CARLISLE, Pa. - After a summer filled with training, fun and relaxation, the Dickinson women's basketball team gathered together for a unique team activity just prior to the start of the 2026-2027 academic year as they ventured to Ireland for fun, team bonding and a look at a different culture.
Senior guards Clare Cronley and Gabby Smelcer recap their excursion day by day.
Saturday, August 15 — Arriving in Galway
After months of looking forward to this trip, we finally arrived in Ireland. We landed in Dublin early in the morning and took a bus to Galway. After grabbing lunch at the Galway Market, we settled into our hotel, explored Eyre Square as a team and enjoyed our first dinner together. It was exciting to be in a new country with our teammates, and Galway was so charming.
Sunday, August 16 — Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher
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Today was one of the most scenic days of the trip. We took a ferry tour to the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher, where we got to experience some of Ireland's most beautiful landscapes. We biked around the island and enjoyed lunch. After returning to Galway, we had dinner together and enjoyed another evening in the city.
Monday, August 17 — Galway to Cork
We departed Galway in the morning and headed to Limerick for team practice. It was nice to get back on the court and prepare for the games ahead while still enjoying the experience of being in Ireland. After practice, we traveled to Cork, checked into our hotel and had dinner as a team. It was a busy travel day, but we were excited to explore another part of the country and continue making memories with the team.
Tuesday, August 18 — Blarney Castle and Kinsale
Today we visited Blarney Castle, one of the most famous landmarks in Ireland. Some of us even kissed the Blarney Stone. Exploring the castle and its grounds was such a cool experience, and it was fun learning about the history behind the place. Afterward, we headed to Kinsale for lunch and some free time to explore and shop. Kinsale was such a colorful and charming town, right on the water. We returned to Cork and explored the city center before having dinner together.
Wednesday, August 19 — Cobh and Game 1
We spent the morning in Cobh, visiting Spike Island and exploring the town. We took small boats around the island, which was such a fun way to see the area and learn more about its history. We also got to see St. Colman's Cathedral and explore Cobh before enjoying lunch. Afterward, we returned to Cork to prepare for our first game. That evening, we played Brunell at Neptune Stadium. One of the most interesting parts of the game was adjusting to the Irish rules of basketball. It was a new experience for us, and it was fun learning how to adapt while competing in a different country. It was exciting to finally compete after all the travel and preparation, and it was a great opportunity to experience basketball in a new environment.
Thursday, August 20 — Traveling to Dublin
We left Cork in the morning and headed straight to Dublin. Once we arrived, we checked into the hotel and had some free time to explore the city. We spent the day walking around, visiting markets and experiencing live music. That evening, we went to Celtic Nights for dinner and a show. The live show was awesome, and Clare even got to dance on stage with the dancers. We also got to enjoy traditional Irish food, including Guinness-braised beef, which was such a fun part of the experience.
Friday, August 21 — Exploring Dublin and Game 2
Today we had more free time to explore Dublin. We spent the day walking around the city, shopping and enjoying the local atmosphere. It was fun getting to see more of Dublin and experience the city together. That evening, we played the Dublin Lions. We won the game, which made the night even more special. One of the highlights was seeing our teammate Esther reunite with her old teammates. It was a meaningful moment to see her reconnect with people who had been part of her basketball journey.
Saturday, August 22 — Exploring Dublin
Our last full day in Ireland was spent exploring Dublin on the hop-on, hop-off bus tour. It was a great way to see more of the city, and many of us got to experience different places along the way. Some visited the zoo, others saw the Guinness Factory or St. Patrick's Cathedral, and everyone got to enjoy the city in their own way. At the end of the day, we all got to hang out and share our favorite parts of the city.
Sunday, August 23 — Heading home
We left the hotel before sunrise to head to the airport. After flying back to Washington, D.C., some of us returned to Dickinson and others went home. Although we were sad to leave, we were grateful for the opportunity to experience Ireland with our teammates. From exploring beautiful landscapes and historic sites to competing against international teams, this trip was filled with memories we will always cherish.
