Bowling Abroad

The Vanderbilt bowling team travels to Dublin, Ireland, and Paris, France, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience

After an eight hour red-eye flight from Atlanta to Dublin, the Dores hit the ground running with a bus sightseeing tour of the city. The group learned about the city’s rich history and beautiful Georgian architecture. Some of these notable places included Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Grafton Street and Phoenix Park.

On Day 2, student-athletes tried their hand at some traditional Gaelic sports, such as hurling, football and handball. Each game used a combination of skills from different American sports. For example, hurdling has elements of field hockey, lacrosse, volleyball, rugby and baseball.

After lunch, the group enjoyed some traditional Irish music and performances by professional Irish dancers. Then, they had the opportunity to learn two different Irish dances.

Vanderbilt’s friendly competition with the Irish Tenpin Bowling Association began Monday. The competition used the Swedish bowling league format, where pairs competed for points for each team. At the end of the day, associate head coach and professional bowler Josie Barnes took on Ireland’s Chris Sloan in a coaches’ match. Sloan struck in the first 11 frames and finished off the game with a fill ball from Barnes’ daughter, Lisa Ruth.

After bowling in the morning, the group ventured out of the city to Glendalough, a sixth century monastery, and learned about the history of monasteries all over Ireland. Established in a glacial valley, the site provided many scenic views of the countryside. Then, the team headed to Avondale where it took a walk among the trees and then slid 29 meters down a giant slide.

Vandy bowling received a tour of Croke Park, which is Ireland’s principle national stadium and the headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The park is also home to the GAA museum.

On Thursday, Vanderbilt wrapped up its international friendly with the Irish Tenpin Bowling Association. After four days of matches, Vandy and the Irish team enjoyed a lunch together at the bowling center, exchanged jerseys and took lots of photos.

After an early morning flight into Paris, the team had the opportunity to ascend the Eiffel Tower and take in the views of the city. Then, the group headed to Fragonard, a perfume museum where it learned about the history of perfume and how it’s made.

The team headed a few hours out of town to Normandy to visit several landmarks significant to World War II’s D-Day, which celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2024. At the American Cemetery, the group laid a wreath in honor of those who served. It was an impactful and interesting experience for all.

Bike tour of the gardens, picnic lunch and tours of the Estate of Trianon and Palace of Versailles

Closed out an incredible two-week trip with a private dinner boat cruise on the Seine River. Thankful that Vanderbilt gives its student-athletes the opportunity to have these once-in-a-lifetime experiences.