I remember when I started learning English, we looked geographically at how many countries English is spoken. America, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa outside the UK. I immediately fell in love with the English language. During my studies, I always wondered what the United Kingdom is: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland. I know that I did not understand that these are in one country, one language speaking country, why are there contradictions? Why is a Scotsman or a Northern Irishman offended when you call him English? Anguilla and United Kingdom? What is the difference? When I was a child the news was loud with IRA attacks. I also didn't understand why a people in the West, who thought they were rich, were "going to war" against each other. I devoured Anglo-Saxon history, culture, and literature, and decided that I would try to visit every country where English is spoken. This is how I managed to get to America at the age of 19, I was lucky enough to visit foggy Albion 8 times for longer or shorter periods of time, and I went on a trip to Ireland for the third time this year. I went for the second time with the Erasmus Plus program for a longer period. (The first time was in 2000)

The organization that helped with this opportunity is Antener - Coach & Coach Training, which is one of the best trainer-coach training companies in Hungary. I consider it a fantastic opportunity that I could participate in this training as a Hungarian instructor. I chose this program for two reasons: I wanted to get out to Ireland again, and I think it is very important to include coaching elements in language education, which allows us to give our students more authentic language skills.

This is how I left for Ireland on February 15, 2024. Did you know that (part of) the Game of Thrones series took place in Northern Ireland? Because if it's Ireland, I ventured to Belfast, which has been living in peace since 1998. On Thursday, my partner and I, who came with me as an escort, arrived in Dublin, and from there I traveled on a 3-hour bus ride to Belfast. Our accommodation is a pleasant small hostel in the center of Belfast, the Home - Bank Square Townhouse, in retrospect I say it was a very good choice. We could have found a cheaper one, but it was much further away, so we saved on public transport. Everything was very accessible. It was a quick night walk around Belfast. In the morning, I took a bus and visited the fabulous Giants' Causeways, a world heritage site. Along the way, we visited several Game of Thrones locations, the Wall, Dark Hedges, Bravos Harbor, the Black Water Battle, Greyjoy Castle, Deres Castle. On the way home, we also visited an Irish Whiskey factory. We had tea, lunch and snacks while looking at the indescribably beautiful landscape. I returned to Belfast, where we spent the evening and tasted the local beers.

Did you know that (part of) the Game of Thrones series took place in Northern Ireland? Because if it's Ireland, I ventured to Belfast, which has been living in peace since 1998. On Thursday, my partner and I, who came with me as an escort, arrived in Dublin, and from there I traveled on a 3-hour bus ride to Belfast. Our accommodation is a pleasant small hostel in the center of Belfast, the Home - Bank Square Townhouse, in retrospect I say it was a very good choice. We could have found a cheaper one, but it was much further away, so we saved on public transport. Everything was very accessible. Fast night time

It was a walk in Belfast. In the morning, I took a bus and visited the fabulous Giants' Causeways, a world heritage site. Along the way, we visited several Game of Thrones locations, the Wall, Dark Hedges, Bravos Harbor, the Black Water Battle, Greyjoy Castle, Deres Castle. On the way home, we also visited an Irish Whiskey factory. We had tea, lunch and snacks while looking at the indescribably beautiful landscape. I returned to Belfast, where we spent the evening and tasted the local beers.

On Saturday, we first took a tour of Poltika, visiting the Protestant quarter, the Peace Wall and some of the sites that experienced stormy times since 1921. History is still alive, the gates are still standing, and so is the peace wall, forever reminding the living of the bloody past. I finally understood the reasons for the conflict in Northern Ireland, I can finally explain this to my interested students. The tour was followed by the Albert Tower, which was named after Queen Victoria's husband. We have finally arrived at Belfast's other most important historical landmark, the Titanic Quarter. Next came the wonderful Titanic museum and its little sister, the Nomadic. The Nomadic is a real ship experience, as it is in a dry dock and you can experience the ship within the framework of a small interactive exhibition. The gigantic Titanic exhibition gives an insight into the history and economic situation of the time, a small roller coaster takes us back to the past, how the ship was built, it commemorates the people lost in the tragedy, a memory for the survivors, and mercy for the descendants. A beautiful, atmospheric, eternal memory remains for the ship that met its unfortunate fate on November 21, 1912. We ended the Saturday with a pleasant shopping in St George Market, which should not be missed by anyone who goes there. After tasting local food and buying souvenirs, we collected our bags and got on the train and traveled back to Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland.

We arrived on Saturday night. So we immediately threw ourselves into the whirlwind of Temple Bar, which is the most famous and most expensive nightlife of the Irish capital. It is said that more young Irish people go to Belfast to have fun because the Northern Irish capital is much cheaper. Temple Bar is still a must, and yes, the prices are high ☹ The experience makes up for it. The most famous pub, Temple Bar itself, once provided a meeting place and inspiration for many writers. The owner himself was knighted. Traditional food, drinks, Guinness, Irish whiskey, museums and shops make it really impressive. I visited every day because it was an unforgettable experience every day of the week.

On Sunday morning, the Guinness museum followed, the Hall of Fame, the Irish rock&roll museum. Finally, the five-day training began. Erasmus Plus training is a five-day course,

which provides an opportunity for European teachers to meet and gain experience. Part of the five-day course was experiencing Dublin. Every day it was possible to see and visit the sights.

Guiness museum, Book of Kells, Trinity College, Grafton street, James Joyce museum, O Connell Street, The National Gallery, Phoneix Park and finally a trip to Glandelough ended our week. Ireland, although English is spoken, Irish English is different from British English. Ireland has its own culture and history, although English is the language of communication, they also preserve the ancient Celtic language. It was an amazing experience to experience.

 

English Matters: Cursos en Europa - Programas para profesorado, jovenes estudiantes, adultos y familias. is one of the organizations that participates in the Erasmus Plus program of the European Union and organizes trainings. Three wonderful trainers were waiting for us. We were able to participate in three different courses. I chose the Mindfulness & Wellbeing course. The course gave me experiences, ideas and knowledge that help a lot in teaching. One of the most important goals of the Erasmus program is for teachers to pass on the knowledge they have acquired here, and to win the recognition of our community and country for the work of teachers.

"A book, a pen, a child, a teacher can change the world"

Some useful Irish expressions :)

Bangers - Sausage

Black & Tan - Half Guinness & Half Bass

Bonnet - Car Hood

Boot - Car Trunk

Bord Failte - Irish Tourist Board (board of welcomes)

Brilliant - Great

Caravan Travel Trailer - Small House Trailer

Carraig - Rock

Cead Mile Failte - A hundred thousand welcomes (kay-d mile Fawlcha)

Ceili - Irish Dance (kaylee)

Cheers - Thanks or Good-bye

Chemist - Pharmacy

Chips - French Fries

Craic - Fun

Crisps - Potato Chips

Dear - Expensive

Dollied Up - Dressed Up

Dun - Fort

Eejit - Idiot

Ennis - Island

Ensuite - Room with a private bath

Erin Go Bragh - Ireland Forever

Fag - Cigarette

Fir - Men (Men's room)

Fry - Full Irish breakfast

Gaeltacht - Irish Speaking Area

Garda Siochana - Policeman

Half & Half - Half Guinness & Half Harp (don't call it a black and tan)

Inis - Island

Jar - Measure of Drink

Jumper - Sweater

Kill, Kil - Church

Lift - Elevator

Lorry - Truck

Lough - Lake

Mna - Women (Women's room)

Off-License - Liquor store

Petrol - Gas/Fuel

Pissed - Drun