ip target image
You are currently browsing our site with content tailored to students in your country
The basics
Ireland: Destination Guides

10 places you must visit in Ireland while you study

Let's take a closer look at the best places to visit in Ireland.

share image

Home to some of the world’s lushest landscapes, Ireland is famous for its wild and breath-taking scenery. Even major productions like Harry Potter, Star Wars and Game of Thrones were shot in Ireland for its rugged appearance. But besides rolling hills and dramatic coastlines there are many cities brimming with arts, culture, and entertainment. To help you get a taste for Ireland, we’re going to run through 10 places you must visit during your studies to truly immerse yourself in this unique and loveable country.

 

1. Dublin

 

Dublin is the capital of Ireland, a medieval city boasting Georgian architecture and a rich history dating back to the Vikings. Once home to famous literary figures such as James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and Samuel Beckett, Dublin is full of culture and character. From cobbled streets, traditional pubs to great craic, Dublin offers a truly authentic experience for visitors and locals alike.

 

Plus, if you decide to study at university in Dublin, all of this could be right on your doorstep. In fact, Trinity College Dublin is based right in the city centre, Ireland’s oldest university dating back to 1592 with the largest and oldest university library in Ireland.

 

Universities in Dublin

 

 

Find out how to apply to university in Ireland.

 

2. Cliffs of Moher

 

A popular tourist attraction and well-trodden route along the spectacular clifftops of the west Clare coast. Spanning almost 14 kilometres, the Cliffs of Moher stand at 214 metres above the Atlantic Ocean, their beauty inspiring poets, musicians, and writers for many years. If you’re staying in Galway, you can drive to the cliffs in two hours or for a more unique experience, you can travel by boat from the quaint town of Doolin, seeing the cliffs from a different perspective.

 

3. Blarney Castle

 

Blarney castle is just one of the 30,000 castles in Ireland, however it is particularly popular for the Blarney stone, which legend has it, if you hang upside down and kiss it, you will be gifted with eloquence. This is an example of the many myths, legends, and folklores that remain part of Irish culture today.

 

Even if you don’t make it to Blarney Castle, there are plenty of castles dotted around the island, ready to transport you to another time in history. Located just outside of the city of Cork, Blarney castle is also surrounded by 60 acres of beautiful gardens and parklands.

 

Universities in Cork

 

 

Learn more about the best student cities in Ireland.

 

4. The Dingle Peninsula

 

Voted ‘the most beautiful place on earth’ by the National Geographic, the Dingle Peninsula lies on the southwest coast of Ireland, praised for its sandy beaches and rugged black cliffs. Its easy to access by car and you can enjoy the twists and turns of the roads leading up to the coast, winding between vast green landscapes. Once you arrive, make sure you visit the medieval beehive huts that were once inhibited by settlers over 1,000 years ago.

 

5. Galway

 

A city full of charm, lively music, quaint pubs, colourful shopfronts and live folk music, Galway offers a quintessentially Irish experience. From buskers on street corners to food festivals and friendly locals, the vibrant atmosphere is unbeatable. Plus, Galway has a large student population with 19,000 students attending the University of Galway.

 

If you do fancy taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, you’re in luck as Galway is ideally located close to many incredible attractions such as Connemara National Park, Quiet Man Bridge, and the Aran Islands, perfect for day trips outside of your lectures.

 

Discover which universities are best in Ireland.

 

6. Killarney National Park

 

Based in country Kerry in the southwest, Killarney National Park stretches across 25,000 acres, boasting impressive lakes, waterfalls, woods, and dramatic mountains. The Park is also home to red deer, 141 different species of birds and Muckross House and Gardens, a late 19th century mansion.

 

A great spot for walkers and adventurers, Killarney National Park is a great day trip. Located nearby is McGillycuddy’s Reek, which is the largest mountain range in Ireland with 11 peaks. However, this hike is not for the faint hearted and should not be attempted without mountaineering experience.

 

7. Limerick

 

 A riverside city in the south of Ireland, Limerick was founded by Vikings in 922 AD making it one of Ireland’s oldest cities. With a love for rugby, Irish coffee and street festivals, Limerick is well worth a visit during your time in Ireland. As with most Irish cities, Limerick is steeped in history. For example, King Johns Castle is based right within the city, dating back to the 13th century.

 

Plus, if you decide to study here, the city has a large student community with almost 16,500 students enrolled at the University of Limerick with campuses nestled beside the river Shannon.

 

8. Giant’s Causeway

 

The only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway is an otherworldly landscape along the Causeway Coast Route, made up of impressive interlocking rock formations. While some believe that these were created by volcanic eruptions, others prefer the tale of the Irish giant Finn McCool who is thought to have used these rocks to form a bridge to reach a Scottish giant, Benandonner.

 

Either way, the scenery is worth checking out. To get there, you can either drive from Belfast in an hour or from Dublin which will take you three hours. You can also get to the causeway by coach or bus.

 

Don’t forget that Northern Ireland is technically part of the UK, so you need to make sure you have a visa for the UK.

 

Find out more about getting a student visa for Ireland.

 

9. Derry/Londonderry

 

The second largest city in Northern Ireland, with a rich yet divisive history, the city’s name is still disputed between Irish nationalists (those who wanted to remain part of Ireland) and unionists (who want to be part of the UK). This political unrest has eased over the years, but evidence of The Troubles remains in the bold murals around the city and neighbourhoods.

 

However, despite its past, Derry/Londonderry is a vibrant city that’s definitely worth a trip. Make sure you check out the 400-year-old walls that encircle the city, take a walking tour, and enjoy the thriving food scene. Plus, Ulster University has a campus here, so Derry/Londonderry could be your knew home.

 

10. Belfast

 

Belfast is another city in Northern Ireland with an extensive and interesting history, which can be seen in the street art and murals dotted around the city. You can even take a black taxi tour through the city to learn about the history of Belfast. Although a British city, Belfast is close to the Northern Ireland border, connecting you to the rest of the country.

 

Plus, Belfast is a cultural hub, full of bustling pubs, traditional music, literature, museums, and shopping. While there’s lots to do, Belfast is a compact city, which makes it easy to get around as a tourist.

 

Universities in Belfast

 

 

And that’s a wrap. Hopefully, you’re now feeling ready to apply to university in Ireland. You can use our site search tool to quickly find a university and course that’s right for you.

Must read

article Img

Common cultural misconceptions about Ireland

Everyone knows the stereotypes of the Irish: a green clad, beer drinking, fighting lot who speak in an indecipherable code we aren’t quite sure is English. The Irish are amongst the most stereotyped people in the world, and despite the nation’s rich history, unique culture and high ranking in international quality of life indexes, it is these falsehoods that sadly cloud perceptions of them. But not to fear: we’re put together a list of the most common misconceptions

10.2K
article Img

The top universities in Ireland

Studying abroad in Ireland has much to recommend it. Whether it is the international recognition afforded to degrees obtained from Irish institutions or the enviable student lifestyle, students from around the world often consider the “Emerald Isle” as an option. The tricky part can be deciding exactly which city you’ll study in and knowing which the best universities in Ireland are. We take a look at the top universities in Ireland and some of what makes studying

991