Frederick Douglass – Daniel O’Connell Global Interns Explore Irish History and Culture in Dublin, Cork, and Belfast

The goal of the Frederick Douglass - Daniel O'Connell Global Internship is to honor the legacies of these two champions in the fight for global justice, by giving a diverse cohort of outstanding students the opportunity to hone their career-ready skills and develop a deeper understanding of Irish history and culture. During their eight weeks in Ireland, the Global Interns didn't just intern with a host organization that aligned with their skills and career goals, they also attended lectures on Irish history and culture, participated in extracurricular and networking activities in Dublin, and traveled to Cork and Belfast. 

In Dublin, Global Interns toured Glasnevin Cemetery, where they visited the grave of Daniel O'Connell and reflected on the impact of Daniel O’Connell’s fight for justice and equality. The group attended a lecture series dinner with Professor Philomena Mullen, Assistant Professor at Trinity College Dublin, whose insights into race, identity, and Irish society inspired thoughtful conversation. They also enjoyed a lecture on Irish HIstory and Culture, provided by program historian Christine Kinealy who then accompanied the students on a historical walking tour of central Dublin, following in the footsteps of Frederick Douglass and Daniel O’Connell.

Later in the summer, the Global Interns traveled to Cork and Belfast, exploring the rich history, culture, and contemporary issues that continue to shape Irish society.

In Cork, the students began with a half-day workshop at the Nano Nagle Center, where they partnered with the Cork Migrant Centre to gain firsthand insights into the migrant experience in Ireland. The session sparked thoughtful conversations about resilience and community-building. They also toured the historic University College Cork and visited Blarney Castle, where the group explored the castle grounds and took in the legend of the Blarney Stone.

In Belfast, the Global Interns visited the Frederick Douglass Monument and the Rosemary Street Unitarian Church, where Douglass himself spoke during his travels in Ireland. To deepen their understanding of Belfast’s modern history, the group also participated in a Black Cab Tour of West Belfast. Narrated by locals who had lived through key moments of the city’s turbulent past, the tour offered a personal perspective on the conflict and the ongoing pursuit of peace.