Where to Study Abroad in Ireland?
 

Greetings fellow travelers!
I am trying to figure out where I want to study abroad next summer and Ireland has always been a dream destination for me. I am open to all others parts of the world, but Ireland is my #1 choice. With that being said… I am curious as to what is the best place to study abroad or get an internship in. My school has a great study abroad program but none that deal with Ireland, so I am kind of on my own for the research.

I realize that Dublin is the most populated city and there are lots of great Universities there, but I want to think outside the box and look at some other possible options. I am more into the Irish countryside and the natural beauty of the country, so with that being said I think I would actually enjoy a smaller town like Cork or Galway for example. The beauty of living in Dublin is that it is a great city and only about an hour away from Wicklow Mountain park, so I could in deed get my nature fix from time to time. I will also need to take the railways to get around, so being located near some kind of rail system is also key.

Anyway, any advice for beautiful places to study? I want to try and stay away from super crowded cities, but do not want to be in a city where there is nothing to do. Please help.

*feel free to share your study abroad experience, like I said, I am open to pretty much anywhere!*

Thanks!

Well you could start here
http://www.topuniversities.com/where.../ireland/guide

I'd imagine that your field of study should also be a factor in making your decision. Do you want to put that on the agenda?

You will probably find yourself more dependent on buses than on trains to get into the scenic places. Most of the limited railway system radiates from Dublin.

Consider Galway and Limerick.. both have very active social sides along with study options, Both are within 1/2 hour bus ride of great countryside both are Transport hubs. Dublin and Cork are just cities like any other city.

Huh! I sometimes go to Cork for recreational purposes, and it is a gateway to some great countryside. I visit Limerick only when I have to.

Galway is a special case - possibly the liveliest student town in Ireland. It's also the gateway to Connemara. I don't feel my year is complete unless I get to Connemara at least once.