Study Abroad in
Galway, Ireland

Language: English, Irish

Climate: Maritime

Currency: Euro

About the City

Maybe it’s the stunning coastline, or the rolling green hills, or the misty, mysterious weather; whatever the cause, the small city of Galway has long drawn musicians, artists, writers, and creative types to its charming streets. As you study abroad in Galway, you’ll enjoy the thriving theater and music scenes, browse the city's bustling markets, and feast on legendary seafood fresh from Galway Bay. Head to nearby Salthill for rowing, kayaking, and wind surfing, or take an Irish Gaelic language immersion program in the traditional village of An Cheathru Rua in Connemara. Whatever adventures you choose in Galway, you'll love immersing into Irish life in this quaint university town. Spend a semester, summer, or academic year studying abroad in Galway and explore Ireland's cultural heart.

Student Testimonials

"My program took place in Carraroe, Ireland, near Galway. This program was the perfect fit because of several new experiences. I was immersed in a rural lifestyle, along with a new language and culture, and met and connected with many people. CEA CAPA..."

Zoe Hilcoff

University of Florida

GoOverseas

Summer 2023, Ireland

"I loved Galway, it was a really lively place with an amazing local music scene, nightlife, and interesting culture. I appreciated being part of my CEA CAPA program as the guidance and assistance I received while initially adjusting to Galway and thro..."

Julia Ross-McGuire

University at Albany - SUNY

GoOverseas

Spring 2023, Ireland

"I really cannot express enough how amazing it was to study abroad in Galway, Ireland. Everything about this location is beautiful and worthwhile, and out of all the other countries I visited while abroad (The Netherlands, England, Poland and Spain), ..."

Kelsey Fredricks

University at Albany - SUNY

GoOverseas

Spring 2019, Ireland

"After living in Galway for 2 months, I can say that it is my favorite place I've ever been to. Galway has somewhat of a city feel while still having a small-town, cozy feel. I've become friendly with the locals and it's impossible to go into town wit..."

Julie Vartigian

University at Albany - SUNY

GoOverseas

Spring 2018, Ireland

"I studied at the National University of Ireland at Galway. I miss the city's friendly atmosphere everyday! NUIG is a great research university, offering courses to most majors. All my professors at NUIG were incredibly knowledgable and kind. When I n..."

Margaret Gorman

University at Albany - SUNY

GoOverseas

Fall 2016, Ireland

Programs in Galway (5)

Show All Galway Programs

What Students are Saying about Ireland

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A Journey to Howth While Studying Abroad in Dublin, Ireland

CEA CAPA alum Jennifer Krulisz-Hossain details a trip she took to Howth, Ireland, during a semester studying abroad in Dublin. Read more.

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Where You'll Study

Our Partner Institutions

Excursions

Get out and explore! Excursions are offered for most semester, year, and summer programs. Semester students are typically offered between two to three excursions and summer study students are typically offered between one to two excursions. You'll receive a calendar of excursions during orientation; here are a few day and overnight excursions we've offered in the past.

Where You'll Stay

*Housing options may change and will be confirmed on the housing application form prior to the start of the term. Below are the housing options that have been offered in the past.

Alumni Ambassadors

Julia Ross-McGuire

Julia Ross-McGuire

University at Albany - SUNY

Get a Flight Credit worth up to $500 when you apply with code* by January 1, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Studying abroad in Ireland is a life changing event for many students. When you study abroad in Galway, you experience learning outside the traditional classroom setting, gain international insight, and expand your sense of cultural awareness. You will experience new culture, food, and meet people from all over the world making lifelong friends and expanding your network. Plus, you get to travel to places you've only read about.
Galway is less expensive than Ireland’s capital city, Dublin. Ireland is an island, so expect higher prices due to imported products and high tourism rates.
Galway is a small city that ranks very low on the crime index and is considered one of the safest places to visit in Ireland.

CEA offers many housing options while you're studying abroad in Galway. In some study locations you may also have the option of arranging your own independent housing. For more information on housing, connect with your site specialist.

The CEA Galway study abroad programs offer several housing options for students depending on their preferences. Semester students are placed in student residence apartments located in the town center, while summer students are placed in student residence apartments located near the CEA Office and University of Galway campus.

Galway Housing options include:

  • Student Residence Apartment
  • Homestay (Mandatory for students in Irish Language & Culture program)
  • Independent Living
Galway is a university town with a thriving theater and music scene. The University of Galway is rated in the top 1% of global universities. It’s a unique place for students seeking a great balance between nature and city life. Galway is considered the cultural capital of Ireland because it’s filled with colorful cafes, popular pubs, and renowned arts and entertainment. You’ll get a glimpse into rich Irish heritage and history here, with locals still speaking the Irish language (Gaeilge) daily.Galway is a harbor city on Ireland’s west coast, in the province of Connacht. Ireland’s second-largest city is just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Dublin, and marks the halfway point on the 1,500-mile-long coastal road called Wild Atlantic Way.Galway is known as the festival capital of the country, hosting an average of 122 festivals and events every year. It’s also a top destination for Irish water sports and hiking at some of Ireland’s most popular natural attractions like Aran Islands, Connemara, Galway Bay, and Salthill beaches.

Galway Onsite Staff

Thomas Fisher

Thomas Fisher

Program Director