If you were to talk to a middle aged person from Ireland, I’m sure you’d hear all about how the Dublin they grew up in is nowhere near the Dublin of today. Even in my lifetime, Dublin has transformed into a huge hub for technology and become home to some of the biggest names in tech from all over the world. Ireland’s government really knows how to make the most out of what they have. Our site visits to Enterprise Ireland and Bord Bia have shown us just how much care and attention was given to fostering new ideas and inviting the best companies to call Dublin home. Even still, they have managed to find a balance between honoring traditions and fostering innovation. In three years, i expect their tech industry to expand even more so. I think that with this expansion will come a need for more talent, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see a more diverse population from people all across the world looking to start their career in the industry. I hope that Ireland continues to become more culturally diverse while still keeping Irish cultures and traditions at the forefront.
While walking through a small cliff path along the coast just south of Ireland, I was surprised to see their beautiful beaches and trails being covered by modern condos and apartments. Sadly, I wouldn’t be surprised to return to Ireland and see this situation worsen. While they need to accommodate for their current housing crisis, I do think it’s a shame the way they were destroying the natural beauty of the coast. I hope that a mini-Dublin emerges as Dublin has already become so explosive and crowded, brimming with new talent and new businesses. Despite all of this, I do not think Irish culture is going to disappear from their society. I hope that they still stick to their traditions like Gaelic language and sports as more and more young people are looking for ways to connect with their Irish roots.