Eight Ways to Support Sustainable Growth While You Study Abroad in Dublin

Studying abroad in Ireland is an opportunity to establish a deep connection with the country and its people and culture. For this connection to be mutually beneficial, it’s helpful to keep sustainable practices in the back of your mind. Here are some tips to get you started.  

1. Buy wool. 

In Ireland, sheep are raised for a variety of food products, and wool produced by Irish sheep is often wasted. The Irish wool market faces many challenges that make wool clothing unprofitable, such as EU regulations and reduced demand. As a consumer and a visitor to Ireland, one of the best actions you can take for this cause is to consider buying wool and items made from wool.  

2. Go thrifting. 

Thrift stores are called charity shops here, and profits support different causes. The most common of these is the Irish Cancer Society. Profits on clothes bought at these stores goes towards supporting the diagnosis, treatment, and wellbeing of people suffering from cancer across Ireland. Other charity shops in Dublin include Vincent’s, Enable Ireland, Sue Ryder, and Vision Ireland. 

3. Explore clothing swaps. 

All you need is clean, good-quality clothing to drop into a place like Change Clothes or The Rediscovery Centre, where you can swap clothing or buy upcycled clothes and other items.  

4. Donate clothing. 

Charity stores depend on donations to maintain their supply. If you’re not in the market for new clothes or you’d like to relinquish some of your clothing, you can donate at Enable Ireland, SVP, Barnados, and TK Maxx.  

5. Shop at farmers’ markets. 

Consuming food from a farmer’s market has several sustainability benefits. When you buy direct, the cost of the middleman is reduced, and more profit goes to the farmer, the farm, and the local economy. This supports a more sustainable approach to buying food, as many modern food transport and storage costs are reduced.  

Buying from a farmer’s market is also a good and enjoyable way to support the Dublin community. Check out Stoneybatter Farmers Market and Herbert Park Market.  

6. Eat vegan/vegetarian foods. 

One of the single most impactful things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint is reduce your consumption of animal products, mainly beef products. During your time in Dublin and throughout Europe, you might be surprised to learn that almost all restaurants have vegetarian options. Nonetheless, supporting vegetarian/vegan restaurants helps by increasing demand.  

7. Supporting local institutions and businesses. 

Overall, I recommend supporting local institutions and businesses. Start exploring and make your own list of favorites! 

8. Work towards an IFSA Sustainability Certificate.* 

Studying abroad with IFSA allows you to visit sites of successful sustainable initiatives in Dublin and see their work toward ecological restoration, upcycling, decreasing food waste, and more in action. During each visit, you can help support these efforts as you learn.  

*Click the link below and navigate to “Academics/Internships and experiential learning” for details. IFSA students at any Dublin university can take part in this opportunity—no additional cost!  

Anthony V.R. | Washington University in St. Louis | University College Dublin, Ireland | Spring 2026