University of Galway
University of Galway
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Located on the banks of the wild River Corrib, University of Galway’s sprawling campus is only a short walk from the heart of the city: The Latin Quarter! Holy Cross students have the unique opportunity to directly enroll in a full course load (usually 6 classes/30ECTS) at University of Galway, the gem of Ireland’s beautiful west coast. HC Students will join Irish students and other international students in on-campus dorms and attend a range of classes offered across the university. University of Galway is a suitable study abroad location for most majors. Students that do well in Galway tend to be academically independent and enjoy a slower pace of life. Galway is a great “jumping off point” for exploring the best of the west: from Connemara to Clare to beautiful Westport in County Mayo, there is lots to explore along Ireland’s wild Atlantic way. Beware: Dublin airport is a 3-hour bus ride away, so this is a great site for students who are looking for a more immersive experience. Weekly trips to mainland Europe aren’t generally in the cards for students who call the west “home.” This program is competitive- spaces are limited and will be awarded to the students with the highest GPAs (3.0 minimum).
Spring 2026 PROGRAM DATES
Spring 2026 PROGRAM DATES
Official Move-In: January 5th, 6th, or 7th FROM 10AM. If you need to check in outside of those hours, please contact Anne Marie O'Brien (annemarie.obrien@universityofgalway.ie) and Kelly Ryan (kelly.ryan@universityofgalway.ie) to let them know your estimated arrival time. They will be able to generate a key for you and leave it with campus security, who can assist you with entry to your room.
Orientation for International Students: January 8th & 9th
Official End of Exams: May 8th, 2026
Official Move-Out: May 9th, 2026
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.
Click here to view the full academic calendar, including breaks & bank holidays
Fall 2025 PROGRAM DATES
Fall 2025 PROGRAM DATES
Move in: August 30th or 31st FROM 10AM. If you need to check in outside of those hours, please contact Anne Marie O'Brien (annemarie.obrien@universityofgalway.ie) and Kelly Ryan (kelly.ryan@universityofgalway.ie) to let them know your estimated arrival time. They will be able to generate a key for you and leave it with campus security, who can assist you with entry to your room.
Orientation for International Students: September 1st and 2nd
Start of teaching: September 8th, 2025
End of teaching: November 28th, 2025
Official Exam Period*: December 8th- December 19th, 2025
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
Getting There
You will purchase a flight to Dublin Airport from your 'home airport'- wherever that may be! Once you land in Dublin, you will take the CityLink bus directly from the airport to Galway! Once you're in Galway, take a taxi to Goldcrest Student Village. You can 'hail' a Taxi just outside the coach station or order a taxi on the Free Now app. Taxis accept card or cash- just make sure your credit/debit card is chip enabled!
Discover Galway.
Discover Galway.
Galway city boasts a robust arts scene. It is the home of Ireland’s first professional theatre company outside of Dublin: the renowned Druid Theatre. Stop in to the Town Hall Theatre or the Mick Lally for a play. Catch some live music at the Roisin Dubh, one of Galways best-loved music venues. If you fancy a “trad session” try the Crane Bar’s student nights! Enjoy festivals all year long. From the comedy festival in the Fall to the Theatre festival in Spring, there’s always something “on” in this charming seaside town.
Study Abroad Ambassadors
Study Abroad Ambassadors
"I gained so much independence by living with new people from around the world in my university housing, cooking meals for myself, and traveling Ireland as much as I wanted. At a university as big as Galway, I had access to classes that I wouldn’t normally be able to take at HC and sparked an interest in new subjects. Overall, I felt that my study abroad experience has shown me that it is worth it to take a risk, or commit to something you know you want but may be fearful to do. The benefits I have experienced from committing to going abroad for the year have outweighed any worries I had initially! I have made so many new friends and visited so many beautiful and interesting places around Europe. I feel it’s an opportunity every student should consider."
-Emma Ricciardi, class of 2024
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