University College Cork


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Set on 42 acres of wooded ground, University College Cork (UCC) is only a 10-minute walk from city center. Holy Cross students have the unique opportunity to join Irish students and other international students in student apartments just steps away from campus and attend a range of classes offered across the university. This program is unique in that it includes an early-start program, which gives students a chance to get well-acquainted with various aspects of Irish culture before the start of the semester. It’s a great fit for independent students who are looking for an authentically Irish experience. This location is suitable for most majors! It is particularly popular amongst music majors & minors, as Cork is our only Irish site that offers music performance classes. Give Cork a chance- we know you’ll love it! This program is competitive- spaces are limited and will be awarded to the students with the highest GPAs (3.0 minimum).

Fall 2024 PROGRAM DATES

See UCC's Academic Calendar Here


This program is offered as a Fall semester or academic year only. There is no Spring semester option. 


Offical Move-In: Wednesday, August 14th or Thursday, August 15th

Orientation: August 16th

Early Start Program: August 19th-September 6th 

Teaching Begins: September 9th 

Last day of exams: December 20th 

Official Move-Out: TBA

All study abroad students must plan to stay until the end of the exam period, as they cannot arrange to take exams at a time other than the one assigned for the class. See the Student Contract for the policy.



Getting There

You will purchase a flight to Dublin Airport or Cork Airport from your 'home airport'- wherever that may be! Once you land, we recommend taking a bus to Cork city centre directly from the airport. You can then walk to the taxi stand, or use the Free Now taxi app to order a taxi to The Spires student accommodation.  

Discover Cork. 

Cork is Ireland’s second largest city (after Dublin) located in Ireland’s largest county: County Cork!  Known as “the rebel county,” it is home to an abundance of history and culture. Cork is well connected to the rest of Ireland, though there is plenty to explore in Cork City! Check out the English market on a Saturday afternoon with friends or walk through the Crawford Art Gallery!  Between the amazing restaurants and bars and the many annual festivals and events, there is always something exciting going in on Cork! Cork and neighboring Kerry are also home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in Ireland. Head down to the Dingle Peninsula for a weekend or try a day trip to Kinsale! 

Study Abroad Ambassadors

"I took [study abroad] as an opportunity to develop my resilience and independence. I set up my own phone plan, learned to navigate the public transit systems in several major cities, coordinated day trips and weekend trips, travelled to a new city on my own, and experimented with new ways of thinking academically. I was surprised but proud to learn how independent I can be when I don’t use my parents, brother, and professors as crutches. Based on my own experiences, I truly believe that study abroad is a great chance for young people to take that leap of faith and learn what it means to be independent before they graduate and enter the real world"

-Grace Bromage, class of 2024