International Programs

Cork, Ireland

Limerick, Republic of Ireland

Dublin is an ancient city that today is one of the most dynamic and fastest growing European captials. With a young and vibrant populations of over one million, it has enjoyed considerable economic growth in the last decade. While Dublin may be a city on the move, the charm, culture, and heritage of the old Dublin is still apparent everywhere. It is perhaps the most literary city in the world with associations that include Joyce, Shaw, Swift, Wilde, and Beckett.

Galway, the fourth largest city in Ireland and coastal city in the western region, is an example of a city with both expanding industry and a quickly growing population. Ture to the rural image of Ireland, this area harbors lush, rolling hillsides with peat bogs and low, stone walls, as well as rugged mountains and craggy cliffs. In the midst of this diverse and sparsely populated terrain lies Glaway, a thriving and dynamic city.

Named the European Capital of Culture for 2005 for its contribution to artchitecture, design, music, dance, theater, film, food, literature and sport, Cork is the Irish Republic's second largest city with a population of more than 200,000. It is located on the south coast, 160 miles southwest of Dublin, and just a few miles southest of the famous 15th century Blarney Castle, home of the well-kissed Blarney Stone.

Cork is the second largest city in Ireland, but you won't find any big-city snobbery here. The people of Cork are friendly, talkative, and incredibly welcoming. Their warmth and wit isn't surprising, since the legendary Blarney Castle and the "stone of eloquence" are just five miles outside the city. Listen carefully for the Corkonians' distinctive, lilting accents.

Music is a fundamental part of the city's culture, with international jazz and choral festivals taking place every year. Cork's status as a commercial hub makes for great shopping and dining opportunities.

Galway is one of Europe's fastest-growing urban areas, so you'll find a vibrant and diverse population. Yet for all its growth, this city retains a quaint, small-town feel. When the university is in session, students account for nearly 15 percent of the city's population. As a result, the city is a thriving college town with a hip music and pub scene.

County Galway is part of the Gaeltacht, which has the highest percentage of Gaelic-speakers in the country. The city of Galway is a great place to soak up traditional Irish culture, and it boasts a Gaelic-language theatre, as well as traditional Irish music.

The fourth largest city in Ireland, Limerick is home to a vibrant commercial and cultural scene. Its inhabitants enjoy theatre, an arts centre, clubs, pubs, and restaurants of all kinds, but sports reign supreme here. Don't miss the opportunities to watch rugby, soccer, rowing, and hurling, or you can go swimming, mountain biking, rock climbing, and horseback riding. Thanks to its location on the west coast, Limerick also is a great spot to try windsurfing or sea kayaking.

Dublin, capital city of the Republic of Ireland, is a warm, welcoming, and cosmopolitan place. Dublin is the most "European" of Irish cities, so you can get a taste of the Continent as well as of Ireland. This city prides itself on having an active cultural life and beautifully preserved buildings.

Nearly one-third of the Irish population lives in Dublin, and half of the country's people aged twenty-six and younger live here. Thanks to its young population, Dublin is incredibly lively, with a great selection of clubs, pubs, and things to do. Be sure to visit the fabulous museums and galleries and walk the quaint streets and byways.