Irish University Tours for College Counselors 2012
We are delighted to announce that three constituent universities of the National University of Ireland (NUI) system are participating in the 2012 Irish University Tours: University College Cork on the south coast, NUI Galway on the west coast and NUI Maynooth, just outside of Dublin city on the east coast. Visiting our three institutions will show you what Irish universities have to offer your students as well as help you to experience three quite different regions in Ireland.
2012 dates
Sunday, 11th March to Saturday 17th March
Sunday, 15th July to Saturday, 21st July
Irish University Tours are designed to help you get to know our universities, staff, students and cities. Participation will better enable you to identify students who would be a good match for attending one of our institutions and to support them through the application process. At the end of an Irish University Tour, you will understand:
- how the Irish educational system works;
- the advantages that Irish universities offer to US students;
- the nitty-gritty of our application process, and;
- how our current American students make the successful transition to Ireland.
You will meet with faculty and students, tour our facilities, socialize with us in the evenings and ‘get a feel’ for Irish life and people. The Irish University Tour leaders at each institution guarantee that you will return to the USA with unique insights into a country and society steeped in a rich cultural heritage while focused on a modern knowledge economy. Both of these factors underpin Ireland’s growing international reputation for education, a reputation that already stretches back over two millennia. Here are photos of our 2011 Irish University Tour participants.
The picture on the left is of the March 2011 Irish University Tour in UCC’s Brookfield Health Science Complex. The picture on the right is of the July 2011 Irish University Tour in the President’s Garden at UCC.
The universities will provide accommodation for tour participants for six nights in Ireland. Meals and internal Irish travel costs between universities will also be covered. Participants will cover their own flights and travel costs to the accommodation provider in the first Irish city and from the third Irish city.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the outline itineraries for the March and July tours?
March 2012 - Outline Irish University Tour March 2012 (34kB)
July 2012 - Outline Irish University Tour July 2012 (34kB)
Where and when should I plan to arrive?
Transatlantic flights to Ireland land at Shannon International Airport or Dublin International Airport. Check the outline itineraries above for detailed travel information.
For the March tour, you will need to arrive in Cork city by the afternoon of Sunday March 11th and depart from Galway city on Saturday March 17th.
For the July tour, you will arrive in Galway city by the afternoon of Sunday July 15th and depart from Cork city on Saturday, July 21st.
If you intend to book your departure flights for Saturday, please ensure you consider the travel time from Galway and Cork cities to your chosen airport on the day.
Accommodation check-in is from 2p.m. and check-out is by 11a.m. Earlier check-in may be possible but cannot be guaranteed.
Where will I be staying?
Accommodation ranges from hotel to B&B to campus accommodation. The Irish universities will cover accommodation costs for the week of the Irish University Tour programme, checking-in on Sunday and checking-out on Saturday. All participants will have a private room.
What kind of weather can I expect?
Prepare for Ireland’s notoriously unpredictable weather! Bring rain gear and a range of clothing that allows you to add or remove layers according to the temperature and humidity.
March averages – temperature range from 36-51◦F and 15 wet days
July averages – temperature range from 50-67◦F and 10 wet days
How much walking is involved?
Lots! We love to walk in Ireland so you can expect to do quite a bit of it while you’re on tour. We recommend you bring comfortable walking shoes and, if you’re out of practice, blister packs!
Can I bring a companion?
Because of the logistics involved in our multi-university tours, priority will be given to applicants travelling alone.
Where can I find useful information about Ireland?
We recommend www.discoverireland.ie/ for tourist information. For news, check out the Irish Times website www.irishtimes.com/ and the RTE website, our national radio and television broadcaster, http://www.rte.ie/
What currency do you have in Ireland?
Ireland is in the Euro-zone so make sure you bring some Euros for personal spending. You can use your credit cards in Ireland but you will need to know your PIN. You can withdraw money from ATMs as long as you have the ‘Cirrus’ or ‘Plus’ logos on your card.
Can I use my cell phone in Ireland?
Or mobile phones as they are called over here. Check with your service provider before you leave the USA. Some American phones do not work overseas. If you have any trouble making calls on your cell phone, you can purchase an International Calling Card in Ireland in denominations of €5-10 and make calls home from your hotel/B&B room via a freephone number.
Can I get to the shop in Ireland for personal supplies?
You will be based in cities (Cork and Galway) or towns (Maynooth) for most of your Irish University Tour with shops nearby if you need to run a personal errand. Shops are generally open from 9am – 6pm from Monday to Saturday, with limited hours outside of these days and times.
Can I use my electrical goods in Ireland?
Pack an adaptor for the Irish/UK electrical grid if you are bringing electrical items; you may be able to buy one at the airport.
Travel reminders
- Remember to pack chewing gum or chewy candy for the ear pressure on flights.
- All fluids/toiletries for carry-on luggage must be a maximum of 100mls and in clear, plastic bags.
- Counselors never complain of not packing enough, only of packing too much! You’ll be doing quite a bit of travel in Ireland and we know you will enjoy yourself more if you are travelling as light as you can.
