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 It's said that Ireland, once visited, is never forgotten. Although Ireland is home to only five million people, the island's influence in the world far exceeds its size. It is extremely attractive to the young because of the renowned creativity of the Irish in literature, film and popular music. Most importantly for the study abroad student, education is considered the cornerstone of all economic and cultural activity in Ireland. The good nature of the Irish population is surprising considering their country's long and dramatic history of conflict: the island has drawn wave after wave of invaders. Celtic tribes from Europe led one of the earliest onslaughts. They were gradually converted to Christianity beginning around 300 AD. The Vikings then invaded Ireland beginning around 700 AD. Some of the Norse invaders eventually settled on the island. Three centuries later, English warriors intervened in a dispute between two Irish kings, beginning England's long involvement in Ireland. Religion has played a key role in the struggles: The majority of the Irish were Catholic (stemming from Saint Patrick´s influence), and they were often at odds with their Protestant English rulers. The long and bloody struggle for independence
culminated in the Easter Rising of 1916 and the Anglo-Irish War that
ended in 1921. As a part of the agreement that ended the war, the majority
of the island became an independent country - the Republic of Ireland.
The northeastern sixth of the island, which has a Protestant majority,
remained part of the United Kingdom as Northern Ireland. While politically
and religiously divided, culturally speaking there is little difference
between the North and South. |
People & Culture |
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Culturally speaking, the Irish have had the greatest impact on literature. Jonathan Swift, Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw, Yeats, Samuel Beckett and James Joyce are just some of the more famous names, many of who are prescribed in university writing courses. Ireland, of course, has been portrayed on the big screen (Michael Collins, My Left Foot, In the Name of the Father, The Crying Game and The Commitments) and has its share of musicians frequenting the world's radio stations (Bob Geldolf, Elvis Costello, Sinead O'Connor, U2 and the Cranberries). However, Ireland's locals prefer an evening of folk music, jigging and a pint of Guinness to the glamour of Hollywood. Nearly every town and village has a pub renowned for its music, with the names Chieftans, Dubliners, the Wolfe Tones and Christy Moore proudly associated with true Irish music.
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Geography & Climate |
| Ireland is an island in the Atlantic Ocean situated 50 miles northwest from Britain in the Irish Sea. It stretches 310 miles north to south and 186 miles east to west, thereby making it possible to drive the length of Ireland in less than a day and to traverse the width of the country in a few hours. Much of Ireland's elevated ground is close to the coast, with almost the entire Atlantic seaboard, from Cork to Donegal, being a series of cliffs, hills and mountains, with few safe anchorages. Most of the center of the island is composed of flat farmland or raised bogs. Ireland has only two cities of any size, Belfast and Dublin. Despite its northern latitude, the Gulf Stream moderates Ireland's climate. The temperature only drops below freezing intermittently during the winter. Summers are comfortable as the temperature rarely hits 85°and it stays light until around 11 pm. Whatever the time of year, be prepared for rain because Ireland is wet. If you do find the rain getting you down you might find some comfort in the Irish saying: "It doesn't rain in the pub!"
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Health & Safety |
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When you are studying in The Republic of Ireland, you will need to
have health insurance to cover you in case of accident. The Center for
International Studies can make arrangements for you to purchase comprehensive
international heath and travel insurance for about $50.00 per month. |
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Limerick |
Located in the Shannon
region in Midwest Ireland, Limerick is a vibrant city of considerable
historic and literary interest. It was founded as a Viking fortress
in the tenth century and is Ireland's oldest chartered city. Its castles,
ancient walls and museums are a testament to its dramatic past. Located
on one of Europe's finest rivers, the River Shannon, Limerick is the
capital of the Shannon region and is an excellent center for shopping,
dining and sport. People travel from afar to see renowned sites such
as the "Treaty Stone", King John's Castle and the Hunt Museum.
The region is further known for its spectacular landscape, heritage
attractions, leisure activities and cultural pursuits.
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Links |
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17
New South Street # 102, Northampton, MA 01060 |
On
a whole, Ireland is as safe a destination as you could expect. Friendly
people, small cities, and an abhorrence for violence, make this a worry-free
study abroad destination. Of course, much has been made of the sometimes
violent political and social problems (referred to as the "Troubles").
But, as pointed out in many guidebooks, you always face more danger
from erratic drivers than from the Troubles. Recently, dramatic steps
have been taken by the divided political parties to secure peace in
Northern Ireland once and for all. 
At
the University level there are four institutions in the Republic of
Ireland and two in Northern Ireland. Except for Limerick University
and one other, undergraduate degrees take three years to complete (Limerick
has a four-year system similar to the U.S.). Students specialize in
a field and pursue all of their courses in only a couple of departments.
For example, at the University of Ulster, a three-year institution,
it is safe to say that first year courses will be equivalent to sophomore
level coursework in the U.S. 
