Hello again my love! Hope everyone is enjoying the first month of SUMMER! (And for some the first weekend of their holidays) So ye all probably know someone who is heading off to the Gaeltacht this year! (I must say, it's an experience you will never regret) Many people might be checking off the final need to have items off of their lists and today Sunflowers and Sparkles are here to help, so you won't forget anything and won't be ringing Mammy to bring it when she visits ;) If we have forgotten anything, don't hesitate to leave a comment below, it would be like fellow sunflowers and sparklers helping eachother! Here we go..
1. Suncream. Now, you would expect that you will never need to pack this because of our typical Irish weather. Well I'm sorry to say that you are wrong, especially in the Gaeltacht. As many are going during the Junior and Leaving Cert, we all know what these exams do to the weather ;) Plus, if you're a ginger like me, lets be honest you will always need factor 50!! (Never forget the aftersun either!)
2. Costumes. As all of you have previously been to Irish College know, many of nights at the CĂ©ili's are 'dress up' nights. These could range from black and white night, county colours,fancy dress night, or even a colourful night. Just make sure you are prepared for anything that is thrown at you. Also, taking part is the most important thing about these dress up nights so don't be afraid to let your creativity shine through! Below is a pic from a few years ago when I was in the Gaeltacht (yes that's me dressed as a pudding, but nobody judges each other here, do we ;) ) Face paint and bright coloured eyeshadow is always good in any fancy dress situation.
3. Food, food and more FOOOD. Even though I was in a house with an AMAZING bean an tĂ that made absolutely amazing food, it's always important to have a few treats in your drawer. Whatever makes you happy, bring it. You can never go wrong with a midnight feast after all..
4. Shampoo and Conditioner. As you all well know, nobody would be happy if you kept borrowing shampoo and conditioner every time you step into the shower. This is one of the most important things you could bring as you will more than likely be going to the beach quiet a lot and the sea water can be very damaging and drying to hair. So never forget to condition! Dry shampoo wouldn't go astray either for the in between shower days.
5. Lots and lots of clothes and pjs. Thinking about this one, I can't even imagine how much easier Irish College packing is for boys, I mean I don't think I could wear the same shoes for a few days in a row, not to mind the same clothes! Penney's have gorg summer clothes in at the moment, so make sure you stop by before you go. Pack for all kinds of weather 'cause you never know what to expect from this lovely country of ours. Think rationally though, you'll get the chance to wash your clothes so don't overpack! Also MAKE SURE you have a good pair of walking shoes. This is one of the most important things you could bring because it's more than likely you will have to do a frightful amount of walking and there's absolutely nothing worse that if you had blisters for three weeks!
Top tip: bring bright and distinctive socks. This way they won't get mixed up with everyone else's and you can tell straight off that they are yours!
6. Pretty stationary. Yes I know the Gaeltacht is mostly fun, but there is still an element of learning (which can be boring if you really dislike Irish). So what better to motivate yourself that pretty stationary? As you saw in our last blog, Edel is very prepared as she bought fab notebooks in TESCO! We always give Tesco 10/10 for their pretty stationary (and the price of them too). Also, as you're shopping, it would be very important to pick up an Irish dictionary too, if you haven't already done so as there are going to be alot of big, huge, massive Irish words that unless you speak fluent Irish, you will have never heard before. Also make sure to pack a little day backpack.
7.Togs and towels
This is a must as you'll probably be going to the beach often. Bring ones you are comfortable in and of course when possible, stylish ;) Towels are another important one. Bring bright colourful patterned towels so you won't mix them up with anyone elses!
8.Instruments
If you play any instrument, they encourage you to bring it! You are in the Gaeltacht, you'll be celebrating Irish dance, music and of course language. There will be loads of opportunities to play!
9.Extension lead.
There might only be two plug sockets in a room so bring an extension lead and it'll be a life saver! Trust us. Make sure you check the rules regarding phones and hair straighteners. You wouldn't want to be caught on Sunflowers and Sparkles and have your phone confiscated now would you? ;)
10. Camera/camera phone
If you're off on your own don't worry at all! You'll make loads of cairde nua in no time! Make sure to have something to capture this fab experience and some amazing memories! (and to make all your facebook friends really jel that they didnt go ;) )
11. Homesickness
If you're a home bird, don't worry at all! By the end you won't want to leave! Just think, it's nice to have a break from family from time to time and this opportunity is ideal! Bring a photo or teddy if you'd like to make you feel better.
12. Ag caint as Gaeilge
Just remember your folks have probably forked out a fortune for you to go to the Gaeltacht so make the most of it! Try to speak Irish at all times. Speaking English might also throw other people off their game so be considerate. You're there for a reason, so try and gain from the benefits of speaking Irish. "Is fearr Gaeilge bhriste na BĂ©arla cliste!". Keep an open mind, even if you think Irish is the worst subject ever or you're being forced to go, don't waste the opportunity. Don't sulk and torture the other people going!
13.The points system
Every house starts with 0 points. If someone in the house gets in trouble you loose points and if you do something good you gain points.That something good can be anything, playing an instrument or singing or any other talent, holding the door for a teacher or even talking to the locals in Irish! 100 points for a talent in general and you do your talent at the ceili :) The system and points may vary from place to place!
14. Enjoy!
Take everything you can from the experience. No doubt you'll have an amazing time. Be open to new opportunities and try something new! Try and be open and outgoing 'cause you are going to meet so many new lovely people! The people you meet are going to be friends for life, trust me!
Thats all from us today folks. Hope everyone enjoyed today's top tips about the Gaeltacht. And if you're heading off this summer, think of Sunflowers and Sparkles when you are packing your bag!
Stay Sparkling,
Tess and Edel x
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