Study Ireland – Stories & Guides from International Students

When it comes to studying abroad at the University of Limerick, the opportunities offered extend far beyond the borders of campus. As a UL Study Abroad student, I have been given the opportunity to choose the classes that suit my interests and manage a schedule that would extend Monday through Wednesday, granting me the ability to study while also traveling on the weekends. These adventures have greatly expanded my cultural horizons in Ireland as I have been able to savor unique cuisines, see monuments, travel to historical sites, gaze upon beautiful landscapes, and create memories that I will cherish forever with my friends I met along the way.

The public transport that comes and goes from UL’s campus has made travel accessible as can be. From the Limerick City 304 bus to the Big Green buses that take students directly to cities like Dublin, transportation is effortless. Running out of the infamous Stables Club, the public transport is in a good location no matter where students are on campus, making my adventures possible. UL has been the most amazing study abroad experience I could have asked for, especially with this being my first semester of college, and the trips I had to Killary, Dublin, and Dingle would make anyone jealous of students who study at UL.

My first trip was a thrilling adventure to the Killary Adventure Centre. With this being my first trip, I was not sure what to expect, and my nerves that circulated around the idea of traveling in general with just my roommates whom I had only recently met was intimidating. This trip, in my mind, was going to set the tone for the rest of the trips during my time in Ireland, and I can confidently say it set a phenomenal tone. Using public transport, I made my way to the location seamlessly, marking off the first piece I was worried about–getting there. From the moment my peers and I arrived, we were greeted by the lovely staff at the Killary adventure centre, and we felt right at home. Their genuine warmth was infectious, and eased any more nervous my friends and I had. We began to embark on a weekend of thrilling outdoor challenges and bonding activities. Most drastically, the cabin had no wifi, which made for a great reset for all my peers. We were able to connect with nature while taking advantage of all the exhilarating activities available. On the first day we experienced thrilling activities such as kayaking, zip-lining, and mud challenges.

My friends and I participated in the archery and high ropes course, which was an energetic experience. One of the highlights of the trip was a boat cruise along the Killary Fjord, a feature showcased along the rugged landscape of Connemara. As the boat cruised along the river, we learned about the history of the fjord, from its formation with glaciers thousands of years ago to its role today as a point of beauty in Killary. The tranquility that emerged in light of the scenic mountains that surrounded my peers and I was coupled with hot chocolate that was offered on board, marking an unmatched memory. Additionally, all of the meals were included in our stay, in a buffet style. Sharing all my meals with my friends was a memory in it of itself, and the entire experience was unforgettable. If Killary, or the adventure centre in particular, wasn’t on your bucket list by now, it should be.

While Killary was an amazing travel location, it would be unjust to go without mentioning my trip to Dublin. Going further than the sheer iconic nature of the city–being the capital of Ireland–Dublin offered the most in-depth cultural immersion into Ireland I have ever experienced. After taking the Big Green Bus straight from the University of Limerick to Dublin on a random Thursday afternoon, I arrived in the city center with my friends for an unparalleled trip. During the trip, we attended our first rugby match, which was an unforeseen level of spirit

when it comes to sporting events in the world. The passion the fans and players have for the game was remarkable to see, and is something I will never forget. The first landmark we had to visit was Trinity college, with its gorgeous architecture harboring some of the brightest students in the nation. The trip wouldn’t have been complete without a pit-stop at the Guinness factory, where the drink became more than a pint. The location lived up to all of the hype and more, offering an interactive experience that brushed over everything in the Guinness brewing process. Not only did we learn how to pour the perfect glass of Guinness but we were able to get pints with our names on them that we are beyond excited to show to our friends and family back home. The final stop was the Saint Patrick Cathedral, harboring an immense display of beauty from the grand walls to the sheer size of the building. If the stained glass was not jaw-dropping enough, then the stonework was more than enough to shock anyone whose gaze was caught.

From the food to the people, Dublin will forever remain one of my favorite cities in the world, and I look forward to coming back in the near future.

Despite the standards being set impossibly high by my experiences in Killarney and Dublin, my trip to Dingle was nothing short of a slice of Irish coastal magic. The authenticity of dingle is bar far, the best you will find in Ireland, existing as a small, quiet fishery on the south western coast of Ireland on the Dingle peninsula, serving the most delicious fish and chips in front of the most extravagant sunset you will ever find. From the music to views of the rolling cliffs that go on endlessly in every direction, it was spectacular. If you do manage to find your way there, go to Murphy’s ice cream. Take my word for it. The shop fronts are endless, offering the freshest Irish food and authentic Irish clothing that could occupy my time for days. Walking toward the Dingle lighthouse was worth mentioning, given its scenic walk along the waterfront home to the maritime community that has been prevalent for hundreds of years. The charm of Dingle is unmatched, and I definitely see it on my list of cities I must revisit at another time in my life.

Studying Abroad with the University of Limerick has been nothing short of a once in a lifetime opportunity, offering a dynamic education with the flexibility that allows for students to grow other parts of themselves outside of the classroom. With the amazing transportation and flexible course load, my trips were made possible, granting me memories and relationships with people that I will never forget. For any student around the globe considering studying abroad, Ireland is the place to be, especially with the University of Limerick offering such an amazing opportunity for both academics with an ideal location to travel to these places. In my opinion, there is not a place in the world I would rather study abroad, and if I could do it all over again, I would.