Ireland is a small country, but where you study makes a real difference to your experience. Dublin is the obvious choice — but Cork, Galway, and Limerick all have strong universities, lower costs, and a different pace of life. Here's what you need to know about each city, and which of our partner universities are based there.
Dublin
Ireland's capital and largest student city. Home to most of Ireland's top universities and the European HQs of Google, Meta, Apple, Microsoft, and LinkedIn. Best city for career opportunities — and the most expensive to live in.
PublicTrinity College Dublin
Ireland's oldest university. Strong in law, science, engineering, and arts.
PublicUniversity College Dublin
Ireland's largest university. Known for business, medicine, and agriculture.
PublicDublin City University
Computing, engineering, and journalism. Strong industry links in Dublin's tech sector.
PublicTechnological University Dublin
Ireland's largest TU. Career-focused programmes across multiple campuses.
PublicMaynooth University
30 min from Dublin city. Strong in arts, science, and education.
PrivateDublin Business School
One of Ireland's largest private colleges. Business, law, and arts.
PrivateNational College of Ireland
Located in Dublin's financial district. Business, computing, and psychology.
PrivateCCT College Dublin
Technology-focused with a strong international student community.
PrivateGriffith College Dublin
Law, business, design, and journalism. Also has Cork and Limerick campuses.
PrivateIndependent College Dublin
Specialises in arts, humanities, and counselling programmes.
PrivateDorset College
Business and computing programmes, popular with international students.
Cork
Ireland's second city. More affordable than Dublin, with a lively student scene and a strong reputation for science, engineering, and food technology. UCC has one of the most beautiful campuses in the country.
PublicUniversity College Cork
Research-led university. Known for science, medicine, and engineering.
PublicMunster Technological University
Science, engineering, business, and creative arts across Cork and Kerry.
PrivateGriffith College Cork
Cork campus of Griffith College. Business, law, and computing.
Galway
A smaller city with a reputation as one of Ireland's best places to be a student. Strong cultural scene, close to the west coast, and more relaxed than Dublin. Good for arts, law, and marine science.
PublicUniversity of Galway
Research university with a strong reputation in arts, law, and medicine.
PublicAtlantic Technological University
Multiple campuses across the west and north-west. Engineering, business, and science.
PrivateGalway Business School
Business-focused programmes. Flexible options suited to working professionals.
Limerick
A growing, affordable city with a strong engineering and tech focus. UL is known for its cooperative education model — built-in industry placements make it one of Ireland's most career-oriented universities.
Other locations
Waterford and Dundalk offer more affordable options with smaller campuses and closer-knit student communities. Worth considering if a specific programme is the priority over city life.
What studying in Ireland actually gives you
Stay and work in Ireland for 2 years after graduating under the Third Level Graduate Programme.
Google, Meta, Apple, Microsoft, and LinkedIn all run European operations from Dublin.
An English-speaking EU country. A degree here opens doors across 27 European countries.
Same language advantage, better post-study options, at a lower overall cost.
Not sure which city or university suits you? We'll help you figure it out — for free.
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