Quadrangle at University of GalwayGalway, the fourth largest city in the Republic of Ireland, has a population of approximately 80,000 people. The city hosts a rich cultural heritage and is home to several arts festivals, literary festivals, theatre companies, traditional Irish musicians, and Irish language groups. It is an ideal base from which to explore the west of Ireland, as it's within easy driving distance to the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, the Aran Islands, Connemara, and Notre Dame Kylemore. While studying abroad in Galway, students will be taken on cultural excursions to these locations to learn about the culture, archaeology, and history of the West of Ireland.
Research Opportunity
While this program is open to all majors, Study Abroad in Galway offers science students the unique opportunity to conduct international research in a live lab, at the University of Galway. The research experience module, worth 3 Notre Dame Science credits, is an intense lab focused course that pairs students with a principal investigator for the duration of the semester and gives them the opportunity to work in an active research environment, read and discuss research papers, and write a full research report. The course is ideal for students interested in lab work, specifically oncological research. Students will work with dynamic Irish faculty on the cutting edge of technology and research. These are open ended opportunities which have led our students to be published, present at conferences, and network for grad school.
Learn more Study Abroad website

Student Testimonials
"Through the semester research module, I was placed in a microbial ecology lab that explores microbial communities in low-temperature anaerobic digestion. My mentor was extremely supportive and by the end of the program, I was competent in a variety of new lab techniques and felt like a valued part of the team. The module was a highlight of my study abroad experience and I would highly recommend it!" — Madelyn Cerney ‘26 | Science PreProfessional Major⏐ Fall 2024 participant

"I am so thankful to have participated in the Galway program - I can't think of a better way to spend a semester abroad. You have built an incredible program and opened so many learning opportunities to so many students. Thank you so much for all you do for us!" — Kayle Lauck '25 | Political Science Major | Spring 2024 participant
Related Stories
A dispatch from Galway Study Abroad
- Nanovic Sustainability Fellowship selects two students to carry out environmental research during their semester abroad in Ireland
- The lore of the Fifth Horseman of Notre Dame—and how his legacy lives on
- Junior Kayle Lauck named 2024 Truman Scholar
- A tour of Galway's most noteworthy burger spots with Jimmy Balloun '21
- Reflections on the Poetry of Eavan Boland
- How a study abroad experience in Ireland led to innovative cancer research
