Galway, Ireland

University of Galway Summer: Irish Studies

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Program Overview

CASTLES, CLIFFS, AND CULTURE GALORE

The small coastal city of Galwayoften called the cultural heart of the countryis an ideal place to immerse yourself in Irish theater, language, literature, and sport. Take two classes on the university’s beautiful campus, hugged by the Corrib River and close to the city center. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to connect with locals and explore the west coast’s towering cliffs, rugged islands, and historic castles 

Details at a Glance

Application deadline

Summer: April 1

Minimum GPA

3.00

Credit load

6

Housing

Apartment/Flat, Single Room Option

Instruction language

English

Language prerequisites

None

Visa required?

Not in most cases. Learn more.

Apply Now

Academics

Explore available classes in the Irish Studies summer school in the University of Galway summer catalog. Click the plus sign next to Course Modules to expand the list. Take two classes from this list.

Summer classes may include:

  • The Archaeological Heritage of Ireland – from the First Settlers to Medieval Castles. Two trips to Burren included.
  • Creative Writing: Poetry and Fiction and Memoir. Participation in Galway literary events included.
  • Economic Policy in Ireland. Trip to Dublin to meet key policy advisors and analysts included.
  • Gaelic Culture and Literature: From Cú Chulainn to the Cultural Revival and Beyond. Cultural trip to Galway museum included.
  • Introduction to Art in Ireland: Exploring Ireland’s Vibrant Artistic Heritage from Prehistory to the “Golden Age” of the 8th Century AD. Trip to Dublin to the National Museum and Book of Kells included.
  • Irish History: Conflict, Identity and the Shaping of Modern Ireland. Off-campus debate in historic venue included.
  • Irish Language Classes
  • Irish Society: Stasis and Change in the Ambiguous Republic. Cultural walking tour of Galway included.
  • Irish Traditional Music and Dance
  • Representing Ireland – Literature and Film. Visits to literary and historical sites in County Clare and South Galway included.

IFSA requires students to enroll in a full-course load at the host institution, which is two classes for the summer. You will receive 3 U.S. credits for each class for a total of 6 U.S. credits.

Australia Outbound Program
Students enrolled at select Australia universities are invited to participate in this program. The program is open to students of all year levels and all fields. Students will earn 45 contact hours per class; the equivalent of two subjects.

Please see the Australia Outbound term below in the Dates and Fees section for program fees and expected expenses in Australian dollars. For more information on the Australia Outbound program, please reach out to us at australiaoutbound@ifsa-butler.org.

Only classes listed in the Irish Studies summer program are available.

New country, new way of learning!

Here’s what to expect at the University of Galway:

  • More emphasis on independent learning. The university recommends completing ten hours of independent study for each academic credit you seek.
  • Less personal access to professors. Instead, it’s common to connect with more junior faculty members. Other resources include course designers (who line up lectures) and module coordinators.
  • Academics reflect a similar level of difficulty as in the U.S., but follow a different grading scale. In Ireland, scores of 70% and above are considered “As.” (We’ll review this and give you a chart to refer to during IFSA orientation.)
  • Grades are often based only on a single final paper or on a midterm exam and final paper.
  • Full access to the university’s robust academic support system and resources, including assignment to an advisor. IFSA local staff are also available for individual help.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Eligibility

  • You must be at least 18 years of age. Students under 18 may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
  • You must be currently attending or recently graduated from a U.S. or Canadian community college, technical college, two-year college, four-year college, or four-year university. Students attending select Australia universities are also eligible.
  • You must have completed at least one (1) full-time year of study at your home institution before the beginning of the term.
  • Eligibility requirements can vary among host institutions. Please ask your IFSA Enrollment Counselor for specific information.

Recommendation Letter
Not required.

 

TRANSCRIPT
Upon completion of your program, IFSA will send an official Butler University transcript to your home university with your coursework converted to the U.S. semester credit hour system. You will also have access to an unofficial transcript in your IFSA Student Portal. The transcript reflects classes taken, credits attempted, and grades earned during your term abroad. This service is included in your study abroad program at no additional cost. See our Transcripts page for more information.

Excursions

University of Galway Activities and Excursions
Activities include an opening reception, Independence Day barbecue, and farewell reception. University of Galway-led excursions to the Aran Islands, day trip to Aillwee Caves and Cliffs of Moher, and day trip to Irish workhouse and Clonmacnoiseare also include with this program.

IFSA Activities and Excursions
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 a selection of activities and excursions from previous terms; options may vary for your program. Due to the seasonal nature of many of program activities, we cannot guarantee a specific activity or excursion will be available in a given term or program.

  • 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.

Housing and Meals

Housing

Apartment/Flat, Single Room Option

Meals

Self-Catering

Details

Most students live in University of Galway campus residences. When housing is tight, some live in off-campus student apartments arranged in partnership with private housing providers.   

Some housing options features extra amenities—like single bedrooms, private bathrooms, and on-site gyms—that warrant higher rent. Keep in mind that if you choose or are placed in more expensive housing, you’ll need to pay an additional fee to cover these costs. 

Sample housing 

Explore Goldcrest Village to see what your Galway home might be like:  

  • Location: On campus by the River Corrib, west of the academic buildings.  
  • Living space: Students live in apartments in groups of four to six. Students have single or double bedrooms, each with a twin bed, desk and chair, pillow, duvet, and storage for each student. All bedrooms have an ensuite bathroom. All apartments include a shared living space and a fully equipped kitchen. Students provide sheets and towels.  
  • Meals: No meal plan. Students prepare and eat their own meals, and often say cooking and sharing meals is a fun, social part of their day. 
  • Additional details: 24/7 security and reception. On-site maintenance. Regular public bus service to Galway city center. Convenience store. Laundry facilities. Wi-Fi included. Secure bicycle storage included.
  • Nearby: University sports facilities. Galway city center and Eyre Square. The Spanish Arch. Claddagh neighborhood. Galway Bay and Salthill beaches. Galway Cathedral. 

Dates and Fees

Term
Term begins
Term ends
Program costs
Application deadline
Summer 2025
June 14, 2025
July 12, 2025
$7,095 (estimated)
April 1, 2025
Summer 2025 (Australia Outbound)
June 14, 2025
July 12, 2025
$10,125 AUD (estimated)
April 1, 2025

Get Started

Headshot of Haley Butler

Haley Butler

Enrollment Counselor