Study for a semester at the University of Limerick, nestled in an authentic Irish city with state-of-the art facilities, great housing options, and diverse classes with Irish students so you can really get to know the local culture. After class, head into the city of Limerick to explore its 13th-century castle, stroll along the River Shannon, or listen to traditional pub music. On the weekends, leverage Limerick's location for travel opportunities throughout Ireland, the UK, and Europe.
What to Expect
Language(s):
English
Average Courseload:
5 courses (15 U.S. credits)
GPA Requirement:
2.90
Visa Requirement:
NONE Required!
Highlights:
Affordable option to study in a tranquil part of Ireland
Study opportunities alongside Irish students while learning about Irish culture
Student sports teams you can join ranging from beginner level to Olympian
Join the Buddy Program for a personal connection to Ireland
Volunteer opportunities in the local community
Learn More About This and Other Programs
I am so happy that I chose the Limerick program because it was a more authentic experience in my book. Don't get me wrong, Dublin was really cool, but I personally liked being in a smaller city. I felt like I could really connect with the locals.
Rachel Navis
I've found that my schedule is a lot less hectic over here. Mainly because my classes don't meet as much as they do in the states. One of my classes is a two-hour lecture that meets once a week. One of my classes has a tutorial: a smaller atmosphere where students meet together and ask questions that they might not be able to ask in the lecture.
Abby Corbett
Program Details
University of Limerick
The University of Limerick's (UL) reputation has skyrocketed as a top university. In Ireland and around the world, students are impressed by UL's innovative courses and high academic standards. Although a young university, the energetic, enterprising UL has a proud record of excellence in research and scholarship. It's also one of the most diverse universities in Ireland, attracting students from more than 95 countries. Founded in 1972, the Sunday Times named UL the University of the Year in 2015.
Over 13,000 students enjoy the University of Limerick's riverside campus, which is at the heart of a 600-acre park three miles above the ancient city of Limerick. The campus facilities are spread out over the beautiful campus grounds. The Shannon River runs right through the center. UL is proud to be one of the top "green" institutions in Europe. You'll find outstanding fitness facilities, with weight rooms, an indoor track and basketball arena, and an Olympic-size swimming pool. From the on-campus pub to the outdoor farmer's market on Tuesdays, everything you need is right on campus.
The University of Limerick is home to collections of fine Irish art, the Irish Chamber Orchestra, and the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance. UL hosts an array of artistic events, including music and drama performances, as well as art and photography displays. You can join over 70 clubs, societies, and volunteer opportunities, allowing you to make new friends and explore new interests all semester long.
Accreditation(s): AACSB-accredited (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), Department of Education and Skills, Ireland
Areas of study with 8 or more classes available
Art & Design
Business
Communications
Education
Engineering
Health
Humanities
Natural & Applied Sciences
Social Sciences
World Languages
Life in Limerick
Limerick is a small, unique city of 94,000 people located on Ireland's west coast. It's historic, yet modern in its architecture, industry, and ambiance. Georgian cathedrals and castles contrast with recently built high-rises. Residents treasure Limerick for its laid-back atmosphere, rich history, beautiful castles, and diverse population.
Walk the streets of Limerick to get a real taste of Irish culture. Enjoy the up-and-coming riverfront scene, fantastic museums, and the city's proximity to the natural beauty of Ireland’s west coast. During your time in Limerick, you may become a die-hard rugby fan (the city’s favorite sport). For an authentic experience, cheer on Munster at Thomond Park alongside the locals. Traditional pubs are scattered throughout the city, where you can hear Irish fiddlers play their tunes at night.
The city is renowned as a center for excellence in technology. It's home to the National Technology Park and to many international technology firms. Limerick is also known for its playwrights and actors, and there are always theatrical events to attend. In the surrounding countryside, you'll discover peaceful farmland dotted with the remains of hundreds of castles.
Conveniently located only 20km from Shannon Airport, Limerick makes travel affordable and easy. Your options are endless, including visiting Dublin, flying to continental Europe, or driving up the coast to see the Cliffs of Moher. The University of Limerick is located just outside of town. Transportation to and from the city is quick, so you'll always be connected.
Live the Local Life
Food Festivals
Ireland has undergone a food revolution in the last twenty years. Try out the Farmers' markets where you get the best meat, cheese, milk, butter, yoghurt and juices. It is worth checking out the Milk Market in Limerick city on a Saturday morning, Ireland's oldest market. It has lots of lovely artisan and local food.
Hurling and Gaelic Football
Yes Ireland has two sports of its own. Go to both and you will not be disappointed.
Thomond Park
There's nothing like experiencing the "Munster roar" in Thomond Park and seeing the unique synergy between the Munster rugby team and the fans at a live game. It gets better with the "behind the scenes" Thomond Park tour, with access to places normally reserved for players and coaches.
Adare - "Ireland's prettiest village"
Just half hour from Limerick City, the heritage town of Adare on the banks of the River Maigue is a required stop on any tour of Limerick. It's a postcard that has no shortage of attractions. There's the 19th Century Adare Manor, the gorgeous thatched cottages that once housed the manor's workers, the ruins of three ancient monasteries, the impressive Adare Heritage Centre, a celebrated golf course and a 2km riverbank walk that takes in some of its best historic buildings.
University of Limerick Housing - Semester
Location
Semester in Limerick students live in a campus village located on the River Shannon and close to the campus sporting facilities. Living here is a great way to form a community with Irish and international students and will certainly be a highlight of your time in Limerick!
Watch Abby’s and Shelby's housing tour videos to get an idea of what your housing could be like.
Meals
Your accommodation comes with a fully-equipped kitchen so you can cook your own delicious meals. There are several grocery shops and a supermarket located close to the university where students can purchase food and other supplies.
For those interested in fresh food or who want to try an international dish, Limerick has options for you. Once a week, there is a market in the city that sells fresh fruit and vegetables at a reasonable price, as well as a farmers market right on campus! International grocery stores abound in Limerick and you’ll find options that sell Russian, Asian, African, and Caribbean products.
Program fees are in U.S. dollars and include the following:
Full-time tuition and fees
Accommodation
Cultural Excursions
Academic advising
Medical and accident insurance
CIS Abroad support services before, during, and after the program
Financial aid counseling
Assistance with travel arrangements
Online pre-departure orientation
Airport pickup
On-site support
University of Limerick orientation
Student Union fees
Gym membership
University of Limerick official transcript
The Local Life cultural program
Welcome & Orientation
Upon arrival, take part in a comprehensive orientation program. Learn the "do's and don'ts" of living in Ireland from your site director, like where to go out, how to stay safe, and where to shop. They'll also give you tips on how to blend in like a "Culchie‚" (anyone born outside of Dublin) or a "Jack" or "Jackeen"(anyone born in Dublin). Enjoy a traditional welcome meal (Ever had Coddle? Think sausages in soup!) so that you can start to taste the local flavor. Also learn the lingo - you simply must say "lovely" or "grand" every time you would ordinarily say "awesome."
Farewell & Re-Entry Program
Though you're not an astronaut returning from space, re-entering your home culture after being abroad can be shocking to the system. Your site director will walk you through some of the things to expect and help you reflect on your time abroad so that you can remember the highlights. And - of course, one last group meal as part of our farewell to Ireland and the "Cead Mile Failte" (Hundred Thousand Welcomes) you received.
Program Excursions
While participating on a CIS Abroad program, you'll be able to take part in built-in day trips at no additional cost. These trips are subject to change from term to term; listed below are excursions that have run in the past.
Killarney
Located in the County of Kerry, Killarney is at the heart of the very beautiful and spectacular Southwest of Ireland. Killarney town is surrounded by 26,000 acres of National Parkland, including three stunning lakes. The climate in Killarney results in lush greenery, scenic landscapes and breath-taking views of nature’s paradise. The students will go for a breathtaking boat journey through the three Lakes of Killarney and a hike through the Gap of Dunloe.
Galway
Galway is one of the brightest and most intriguing jewels of the West of Ireland. The city is wild, bohemian and, at the same time, full of culture, artistry, exceptional food and music. As well as being a popular seaside destination with long sandy beaches, Galway is also a thriving and cosmopolitan city center. It is always a joy to explore with its wonderful cobbled streets, colorful shop facades, and its offbeat café/bar culture.
Limerick City Tour
Get acquainted with your new home on a guided tour of Limerick. You’ll learn about how to get around, where to buy essentials, and get some recommendations for dining and entertainment. We’ll visit a few top spots, including King John’s Castle.
Site Director
Karina Tarrat Byrne
Site Director in Ireland
About:
Karina was born in Ireland where she lived until she was 16, when her family relocated to New York. She finished high school in New York and continued on to college where she completed her undergraduate degree. She subsequently returned to Ireland to pursue a master's degree. Having experienced education in different countries herself, a career in study abroad really appealed to her. Prior to joining CIS Abroad, she spent several years working for the Institute for Study Abroad, Butler University. In her previous role, Karina was in charge of student orientations, cultural programming, general onsite logistics and student support services. She is excited to once again have the opportunity to introduce participants to Ireland and its culture, history, and beauty. Having been a visiting student herself, she knows she can relate to many of the experiences and difficulties students have as they settle in to life abroad, and she is looking forward to helping our participants have a wonderful time in Ireland!
Travel Tip:
Travel with an open heart and an open mind. Temporarily step away from your own culture to experience something new.
Your Support Staff
Syd O'Wesney
Program Enrollment Coordinator - England, Ireland, Scotland, Spain
Travel Tip:
Make sure to explore the city that you're in! Although the beauty of study abroad is you have the chance to travel all over the country and to other countries as well, sometimes people forget how many amazing things there are right there in the city they're studying in! Make some local friends, participate in holidays and festivals, find that local beloved restaurant. Although I have many travel memories to talk about, some of my fondest or most nostalgic moments I have were the ‘in betweens' so to speak – going grocery shopping with friends, hanging out in the school courtyard at night when the temperature outside was finally bearable, saying hello to the neighborhood cow (yes, there was in fact a neighborhood cow). Don't neglect what you have right in front of you!
Aubree Compton
Assistant Director of International Operations
Travel Tip:
Whenever exploring a new destination for a few days, find a quaint neighborhood cafe/pub and visit it more than once. Strike up a conversation with the workers and the local patrons. Ask them for their advice on can't miss places and exchange stories. Soon you'll have new local friends and a place you can call yours in a foreign city.
Kaylee Klinger
Communications & Alumni Relations Coordinator
Travel Tip:
The best travel tip I always share is, if possible try to catch a redeye flight. That has helped me tremendously fight jet-lag and it allows you more time to explore the extraordinary unfamiliar place!
Serenah Quiroga
Advising & Communications Coordinator
Travel Tip:
Always find a reason to talk to a local or someone you may not know. Whether it's a simple hello, compliment, or question, there is always something to learn from every person you meet. Some of my best experiences and favorite memories were formed because of these interactions.