Ireland is internationally renowned for its stunning landscapes, legendary hospitality, and unique culture. The west of Ireland is no exception to this, and if you want to study in Ireland, you should give serious thought to choosing this exciting region. Here you’ll find cities like Galway and attractions like Connemara National Park, Ben Bulbin Mountain, and Castle Island in Boyle. Our guide will give you an in-depth look at this study destination.
What is Western Ireland like?
Location and demographics
Western Ireland is also known as Connacht/Connaught, one of Ireland’s four main provinces. It is located on the western half of the island and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean in the west, Leinster to the east, Munster to the south, and Ulster to the North. It is the smallest of the four provinces of Ireland and consists of the counties of:
- Galway
- Leitrim
- Mayo
- Roscommon
- Sligo
The region covers just over 17,000 square kilometres, much of which are rural and natural landscapes. It is not a densely populated region of the country, with just over 590,000 people calling Connacht home. Galway and Mayo are the counties with the most residents, respectively five and three times larger than the other counties.
Culture and history
The region has a history dating back to before the 9th century when it consisted of independent Gaelic kingdoms. The Gaels are a group of people still present in Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland today who trace their heritage to the Celtic people of Europe.
Post the many Gaelic kingdoms of the pre-9th century it became a more unified region under the rule of the Ui Bruin Ai dynasty. It then collapsed in 1230 and was taken over by the first Baron of Connacht. Connacht developed into what you’d recognise today during the 1500s when England conquered Ireland under King Henry VIII.
What is notable about the region is that it has the highest number of Irish language speakers in Ireland at almost 40 per cent. Irish, also known as Gaelic, was the first language of Ireland until the 19th century. It is suggested that Connacht has a strong Gaelic language presence because British imperialism didn’t take hold as significantly in the region. This is also why traditional Irish culture is often associated more with the west of Ireland.
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What cities are in Western Ireland?
You may have already realised that Western Ireland isn’t the most heavily populated region of the country. It is thus not surprising that there is only one officially recognised city, namely Galway. However, there are many smaller notable towns in Connacht. Some of the most prominent include:
- Galway is the capital of county Galway and the biggest residential area in the Connacht province. It has the 4th largest city population in Ireland and is located on the Atlantic coast along the banks of the river Corrib. The New York Times has called the city “the most charming in the world”.
- Sligo is a town built around its harbour and famed for its commercial and economic value to the region and country. It has a significant urban centre with medieval architecture at its heart. Further, the town is associated with both Dracula author Bram Stoker and Irish poet Y.B. Yeats.
- Castlebar is in County Mayo and remains of the fastest-developing towns in Ireland. It is known for its festivals, traditions, museums, and stunning natural landscapes. It also has a reputation for being the shopping capital of Western Ireland.
- Ballina is in the north of County Mayo along the Atlantic coast, where the River Moy meets Killala Bay. It is known for its many outdoor activities, traditional culinary scene, and sport. It’s also located in an area of great natural beauty, for those who enjoy hiking and exploring.
- Tuam is a town in County Galway and 35 minutes by road from the city of Galway. It is a town known for its cathedral, arts scene and history, which dates to the 11th and 12th centuries.
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How much does it cost to live in Western Ireland?
The west of Ireland does have a reputation for being cheaper than living in other parts of the country. As an international student, it is recommended that you budget the following if you want to study in the region:
- Rent = EUR 1,000 to EUR 1,200 per month (off-campus accommodation)
- Accommodation on campus = EUR 640 to EUR 680 per month
- Utilities = EUR 175 per month
- Food = EUR 250 to EUR 350 per month
- Recreation = EUR 100 to EUR 300 per month
- Travel = EUR 100 per month
- Study materials = EUR 75 per month
It is estimated that studying in western Ireland is 25 per cent more economical than choosing to study in the Irish capital of Dublin. Overall, you will need approximately EUR 750 to EUR 850 a month to study in the region, which excludes your tuition and travel costs to Ireland.
Get more information on the cost of living in Ireland.
What services are available in Western Ireland?
Connacht is well covered by medical, transport and utility services. The region has a connected road and rail system to help you get around, including links to the capital, Dublin. The region also has an international airport located in Charlestown, County Mayo.
If you’re want to travel by road, the Bus Eireann national service runs across the region. Rail services are provided by Iarnrod Eireann (Irish Rail). You can get from Galway to Dublin in three hours using the train. Connacht is served by over 15 hospitals and several medical surgeries and support services.
As an international student, you can also get support from your university’s international office, as well as from the Union of Students in Ireland and the Irish Council for International Students.
What are the post-study options?
First and foremost, you will need to meet the criteria for a post-study work visa/permit or the third-level graduate programme. To qualify for the graduate programme, you need a level eight qualification from an Irish institution. This is the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree with honours. The programme allows you to stay in Ireland for 12 months after graduation without requiring a formal work permit.
With the Irish economy highly developed and growing, an overall unemployment rate of just over 4.5 per cent, and an allocation of critical skill designations, there are opportunities for international graduates. If you decide to remain in the west of Ireland, you will have a selection of industries and professions you can pursue, including:
- Commerce
- Manufacturing
- Information technology
- Medical engineering
- Software development
- Chemical engineering
You may even be surprised to hear that major international companies such as Cisco, EA Games, and SAP have regional offices in Galway.
What universities are in Western Ireland?
If you choose to study in the west of Ireland, you will have a selection of three well-reputed and internationally recognised institutions. These are:
- The University of Galway – Established in 1845, the university is home to 18,000 students and ranked at 259th by the QS World University Rankings 2023. The institution also boasts a 96 per cent graduate employment rate.
- The Atlantic Technological University Sligo – The institution hosts over 8,500 students across numerous undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. They offer 80 full-time and 150 part-time programmes, both in-person and online. 90 per cent of courses include a work placement, and ATU Sligo is rated number one in Ireland for lecturer-to-student ratio.
- The Atlantic Technological University Galway – Formerly known as the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, ATU Galway has two campuses in the city, with over 12,000 students calling the institution home. The university offers courses and degrees across business; engineering; design and creative arts; health science; and science and computing.
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What are the main attractions in Western Ireland?
The west of Ireland is a favourite destination for tourists to the country, and there is no shortage of things to do and see. We’ve selected a few top attractions we recommend you check out if you’re studying in Connacht or Ireland.
- Aasleagh Falls, Galway – If you enjoy nature, the outdoors and picturesque scenery, then Aasleagh Falls is a great day trip. Located on the border of county Galway and County Mayo the falls lie on the River Eriff. You can enjoy fishing, walking or a picnic here.
- Mullaghmore, Sligo – If views and the ocean are what you enjoy then Mullaghmore delivers. There’s a beach, open countryside, and the famous Ben Bulbin Mountain looming over the bay.
- Sky Road, Clifden, Galway – If you have the chance to travel around the region, the Sky Road is considered one of the best coastal drives in Ireland. You get great views of Clifden Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
- Galway – if you are lucky enough to study in the city known as “Ireland’s capital of culture”, you’ll be able to participate in the local arts scene, culinary life, and festivals. It is a centre of true Irish culture.
- Kylemore Abbey – If history is something you’re interested in, then Kylemore Abbey is a great destination. Built on the grounds of a 19th-century castle estate, you can tour the walled gardens, gothic chapel, and Victorian architecture.
Remember that there are also a wide variety of outdoor activities you can participate in, including sailing, biking, hiking and horse riding.
With a better sense of what you can expect studying in this region, you may want to explore your study options in Ireland using our course matcher tool.
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