Quick Trips for Irish Study Abroad Students

Many people choose to study abroad in Ireland for the idea they have in their head: Rolling green hills, charming country towns, ancient castles. But once in Ireland, many students find they don’t have the funds or the time to get away for too long. Here are some quick trips for students in Ireland that don’t strain budgets or schedules.

Studying in Dublin? Go to:

Malahide: Only an hour by city bus and 40 minutes by DART from Dublin, Malahide has everything a student might want for a day out. For Irish history, Malahide Castle and Gardens has €8 admission for students. For Irish shopping, stop by the Malahide Market on a Saturday afternoon. And for a free, relaxing walk on the beach, there’s nothing better than the Velvet Strand where you can stroll, collect shells, and swim — if you’re brave enough for the chilly Irish water.

Studying in Cork? Go to:

Blarney Castle: Cork is conveniently located to the world-famous Blarney stone. Blarney Castle is only about 45 minutes away by city bus. Admission is €10 for students and gives you free roaming over the grounds, including Blarney Castle and the opportunity to kiss the Blarney Stone (you can take your own pictures for free). There’s much more to see than the stone; however, and the gardens are well worth the admission price on their own.

Studying in Galway? Go to:

The Aran Islands: Known as the “Islands of Saints and Scholars,” the Aran Islands are located at the mouth of Galway Bay. On the Aran Islands, you’ll see landscapes untouched by the modern world and hear the Gaelic language in tiny villages. Aran Island Ferries (€20 round-trip for students) leave from Rossaveal, which is about an hour and 20 minutes out of Galway city center by city bus, although you may opt to get roundtrip coach transportation to Galway with your ferry ticket for an additional €6.

Studying in Limerick? Go to:

Adare: About 40 minutes outside of Limerick by city bus is the model village of Adare. Ireland’s prettiest village itself is worth visiting for its Norman aesthetics, thatched-roof cottages and medieval stone monasteries. The heritage center lists a variety of activities for the day-tripper, including €5 student admission for a coach transfer to and tour of Desmond Castle, one of the few authentic Norman Castles remaining in all of Europe.