Country Guide to Eire: Ireland
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calendar_month 01 Mar 2011, 00:00
It's famous for St Patrick's Day, Guinness and boy bands but Ireland is fast becoming a place known for the quality of its undergraduate and postgraduate education. QS Top Universities looks at the pros and cons of studying abroad in Ireland.
Country Overview
Ireland, or Eire to use its Gaelic name, is home to 4.5million people: Irish, English and Europeans. In fact, non-Irish nationals from the EU, China and Africa make up 12% of the population. Situated to the west of the UK and south of the little country known as Northern Ireland (part of the UK), Ireland is the 120th largest country in the world covering 70,280sq km. Ireland has made a name for itself on the world music scene, in the international rugby arena, in literature, history, discovery and legends. Every year, people all over the world celebrate Ireland's national day " St Patrick's Day" on 17 March - toasting the patron saint and downing a pint of Guinness in his honour.

The Irish language, also known as Gaelic, is recognized as the country's first official language. English, admittedly spoken with a very strong Irish accent, is the second official language, which contributes to Ireland being a popular study, work and tourist destination.

Ireland's capital city is Dublin, a hotspot of Europe and a popular city break. Home to the country's oldest university, The University of Dublin Trinity College (and the Book of Kells), Dublin is fast becoming known for its vibrant music scene, nightlife and festivities. Ireland's many cities provide a variety of experiences, very different from those of the little country towns dotted around the attractive landscape. It's a safe and easy country to travel around in (see our section on transport below) and has much to offer, from taking a tour through the Guinness Factory to kissing the blarney stone.
Pros and Cons
Pros Cons
Education is free for domestic students Ireland has three of the world's Top 200 universities as ranked by the QS World University Rankings 2010. The Euro is growing in strength against other world currencies, in particular the pound and US$ (although this could be a con as well!). Scarce and expensive transport It's wet! Rain can be forecast in Ireland from anywhere between 150 and 225 days a year.



Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland, with a population of over 1.5million people, is situated on the top of the island. However, it is not governed by Ireland's political system and instead is part of the United Kingdom of England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland's capital city is Belfast, its currency is pounds and it has two universities: the University of Ulster (UU) and the Queen's University of Belfast (QUB). For more information on living and studying in Northern Ireland, please see the UK country guide.
Education
Ireland has a "Free Fees Initiative" which means all education in Ireland up to and including tertiary level is free. There are seven universities in Ireland:

- University of Dublin (Trinity College) (TCD)

- Dublin City University (DCU)

- University College Dublin (UCD Dublin)

- University College Cork (UCC)

- University of Limerick

- National University of Ireland Maynooth (NUI Maynooth)



- National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway)

- There are also two universities in Northern Ireland:

- University of Ulster (UU)

- Queen's University of Belfast (QUB)

Under the "Free Fees Initiative" the Exchequer will pay the tuition fees of students who meet relevant course, nationality and residence requirements as set down under the initiative. A "registration fee" of approximately 800 is payable on most courses at the start of the academic year, and covers student examinations, registration and services.

Of Ireland's seven universities, threeare ranked in the Top 200 of the 2010QS World University Rankings. Trinity College Dublin (TCD) was ranked52,University College Dublin (UCD), 114, and University College Cork, 184.

The website has valuable information on studying in Ireland including examples of study and tuition fees.
Accommodation
Like most other study abroad destinations, accommodation for undergraduate students is relatively easy to come by in Ireland. There is a range of options available, from halls of residence located on university campuses, to self-catered university flats, independent living or private boarding. All universities within Ireland have accommodation advisors who undergraduate students can contact for assistance.Alternatively look through our student survival guide on QS Top Universities for helpful tips.

Another useful website here. Education Ireland also provides information on accommodation and living costs. These expenses will differ depending upon the location of the institution, the type of accommodation preferred and the personal expenditure of the student. However, on average, Education Ireland estimates that a student will spend between 7,500 euros and 12,000 euros per year depending on location and lifestyle.
Weather/Climate
The Irish have a saying, it doesn't rain in the pub! And that may be just where you take refuge during your time studying abroad in Ireland, not only for a respite from lecture theatres but as a way to keep dry. Ireland is known for its wet weather. In fact, rain can be forecast for anywhere between 150 and 225 days of the year. As a result, Ireland boasts beautiful lush green countryside as well as rolling hills and crumbling old stone walls:those brave enough to venture outside in the rain will be rewarded with picturesque landscapes, albeit a little wet.

During the summer months, theoretically from July to September, the temperatures hover around the mid 20C. Very rarely will the temperature get up to a scorching 30 C or higher.So when heading to Ireland, make sure you pack your umbrella and your wellies. They will be needed whether you are walking through County Kerry's countryside or down the main street of Dublin.
Transport
Ryan Air, the lowcost airline that changed the face of the aviation industry, was born in Ireland - but don't be fooled. No other transport in Ireland is quite as cheap. Public transport connections between parts of Ireland are scarce and those trains and buses that do run, don't necessarily get you directly from A to B.

So, if you're planning on travelling around the country, make sure you have a current driver's licence and a list of rental car depots. You won't get very far without them. Car hire can be expensive, particularly during the high season so it's best to plan ahead for those university holidays.

Within the cities, buses and trams enable you to get around and more often than not there'll be space on the road for a bicycle. If you're one of the adventurous types and are keen to see the country on two wheels, that's another option,but take a puncture kit. The road surfaces aren't always smooth.

Ireland also has four international airports: Shannon, Dublin, Cork and Belfast (Northern Ireland).
Cost*
ItemPrice ()
litre of petrolEuro 1.00
movie ticketEuro 8.50
litre of milkEuro 0.85
CDEuro 23.00
can of soft drinkEuro 0.75
pint of GuinnessEuro 4.00
souvenir t-shirtEuro 18.00
street snack (pub sandwich)Euro 3.50
cup of coffeeEuro 2.00
umbrellaEuro 5.00
*WorldGuide Index from Lonely Planet


Useful info
Dialing code: +353 Currency: Euro Time Zone: GMT/UTC +12 (Eastern Standard Time), GMT/UTC +12 (Central Time), GMT/UTC +12 (Western Time) Famous People St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland

Actors and Musicians Liam Neeson Colin Farrell Bono, U2 West Life Corrs

Authors James Joyce Shelagh Delaney George Bernard Shaw

Explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton