freshly baked loaf of spelt sourdough bread from The Happy Loaf!

Embracing Travelling

Getting back into travelling was a priority for me this past year with things finally starting to open back up. I focused on experiencing more of Ireland in my travels first semester, taking a bus tour with a friend to explore Connemara, Kylemore Abbey and Cong, as well as travelling with my dad to see Newgrange in County Meath for the first time! For those new to Galway and Ireland itself, bus tours are a great way to get around the country and experience all that it has to offer. There are also usually some student discounts available!

During second semester, I had the opportunity to travel to Verona, Italy as a part of the Irish National Women’s Lacrosse team. In addition to competing in a tournament, I was able to explore the city, taking in the beautiful sights and delicious food. I recently in May travelled to the UK, visiting Newcastle and Edinburgh. I’ve learned over my time here that the closeness to the UK and the rest of Europe as well as the inexpensive nature of Ryanair should never be overlooked. I cannot wait to see where my travels during my fourth year take me!

My Favourite Memories of my Course This Year

My third year of studies was focused on drama, the first semester including modules on Musical Theatre and Children’s Theatre and the second semester involving my classmates and I designing and putting on a production together. I cannot describe how excited I was to be back in the classroom working with my professors and those in my year in person again, especially in the second semester when we collaborated with one another to perform ‘The Frogs’ by Aristophanes. Although we may have run into a roadblock or two along the way, the cast and crew of the show persevered and brought live theatre back to the O’Donoghue Centre. I also had the opportunity to have my own work that I wrote during a playwriting module last year performed during the Jerome Hynes One Act Festival which is held on campus each spring. I was grateful to have received the “Best Writing” award for my one-act show Working Title, the first piece I have ever written.

I concluded the year running for the position of International Student Officer for the Student’s Union, something that two years ago never would have had the confidence to do. It was a very close race, but I’m very excited to be taking on the role starting this July, helping to ensure that University of Galway is a safe and welcoming place for international students! The opportunities that I have been given during my time in Galway have helped me to grow so much as a person and I’m excited to see what else comes my way as I enter my final year of Undergraduate study!