Study abroad in Ireland for an experience full of breathtaking landscapes, beautiful gardens, historic castles, and great traditional Irish food like soda bread. Whether you’re enjoying the cool and refreshing taste of Ireland’s very own Guinness stout at a local pub or visiting one of the many botanical gardens full of exotic plants, your study abroad Ireland experience will leave you with a smile on your face and a stomach full of unforgettable food. Study in Ireland and you’ll find that the luck of the Irish is on your side!
Study Abroad in Ireland and Celebrate Irish Culture
If you want to truly experience the Irish culture, then there’s no better place to go than the capital city of Dublin. Dublin boasts a population of over 1 million people, so there’s always something to keep its inhabitants entertained. With over 30 attractions for visitors to see, ranging from a historic fortress known as Dublin Castle to a 17th century Irish Museum of Modern Art, there’s never a slow moment in Ireland for visitors and students alike.
For students who want to study abroad in Ireland one of the most recognized universities for international students is American College in Dublin. Established in 1993, American College is known for its diverse student population of students from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, America, and much more. Located in the center of the modern and hip city of Dublin, there are plenty of restaurants, shops, museums, and other night spots for students to walk to from the campus.
You can discover more study abroad Ireland information in the Universities section of Study Abroad Domain. And for helpful ways to make your Irish experience an affordable one, you can visit the Study Abroad Loans or Financing Your Experience sections.
Choose Your Travel Mode in Ireland
The best way to get from one point to another in Ireland is to choose between the great bus and rail services. The Republic is serviced by the Bus Eireann and Irish Rail service, while Ulsterbus and Northern Ireland Railways provide transportation in Northern Ireland. If you decide to attend American College, the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) offers service from the North to the South. If you decide to travel throughout Europe you can use a company like RailPass.com to get great discounts on train tickets. And if you’re under 26 you can get a Eurail youthpass that is extra cheap for international students.
If you want to enjoy the Irish landscape and also get some exercise you can join a large portion of the Irish population by riding a bike. Even though the railway and bus systems are popular, more efforts are being made by the government to make the roads and transportation services bike-friendly. That means you can rent a bike for a reasonable price for the week and also get accessories and insurance. You can even take it onto the bus or train if you need to get to a far away distance. Then when you are there you can enjoy the beautiful Irish countryside and stop at your own leisure. Just be sure to follow all health and safety precautions anywhere you travel.
Two Forms of Irish Currency
Ireland converted to the Euro in 2002, along with a number of other European nations. Here’s how the Euro system works:
- One hundred centimes equals one Euro. Centimes come in denominations of 1, 2, 5,10, 20, and 50
- There are seven different banknote denominations for the Euro including: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500
Even though the Euro is the main form of currency in Ireland, Northern Ireland did not convert and uses the Sterling. The Sterling is used if you decide to travel between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Here’s how the Sterling system works:
- The Sterling uses pence or pennies, and they come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50
- There are six banknote denominations that include 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100
You should always check in with an exchange rate site such as XE.com to see how the U.S. dollar is holding up against the Euro or the Sterling. That way you’ll know of any currency changes and you can convert your money before you return home. You can also read our banking abroad section for more helpful tips.
Enjoy the Sites When You Study In Ireland
With Ireland’s rich history and celebratory population, there will never be a slow moment when you study abroad in Ireland. You can enjoy the freshest European seafood as you travel to Glasnevin near Dublin to view the beautiful National Botanic Gardens, or you can travel to Trim, which is one of Ireland’s most historic towns. Trim is home to Trim Castle, the oldest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland that has twenty sides to it and is protected by a ditch, curtain wall and a moat. From celebrating the literary history of James Joyce at the Bloomsday Festival in Dublin to viewing the greatest Irish private art collection at Limerick’s Hunt Museum, your study abroad Ireland experience will be full of adventure.
Important Information for Your Study Abroad in Ireland Experience
When you study abroad in Ireland or in any other country you should always have a list of important contact numbers. These will keep you well-prepared for your travel destinations and in touch with helpful contacts: