Teen Summer Travel Experiences in Ireland & Italy

A recap of one student’s experience traveling abroad

I am a high school senior who, over the years, has experienced different cultures by traveling back and forth between Korea and America. During the summer of my freshman year, I had the chance to travel through parts of Europe with my close friend from the U.S. We explored Ireland, France, and Italy.

The original purpose of this trip was to catch up with my friend. However, what started as a simple reunion turned into an immersive journey through diverse cultures, languages, art, and unforgettable moments!

I wrote a journal documenting our travels and organized it into a short book called The Gold Pot. Here’s a glimpse into my summer and the experiences that made it so memorable.

From reunion to adventure: a teen's first solo trip to Europe.

Why Ireland and Italy?

Since I joined my friend’s family trip, the locations were already planned, but I was still ecstatic to join for a handful of reasons, including that it was my first time visiting Europe. Not to mention, I had always envisioned a “Eurosummer.”

I was initially nervous to spend so much time away from my family—3 weeks! Plus, it was my first solo plane ride, and quite a long journey at that. Going into the trip, I didn’t know much about Ireland or Italy, so I began researching each of the places we visited. Here’s what I learned and experienced during my first trip to Europe.

Ireland: A journey of literature, history, & scenic beauty

Ireland wasn’t a destination I ever thought I would visit when picturing Europe, but it ended up being my favorite. From the castles and gloomy but cool weather paired with vibrant historical architecture, I loved my time here. The food was my least favorite part, but the experiences fed me wholly.

Trinity College

Walk through history at Dublin Castle, from British rule to Irish symbol.

The first official tour I experienced was to Trinity College, which was filled with fascinating stories, eerie superstitions, and centuries of academic tradition. We learned that the chapel and exam hall were nicknamed “heaven” and “hell,” while the bell tower carried a superstition: students who walked under it as it rang would fail their exams.

The Museum Building, built after the Great Famine, featured Irish-only materials and carvings crafted by the O’Shea Brothers. The Sphere Within a Sphere and the rose garden added layers of symbolism and local legend. Our last stop, the Trinity Library, showcased Ireland’s rich literary and political history through the Book of Kells, the Brian Boru Harp, and the Declaration of Irish Independence.

Dublin Castle

The next day, we visited Dublin Castle, which was once the seat of British rule from 1204 to 1922. Now, it serves as a symbol of Irish sovereignty, with its grand halls still used for presidential inaugurations and other state occasions. Inside, the Battleaxe Staircase, previously used by the Viceroy’s guards, is now the setting for official photos and showcases Ireland's harp emblem at the top.

Among the most memorable rooms were the James Connolly Room, where the revolutionary leader spent his final days, and the Apollo Room, known for its hidden zodiac and artistic symbols. A 2011 state dinner with Queen Elizabeth II marked a significant diplomatic milestone in St. Patrick’s Hall.

Ashford Castle

Live your fairytale: horseback riding and high tea at Ashford Castle.

A few days later, our group entered my favorite part of this whole Eurotrip—Ashford Castle, once home to the Guinness family and now one of Europe’s most renowned hotels. Founded in 1228 and passed down through noble families, the castle’s rich history was matched by its stunning interior, where we were greeted with warm hospitality and velvet furnishings.

The castle had its own cinema, billiards room, beautifully styled guest rooms, and the opportunity to immerse yourself in authentic “castle-like” experiences. Afternoon high tea was a lavish affair, featuring rose elixirs, finger sandwiches, and more. The George V Dining Room served five-course meals for a formal dinner, and I indulged in lamb. My favorite activity would have to be riding a white horse, named Milton, around the lush castle grounds.

St. Patrick’s Monastery

On our last day in Ireland, we visited Inchagoill or the Island of the Devout Foreigner, which many have speculated referred to St. Patrick, with Christianity established on the island in the 5th century AD.

The tour showed St. Patrick’s Church and the 12th-century Church of the Saints. Also found in the site is the Lugnaedon Pillar with the inscription, “Lie Lugnaedon Macc Li Menueh,” meaning “The stone of Lugnaedon, son of Limenueh,” the nephew of St. Patrick.

The tour ended with a hunt for four-leaf clovers—in a field full of them!

Italy: Ancient wonders & Italian charm

When I envisioned Italy, I could see authentic pasta dishes and elegant streets, but it turned out to be a lot more. Like any place, it had its pros and cons, and (for me) the highlights throughout our trip were its rich architecture. Italy was truly unforgettable, from its pebbled streets to stunning art to, of course, delicious carbonara.

Sistine Chapel

Marvel at Michelangelo's masterpiece in the Vatican's Sistine Chapel.

The first stop in our Italian itinerary was the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican—the world’s smallest country and a sovereign state. Once inside, I could instantly see the grandeur of the museums. Highlights included the Egyptian Museum’s Book of the Dead scrolls and a hauntingly well-preserved mummy believed to be that of a red-haired woman. One standout was the Laocoön statue, a masterpiece of raw human expression.

Ruins of Pompeii

On our final day, we toured the ruins of Pompeii, one of four cities devastated by Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. Archaeologists had filled ash-preserved cavities with plaster, creating molds of people and animals caught mid-moment, including a dog and a horse.

The archaeological site also featured streets paved with basalt lava and collapsed rooftops revealing the city’s layout. I could see remnants of homes, temples, and even the world’s first streetlights.

The tour was thorough and rich with detail, and I left Pompeii with a necklace made from an engraved seashell found off the nearby coast.

Step back in time at the hauntingly preserved ruins of Pompeii.

5 travel recommendations for fellow high school travelers

Traveling through Europe as a high school student is exciting but can also be overwhelming. Planning ahead, being prepared for a variety of activities, and knowing a few insider tips can make your trip more enjoyable. Here are some recommendations based on my experiences.

1. Stay at iconic locations

If visiting Ireland, it’s a must to spend a couple of days at Ashford Castle. It offers a mix of history, luxury, and activities like horseback riding, high tea, archery, and spa experiences. Taking the time to enjoy the setting adds depth to your travel memories.

2. Visit historic campuses and landmarks

A tour of Trinity College in Dublin provides insight into history, traditions, and an Irish campus atmosphere. Even if you don’t plan to attend university in Europe, such visits can inspire new interests and perspectives.

3. Balance famous sites with hidden gems

Discover the magic beyond the guidebooks. Find your own hidden gem.

While Pompeii and the Vatican are incredible, be sure to leave time for local excursions or less-crowded spots. Exploring off-the-beaten spots gives you a richer understanding of history, culture, and daily life.

4. Pack for flexibility

Be ready for a mix of walking tours, beach trips, and indoor activities. Comfortable shoes, versatile clothing, and essentials for weather changes will make each day easier to navigate.

Tip: Tick off items from your travel packing list so you won’t forget anything!

5. Engage with local culture

Try local foods, learn simple phrases in the native language, and participate in traditions when possible. These small interactions often become the most memorable parts of your trip.

Bonus recommendation: Careful planning helps you make the most of your teen adventure, whether during spring break or in the summer.

Use these travel resources as your guide

Reflections on the journey

More than a trip: building independence and lifelong memories.

As I mentioned, this was my first time traveling away from my family for such a long time, and I definitely had moments of homesickness and culture shock. For example, almost all of the restaurants we visited served lukewarm water, pickpocketing schemes were common, and trash cans were a rare commodity, which meant there were instances when I came across piles of trash on the floor.

But on a more positive note, I got to experience activities I never would have had the chance to do otherwise: horse riding through the forest, tea in a real castle, and more. I could say I developed a greater sense of independence and stamina, both physically and mentally.

My high school trip to Western Europe fed into my understanding and interest in cultural diversity and bridging gaps in education. Genuine passion and inspiration tend to arise from unexpected yet meaningful experiences, so don’t be so quick to divert from new paths that open up for you.