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One Island, Two Countries, Countless Opportunities

Ancient castles, windswept cliffs, cozy pubs, and spirited cities, Ireland is full of stories.

While English is widely spoken, you’ll also hear Gaeilge (Irish), especially in Gaeltacht regions where tradition lives on. Whether you’re drawn to Dublin’s energy or Galway’s artistic charm, you’ll find a place that feels like home.

And here’s the twist: Ireland offers the chance to experience two distinct cultures on one island, Ireland and Northern Ireland. With IFSA, you don’t have to choose. Our programs make it easy to explore both sides of the border and discover how history, politics, and community shape different perspectives.

Why study abroad in Ireland?

Education style. IFSA partners with nine universities across the island, each offering something unique. From research at globally ranked institutions like University College Dublin to a unique art program in rural Ballyvaughan, you’ll find programs in education, science, the humanities, and more.

Interested in sustainability and the environment? Ireland—particularly the Dublin area—is often celebrated for its commitment to sustainable practices and environmental management. This makes it an ideal place to pursue an IFSA Sustainability Certificate program. Offered to IFSA students at Dublin City University, Trinity College Dublin, and University College Dublin this program gets you out of the classroom to learn about key concepts, gain hands-on experience, and connect with local leaders. There’s no class to attend. Instead, you’ll learn via site visits and discussions with partner experts, and complete a final project.  

To learn more, click on any of the links above and go to Academics/Internships and experiential learning.  

Cultural orientation. Ireland is welcoming, witty, and rich in identity. Whether you’re joining a céilí (traditional dance), chatting over tea, or diving into history with local experts, you’ll find plenty of ways to connect. Students often describe Irish culture as easygoing, story-driven, and full of heart.

Student lifestyle. Live music, scenic hikes, and friendly faces, student life in Ireland feels both relaxed and invigorating. Public transport makes exploring easy, and you’re just a short flight or ferry ride from the rest of Europe. Expect temperate weather with a bit of rain, lots of greenery, and cozy cafes to warm up in.

Irish cities study abroad students live in:

• Ballyvaughan is a small coastal village in County Clare, known for its limestone landscapes, quiet pace, close-knit creative community, and access to the Burren and Galway Bay.
• Belfast is a vibrant Northern Irish city known for its layered history, lively arts scene, waterfront landmarks, welcoming neighborhoods, and strong academic community.
• Cork is a vibrant city in southern Ireland known for its historic streets, lively food scene, and strong cultural character. It is home to notable landmarks and attractions, including the English Market, St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, and nearby Blarney Castle.
• Dublin is Ireland’s capital, known for its literary heritage, lively pubs, historic landmarks, Georgian architecture, tech scene, and energetic student life.
• Galway is a coastal city known for its creative arts scene, colorful streets, traditional music, friendly atmosphere, Irish-language roots, and access to western Ireland’s rugged landscapes.
• Limerick is a riverside city known for King John’s Castle, Georgian streets, literary connections, and a growing arts scene. Its location on the River Shannon gives students access to both urban culture and nearby western Ireland landscapes.

Irish cities popular among study abroad students to visit:

• Kilkenny is a medieval city known for its castle, narrow lanes, craft traditions, and lively festivals. Its compact historic center makes it a popular destination for students interested in Irish heritage, architecture, and local culture.
• Derry/Londonderry is a historic walled city known for its political history, murals, and strong cultural identity. Its preserved city walls and riverside setting offer students insight into Northern Ireland’s complex past and creative present.
• Dingle is a coastal town on the Dingle Peninsula known for colorful streets, harbor views, and dramatic Atlantic scenery. Students often visit for traditional music, local food, and access to some of Ireland’s most striking coastal landscapes.

Ireland study abroad highlights

Language spoken	English, Irish (Gaeilge)
Capitals	Dublin (Republic of Ireland)Belfast (Northern Ireland)
Common housing types	Dormitory, student apartments, shared flats
Known for	Music sessions, green landscapes, literary giants, warm welcomes, and complex history
University Info	Highly ranked institutions with strengths in education, arts, sciences, and research
Time zone	GMT (UTC+0) / IST in summer (UTC+1)
Currency	Euro (Republic of Ireland)Pound Sterling (Northern Ireland)
Fun facts	30,000+ castles; the Irish invented Halloween, beginning as the Celtic festival, Samhain; pubs are more than bars, they’re community hubs

IFSA programs in Ireland

Find the perfect program that blends your academic studies with the adventure of living in Ireland.

• By program type
  • Education
  • Humanities
  • Fine arts
  • Social sciences
  • STEM
• By term
  • Fall semester
  • Spring semester
  • Summer

Frequently asked questions

• Do I need a visa?
  • Yes, most semester and year-long students need a visa. Visit our Visa Requirements page for guidance.
• Are there scholarships?
  • Yes! IFSA offers grants and scholarships, including awards specific to Irish and Northern Irish universities. View scholarships.
• What excursions and activities are typically offered?
  • Day trips to the Aran Islands and Connemara
  • Literary walking tours in Dublin and Belfast
  • Traditional music nights and pub culture immersion
  • Political mural tours and visits to Giant’s Causeway

*Excursions offered vary by term, year, and location.

• What sports are popular in Ireland?
  • Rugby. A fiercely loved sport that electrifies the nation.
  • Football (soccer). Played everywhere and passionately supported across the island
  • Hurling. One of the world’s oldest and fastest field sports.
  • Horse racing. A proud national pastime with iconic tracks and globally celebrated events.

Study Abroad Programs Available in Ireland

Student stories from Ireland

“My time here was absolutely unforgettable and irreplaceable. The memories created here will forever be some of my favorites, and I have no doubt that this semester will be one of my favorite and most formative periods of my life. I left a piece of my heart in Dublin and can’t wait to return!”

Ryley, Oberlin College, IFSA Trinity College Dublin Partnership, Ireland

“Reflecting back now, something that came as a surprise to me was the way that individual conversations with local people sometimes aided my understanding of the breadth of complication in the Northern Ireland conflict. There were times that I learned more about the people’s experiences from talking to friendly folks in a pub than in a book or museum. I believe that this points to the quintessential value in studying abroad: you can hear something in a book and forget it, you can see something at a significant location for yourself and remember, but it takes experiencing a culture for yourself and starting a dialogue with people who are different from you to truly understand and develop into a well-rounded global citizen.”

Madeleine, Luther College, IFSA Queen’s University Belfast Partnership, Northern Ireland.