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.
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 popular among study abroad students to visit or live:
Dublin is a capital city alive with culture, tech, literature, and student energy.
Galway is a coastal town known for its creative arts scene and Irish-language roots.
Belfast is a vibrant Northern Irish city with deep political history and thriving academic institutions.
Ballyvaughan is a peaceful village in County Clare, home to immersive, place-based art programs.
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.
“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!”
“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.”
