Irish Studies
Summer 2025 July 4-Week 2 Course Galway

About the Program

Experience an introduction to Irish Studies that incorporates elements from multiple contributing disciplines in seminars on key topics such as identity, emigration, and religion. Your time in class is enhanced by elective-specific field trips, dramatic performances, guided tours, interdisciplinary seminars, and other active learning experiences that allow you to gain a more comprehensive understanding of lessons learned in class. Whether you're exploring your own heritage or simply want to learn more about Ireland, you'll enjoy this deep dive into Irish culture and history.

Program Structure

Enroll in 1 or 2 elective courses. Each elective course meets for 45 contact hours/3 credits. Student in the 1-course program may earn up to 3 total credits (up to 45 contact hours); students in the 2-course option may earn up to 6 total credits (up to 90 contact hours). Classes meet for 10-20 hours per week.

You'll select your preferred courses prior to arriving in Galway. Formal course registration will take place during orientation once you arrive onsite. It is in your best interest to have multiple alternative courses approved by your home university prior to your departure due to course availabilities. Please consult with your academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.

Excursions

Get out and explore! Excursions are offered for most semester, year, and summer programs*. Semester students are typically offered between two to three excursions and summer study students are typically offered between one to two excursions. You'll receive a calendar of excursions during orientation; here are a few day and overnight excursions we've offered in the past.

Cliffs of Moher & County Clare

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Co. Clare, with its strong Celtic folklore influences, thriving music scene, and tranquil natural beauty, is the ideal destination for an escape from the city. Experience the Burren, famed for unique exposed limestone geography that’s home to a range of flora and fauna. Explore the cavernous caves, once home to wild bears that roamed the ancient Irish forest. Fill up on scrumptious seafood chowder and buttery soda bread as you take a lunch break in the coastal village of Doolin, famed for its traditional Irish music sessions. Next you’ll travel to the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher, where you’ll experience the forces of nature as you explore terrain once inhabited by Celtic warriors; this natural spectacle never fails to impress. Finally, take in the fresh sea air in the quaint fishing village of Kinvara, site of the Dungaire Castle, once home to the legendary King of Connacht.

Dublin City

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Dublin, Ireland’s capital city, is a Mecca for culture lovers. From the famous artwork of the Book of Kells, to the Bronze Age artifacts in the National History Museum, to the lyrical prose of James Joyce, Dublin caters to every taste. History lovers will enjoy the fascinating accounts of the 1916 Rising and Irish War of Independence commemorated across the city; in the General Post Office on O’Connell Street, you can still trace your fingers over bullet holes and learn about the courageous men who fought in the war. In addition to exploring Dublin’s riveting past, we’ll also stop by the Guinness Factory, the perfect place to sample Ireland’s number one export while learning about the scientific practices that lie behind the brewing of this popular tipple.

Kerry

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Kerry is known as The Kingdom for good reason; it’s home to some of Ireland’s most magnificent scenery, from gorgeous Killarney National Park to the jaw-dropping beauty of the Dingle Peninsula. We’ll stray from the typical bus tour routes so you can experience these sites in a unique fashion, like early morning horse rides through the park and a gentle bike ride to Muckross House and Abbey. There is much to learn about the park’s flora and fauna, as well as the lives of the Kerry Chieftains that once resided there. No introduction to Kerry would be complete without a visit to Fungi the Dolphin—local fishermen will take you out to sea to meet Dingle’s biggest celebrity and learn about his Atlantic home. We’ll provide a tasty lunch under the canopy of trees at Torc Waterfall, and the evening includes time to relax and mingle with locals while experiencing the nightlife of Killarney town. The trip to Kerry offers a delicious combination of action, history, and nature that is sure to leave you spellbound.

Aran Islands

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After a leisurely boat ride, spend the day exploring these enchanting Gaelic speaking islands by bike or foot. Little cottages decorate the magnificent landscape; you can even meander along the lovely beaches that dot the coastline. This trip makes for a peaceful, relaxing day in captivating surroundings.