Tubbs' Thoughts

When I learned that my alma mater, Iowa State, would participate in the Aer Lingus American Football Classic in Dublin, I knew I had to attend. Given my deep connection as an alumnus of the marching band, my talented brother’s current membership, and my proximity to Ireland, it was an opportunity I could not pass up.

After purchasing my tickets, flights, and hostel accommodation, I filled my schedule with quality time with friends, family, and myself. While there for only four days, I had a lovely weekend of art, sports, and, of course, Guinness. Here, I share my best finds and experiences, from food to museums and, of course, experiencing American football in Europe.

Guinness
My first stop after arriving and settling into my hostel (with a fantastic location next to Trinity College Dublin) was the Guinness Storehouse. Here, I reunited with my brother and enjoyed an immersive and extensive factory tour, which concluded with a complimentary pint of Guinness and plenty of souvenirs. It was extra special sharing a pint with former classmates whom I had not seen in over a year. The Guinness experience is a must-do in Dublin, even if you do not enjoy Guinness; the storehouse offers a multitude of other beers on tap to try.

Walking Tours, Cathedrals, and Art
During the free time I had on Friday (while the band was rehearsing), I took a lovely stroll through the quiet streets of Dublin early in the morning, and found myself (unsurprisingly) finding tasty bakeries and beautiful cathedrals along my path, including Christ Church Dublin and St.Patrick’s Cathedral. I am not very religious, but visiting religious sites often reveals hidden histories of their cities. For Dublin, the churches were a vital part of the city and the country’s history.

Being traditionally Catholic, both cathedrals had a rich history of influence on the city and served as a haven for many. St. Patrick’s, specifically, is known as the oldest church in the country and the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland. Despite damage, restorations, and cultural shifts, the cathedrals retain their architecture, religious traditions, and historical significance.

National Gallery of Ireland
My next stop was the National Gallery of Ireland, where I found some of the most stunning pieces I have seen. I was immediately surprised by the free entry, as most galleries and museums typically charge an admission fee. As I roamed the magnificent halls, I was impressed by the collections of not only Irish artists, but also French, Italian, and Dutch artists. The collections also included eras ranging from early Renaissance to contemporary works and portraits.

My favorite section was the stained-glass works, which spanned complete wall-to-ceiling pieces of ornate and inspiring stained glass, some with religious contexts and others with tales and mythologies. This section gave me a sense of peace and clarity regarding the intersection of art and spirituality. Creators and artisans have continuously found enlightenment through their art, showcasing the beauty of not only their beliefs but also of humanity and the world around them. Needless to say, the National Gallery was a fruitful and beautiful experience.

Pep Rallies and Marching Bands
Now for the (main) reason I came to see the match – the band! By far the most impressive and entertaining part of American football is the accompaniment of large coordinated marching bands that play cheers in the stands off the field and perform Halftime shows on the field during the match. Gathering in the central park of Dublin, Aer Lingus hosted an Iowa state pep rally (they held one for the opposing team the day before). The park featured food trucks, merchandise stands, and a large stage with screens and speakers, making it well-equipped to accommodate the large crowd. I was able to stand in front of the band and hear them play in full force for the thousands of fans who attended the pep rally. Hearing the band play after a year of living abroad made me feel very nostalgic and joyful, as I got to experience this world again.

Friendly Reunions
At the pep rally, I had the heartwarming opportunity to reconnect with some of my parents’ closest friends, whom I consider part of my extended family. After the pep rally, we visited a few pubs that were hosting specifically Iowa State fans (K-State had its own street of pubs hosting them as well!). It was overwhelming to see Dublin completely decorated for two American football teams, and being surrounded by so many Americans (many from my hometown, no less) was a bit overwhelming. The night was filled with much joy and laughter, and some of the sweetest reunions (including gin and rum ice cream from Murphy’s ice cream!).

Game Day
The day everyone had been eagerly anticipating finally arrived: Game Day! I started with a scone-filled breakfast with friends, including an Irish coffee to kick-start the day. Then, I accompanied my family to a pep rally event before heading to the stadium. I proudly sported my band shirt to the match, which perfectly complemented my specially chosen seats behind the band.

The match was intense, and it was my first Iowa State game where I could legally drink (band members cannot drink during games, and U.S. law prevents under-21 drinking). I indulged in the luxury of having Guinness and Dublin mules in a sports stadium setting. After winning the match, I went out with my brother and friends, as they had free time after the game. We went to a pub and had a great time dancing to celebrate the team’s victory. I then said a heartfelt goodbye to my brother and headed back to my hostel.

Early morning breakfasts and bakeries
I started my morning by snagging a scone with butter and jam from a local bakery, which turned out to be the best scone I have had in a long time. Irish butter is known for being lighter and almost ‘whipped,’ while still retaining its flavor. I absolutely adored them so much that I took another one to eat while I wandered around the picturesque green spaces in the city center and Trinity College Dublin.

Before heading to the airport, I savored a wonderfully hearty meal at a local brunch spot, where I had potato cakes, coffee, and, of course, another scone (it’s safe to say I have a fondness for baked goods). After a quick stop at another bakery for a fresh pastry (and to admire the cute sweets), I then headed to the airport to return to the Netherlands. As I reflected on my trip, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of satisfaction and contentment. This journey was a wonderful blend of art, joy, and blissful reunions with dear loved ones and friends, and it’s a memory I will cherish for many years to come.