University of Galway Summer: Irish Studies

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.

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 

Take a look at Corrib 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 three to five. Students have single or double bedrooms, each with a twin bed, desk, pillow, duvet, and storage for each student. Apartments include two bathrooms (one with shower), 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. Convenience store. Laundry facilities. On-site maintenance. Free shuttle bus.  
• Nearby: University sports facilities. Galway city center and Eyre Square. The Spanish Arch. Claddagh neighborhood. Galway Bay and Salthill beaches. Galway Cathedral.