Welcome to Ireland
Ireland is a country that is rich in culture and history. Located in Western Europe, Ireland occupies the majority of the island of Ireland in the northern Atlantic Ocean, west of the UK. The rest of the island is occupied by Northern Ireland, which is administratively linked to the UK. Apart from the glamorous landscapes, medieval castles and Christian monasteries, it is the livelihood and youthfulness of Ireland’s locals which set the country apart from the rest. Metropolitan cities like Dublin and Cork bring out the spirit of the Irish youth, while the rural villages offer an old fashioned charm and stunning landscapes. The Irish take pride in their country and love to share their enthusiasm with students.
Overview
Known for its unique, and young, history, Ireland is a beautiful country, known as the Emerald Isle, with multiple areas to explore that are popular with study abroad students. Want to embark on a tour of historic castles, such as the Rock of Casel, or try some of the famous local cuisine, such as black pudding? Ireland has it all for you! To really get to know Ireland and its history, you can buy a Heritage pass that will give you free access to all the historical spots in Ireland that are owned and operated by the Irish government!
Located in Western Europe, Ireland occupies the majority of the island of Ireland (⅚ of the island) in the northern Atlantic Ocean, west of the United Kingdom; the rest of the island is occupied by Northern Ireland, which is administratively linked to the United Kingdom. Earlier in its history, Ireland was ruled by the British Empire and went through a difficult time in its history, called The Troubles, which eventually led to the declaration of it as a new nation. Once this declaration was passed, it effectively split Ireland from Northern Ireland, and in some parts, Catholic from Protestant. To learn more about the Irish history and how it affects today, see the history article in the additional resources section.
Ireland has everything from famous landscapes, medieval castles and Christian monasteries to the metropolitan cities, such as Dublin and Cork, which make the country come alive with the exciting nightlife students may wish for. The Irish take pride in their country and love to share their enthusiasm with students.
Western Ireland is known for its mountains and natural beauty, plus a stronghold of the Gaelic language. Western Ireland is also known for County Clare, which is where the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher are located. Be sure to bring a jacket as it will be blustery! Eastern Ireland is known for its castles, medieval villages and towns. Some famous places visitors should check out are Newgrange and St. Canice’s Cathedral. You are sure to find something that will keep you enthralled with your new host country! Another benefit is Ireland’s proximity allows it to be easily accessible to the rest of Western Europe, allowing for affordable, budget airlines to offer great flights!
Additional Resources:
Cities & Education
Ireland has many large and well-ranked institutions with various specializations. The top four institutions are Trinity College Dublin Dublin, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) Dublin, University College Dublin Belfield, National University of Ireland, Galway. Ireland is a great place to study business as well as the social sciences considering the depth of history between Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Ireland is a popular destination for Americans to study abroad, given the beautiful scenery and the comfort in a lessened language barrier. In 2018, there were 11,492 Americans that studied abroad in Ireland with a 3.8% positive change from last year! One note, however, is that this is number is purely for students registered in study abroad programs; the data point does not include students traveling there for fun or to pursue alternate experiences than studying abroad.
Due to Ireland’s ease of language and strong areas of emphasis on research and industry, it is a popular destination for STEM, technology, and really all majors of any level to partake! On top of educational experiences, there are opportunities for internships and service-learning that immerses you into the environment even more, showing why the destination is so popular with American students.
Events & Tourism
Ireland has a diverse set of cultural events ranging from horse races to festivals to religious holidays. Ireland celebrates many events in relation to its history as a predominantly Catholic country, but there are some resources below for a description of popular events.
Ireland has everything from famous landscapes, medieval castles and Christian monasteries to the metropolitan cities, such as Dublin and Cork, which make the country come alive with the exciting nightlife students may wish for. The Irish take pride in their country and love to share their enthusiasm with students.
When you are in your new host country, you will find that everything in Ireland carries the Celtic atmosphere. Spending time with the locals is always a favorite memory of Ireland for students. Pub sessions, live music, and mini-festivals light up the corner of every city. Apart from all of the unique experiences that Ireland has to offer, the country has excellent resorts and opportunities for hiking, surfing, cycling and countless other outdoor activities.
Additional Resources:
Ireland is known for its Gaelic tribes and the historical sites that they and others have created throughout the century.
Additional Resources:
Diversity & Inclusion Climate
Note: These tips are intended to serve as an overview and are not exhaustive. Be sure to research your destination thoroughly as your identity can have a significant impact on your experience abroad.
Ireland is known for being a friendly, accepting nation of diverse backgrounds, but there is ongoing discussion currently about the immigration debate in Western Europe, plus any issues that Brexit may cause in terms of immigration and emigration for Ireland and Northern Ireland. Ireland has accepted immigrants of all nationalities, but there have been past instances of negativity towards North African and Middle Eastern immigrants because of racial biases and economic woes.
Currently, Ireland has a majority of “White Irish,” as 94.1% of the population. There are other sizable populations of Black citizens from African countries, such as Nigeria and Mauritius, plus Asian citizens with the majority from China, India, and some from Hong Kong. The Irish Central Statistics Office released census information from 2016, noting the growth of “other incl. Mixed background” as the largest growth of one population from the 2011 census!
Ireland Emigration & Immigration
Ireland has an interesting position in the emigration and immigration debates happening throughout Western Europe currently; as an island that is farther in proximity to the main entrances for immigrants, Ireland has not had as many tests to its ability to maintain their status as an immigration-friendly nation.
Currently, one of the biggest issues the nation is having is its relationship with the United Kingdom and the UK leaving the European Union due to Brexit. This has caused some complications in terms of their own immigration procedures, due to the close proximity of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
While there have been instances of anti-immigration propaganda, the general population seems to be sympathetic to the issue of immigration; a note for study abroad students is that the Gardaí are the police and the main group which handles immigration-related issues, in accordance with the Irish Nationalisation and Immigration Service (INIS).
Additional Resources:
Irish Nationalisation and Immigration Service
Note: These tips are intended to serve as an overview and are not exhaustive. Be sure to research your destination thoroughly as your identity can have a significant impact on your experience abroad.
Country Demographics:
Data acquired via the CIA.gov World Factbook, Index Mundi
Population in Ireland:
5,068,050 (July 2018 est.)
Nationality:
Noun: Irishman, Irishwoman, Irish
Adjective: Irish
Ethnic Groups:
Irish (82.2%), Irish travelers (.07%), other White groups (9.5%), Asian (2.1%), Black (1.4%), other (1.5%), unspecified (2.6%)
Languages:
English (official, the language generally used), Irish (Gaelic or Gaeilge) (official, spoken by approximately 39.8% of the population as of 2016; mainly spoken in areas along Ireland's western coast known as gaeltachtai, which are officially recognized regions where Irish is the predominant language)
Religions:
Roman Catholic 78.3%, Church of Ireland 2.7%, other Christian 1.6%, Orthodox 1.3%, Muslim 1.3%, other 2.4%, none 9.8%, unspecified 2.6% (2016 est.)
Staying Healthy & Safe in Ireland
You cannot always predict the hiccups that may occur during your time abroad, but taking the proper measures to ensure your health and safety in Ireland will eliminate or lessen the extremities of any unplanned situations.
Overall, Ireland is very similar to the health and safety issues we face in the United States; the water is safe to drink, you need your typical vaccinations, and you do not need to worry about many diseases. However, beyond the health and safety sections listed, we have added safety notes for some of the different identities.
Health
Health insurance is mandatory for all international students and expats in Ireland and students must show proof when registering with the Garda National Immigration Bureau. Students participating in a study abroad program of any duration are required to have international health insurance, usually included in the program costs and provided by your academic institution or program provider. If you are traveling independently, research international options available to you within your current health care provider. You can also look into international health insurance companies that provide various plans and choose the one that best suits the type and duration of your travels in Ireland. In the case of an emergency, be sure this information is easily accessible by storing your insurance card in a transportable and secure place, creating a copy of your health insurance card or storing the information in your phone. It is also helpful to be aware of nearby hospitals, clinics and pharmacies in case you are in need of these services or resources. Here are a few of the EU and Ireland emergency numbers to keep in mind:
112 or 999 - Irish emergency number
- These numbers will connect you to the Garda police, fire service, and emergency services
Safety
No matter where you are in the world, whether it is your hometown or a new city, it is important to be alert and practice awareness of your surroundings. Ireland is a fairly safe place, however there are a few precautions any traveler should take while navigating the country.
Pickpocketing can happen in city centers and sites that are attractive to tourists. There are many giveaways that can signal someone is a tourist from accent to something as subtle as mannerisms and the way one walks. The goal is not to mask that you are a visitor, but to protect your belongings and ensure you do not fall victim to theft. Ireland is similar in this regard to many other locations, so we have a few general tips:
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Leave valuable items at home whenever possible and only travel with your necessities
- Avoid being flashy or careless with valuable items
- Ensure your bags and pockets are tight and completely zipped
- Have a travel partner when possible
Aside from petty crimes, such as pickpocketing or scamming, most travelers can expect a safe and comfortable experience in Ireland. However, at Diversity Abroad, we acknowledge that experiences can vary by identities and others’ perceptions of them. To access identity-based resources regarding health and safety view the Diversity Guides below.
Additional Resources:
Emergency Contacts and Resources in Ireland
Health Insurance from Education in Ireland
Health and Safety Information for Travel to Ireland
Reviews - The Best Travel Insurance Companies (updated Sept 2019)
Funding & Scholarship Opportunities
Whether you choose to indulge in the scenic spectacle of Emerald Isle, or spend a night at the local castle, everything in Ireland carries the Celtic atmosphere. Spending time with the locals is always a favorite memory of Ireland for students. Pub sessions, live music, and mini-festivals light up the corner of every city. Apart from all of the unique experiences that Ireland has to offer, the country has excellent resorts and opportunities for hiking, surfing, cycling and countless other outdoor activities.
There are many scholarships to fund your study abroad experience. Here is a list of Diversity Abroad scholarships available for study in this country:
Diversity Abroad Overseas Ambassador Scholarship
Diversity Abroad Consortium Summer Scholarship
As a seasoned expert and enthusiast in the field of international education and travel, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and depth of understanding to the captivating realm of Ireland. Having extensively explored its rich culture, historical tapestry, and educational landscape, I am well-versed in the intricacies that make Ireland a distinctive destination for students seeking a transformative experience.
Let's delve into the various concepts presented in the article:
Geography and History: Ireland, often referred to as the Emerald Isle, is strategically located in Western Europe. Occupying the majority of the island of Ireland in the northern Atlantic Ocean, it stands west of the United Kingdom. The historical narrative of Ireland involves a complex relationship with the British Empire, marked by challenging periods such as "The Troubles." The declaration of Ireland as a new nation resulted in its separation from Northern Ireland. Notably, this division had religious implications, separating Catholic and Protestant communities.
Landscapes and Cities: Ireland's allure extends beyond its history to encompass breathtaking landscapes, medieval castles, and Christian monasteries. Metropolitan hubs like Dublin and Cork pulse with the vibrant spirit of Irish youth, while rural villages exude old-fashioned charm. Western Ireland, known for its mountains and Gaelic stronghold, contrasts with the castles and medieval villages of Eastern Ireland, featuring gems like Newgrange and St. Canice's Cathedral.
Education and Institutions: Ireland boasts several esteemed institutions, with Trinity College Dublin, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University College Dublin, and National University of Ireland, Galway leading the way. The country is particularly attractive for studying business and social sciences, given its unique historical ties with Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom. STEM and technology majors also find Ireland appealing due to its emphasis on research and industry.
Cultural Events and Tourism: Ireland's cultural vibrancy is reflected in diverse events, from horse races to festivals and religious holidays. The Celtic atmosphere permeates everyday life, with pub sessions, live music, and mini-festivals lighting up cities. Outdoor enthusiasts can relish opportunities for hiking, surfing, and cycling, complementing the country's unique experiences.
Diversity and Inclusion: Ireland is known for its friendly and accepting nature, though ongoing discussions surround immigration, especially in the context of Brexit. The population includes a majority of White Irish individuals, with significant communities of Black, Asian, and other ethnicities. While there have been instances of negativity toward certain immigrant groups, Ireland generally maintains an inclusive stance.
Demographics: As of July 2018, Ireland's population stands at 5,068,050. The majority identify as Irish, with ethnic diversity reflected in various groups. English is the official language, with Irish (Gaelic) spoken by approximately 39.8% of the population.
Health and Safety: Ireland mirrors the health and safety concerns found in the United States. While the water is safe to drink, international students must have health insurance. Awareness of emergency numbers (112 or 999) and general safety precautions, such as guarding against pickpocketing, ensures a safe experience.
Funding and Scholarships: For students eyeing the Celtic experience, numerous scholarships, including the Diversity Abroad Overseas Ambassador Scholarship and the Diversity Abroad Consortium Summer Scholarship, can help fund their study abroad journey.
In essence, Ireland stands as a captivating blend of history, culture, education, and natural beauty—a destination where students can immerse themselves in a transformative experience.
