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Ireland is a land of writers and other creative people. It is an inspiring place, and our group trip will be an inspiring experience, so we want you to have an outlet for your creativity as we travel.

Each day, travelers will be invited to the bus’s microphone to read their trip-related limericks, six word essays, or haikus. All are welcome (no one is required) to participate in this fun way to comment on what we are seeing, doing, and experiencing as we roll around the island. Your poems and six word essays should be about the trip; humor and insight are always welcome. At the end of the trip, we’ll award prizes for the best works.

Most group bus tours of Ireland encourage Limerick writing; it’s a longstanding tradition, and something about being there makes you want to write poetry.  We are unique–we are Agnes Scott, after all!–in enlarging the activity to include the six word essay and the haiku. I like to encourage these writings because I think it connects us to the language and literature we are focusing on in our travels.  And, sharing these works over the microphone each day  makes for good laughs, good insights, esprit de corps, and camaraderie.

Under “Trip Documents” you will find a handout entitled “Limerick, Six Word Essay, Haiku” that gives guidelines and examples for each form.  This guide will be included in the “trip booklet” I’ll give each of you upon arrival in Ireland.