University of Galway Summer: Ecology

Activities and excursions are designed to pull you into the communities you visit and encourage cultural connections of every kind. There’s no extra fee to participate in these optional outings—everything is included in your program fee.

Below are examples from previous terms; outings may be different for your program. We’ll make every effort to run them all, but sometimes things we can’t control, such as local regulations and health protocols, get in the way. As a result, we cannot guarantee activities and excursions.

• Historic City Lane Walking Tour: A local guide takes us from the Spanish Arch through the old city to Eyre Square. Along the way, learn about the medieval roots, dramatic family feuds, and ties of the City of the Tribes, as well as its global political links. It’s a great way to go beyond a tourist’s perspective to understand the history and rich contemporary culture you’ll see throughout these bustling, bohemian lanes.
• Gaelic Games Experience: Ireland’s national Gaelic games include hurling, Gaelic football, handball, and camogie—ancient sports not widely known outside Ireland. Try them yourself with guidance from local coaches.
• Gaelic Match at Pearse Stadium: Join loyal local supporters and take in the atmosphere as we walk to the stadium, just outside the city center. Then catch the excitement as you cheer on a Galway football or hurling team.
• Stand-up Comedy or City Festival: Galway is known for drawing comedians who want to try new material on a discerning audience, and for monthly festivals that often center on food, film, or theater.
• Day Trip to Connemara and Kylemore Abbey: Hop on the bus to tour of the wilds of Connemara—a must see! Take in the rugged landscape on the way to the west coast’s best scenery. Stop at Kylemore Abbey and gardens for a tour of this majestic, rural castle and Benedictine monastery, built in the early 1920s by Pollacapal Lough. The landscape alone will take your breath away, inspiring you to explore the towns of Clifden and Lenaun again.