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).
Housing questions: live@universityofgalway.ie
Any other questions related to academic, student experience, etc: studyabroad@universityofgalway.ie
Holy Cross Contact: Emma Meade emeade@holycross.edu | 443-468-8953
Official Move-In: January 4th, 5th, or 6th 2027 (you choose!) FROM 10AM. Please contact live@universityofgalway.ie to let them know your estimated arrival time.
Orientation for International Students: January 7th & 8th, 2027
Start of Teaching: January 11th, 2027
Official End of Exams: May 6th, 2027
Official Move-Out: May 7th, 2027
All study abroad students must plan to stay until the end of the exam period.See the Student Contract for the policy.
Click here to view the full academic calendar, including breaks & bank holidays
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!
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.
"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