Carlow, Ireland

In partnership with Carlow College, the Illinois Consortium for International Studies and Programs (ICISP) offers a summer month-long program in in the beautiful city of Carlow, Ireland. 

Summer

At A Glance:

Experience the beauty of Ireland in the summer at Carlow College, St. Patrick’s. Ireland is a country steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. Ireland is known for its friendly people, stunning landscapes, and deep-rooted traditions, from ancient Celtic heritage to lively modern festivals. Studying in Ireland offers the chance to immerse yourself in a unique blend of past and present, where centuries-old history meets contemporary European life.

Carlow, Ireland—affectionately called “Carlowtown”—is a picturesque country town with a population of about 25,000. Known for its welcoming community and rich cultural heritage, Carlow is home Carlow College, St. Patrick’s. The town offers a perfect balance of small-town warmth and lively student life, with cozy cafés, traditional pubs, weekly markets, and scenic walking trails along the River Barrow. Its central location makes it a convenient gateway to exploring the southeast of Ireland, with charming villages, historic castles, and lush countryside all nearby. From Carlow, you’re just an hour away from Dublin—easily accessible by train or bus—where you can experience the capital’s vibrant arts scene, museums, music, and nightlife.

Program Description:

Study at Carlow College/St. Patrick’s in the summer and learn more about Irish culture and history and experiencing the charms of daily life in an Irish town. The magic of Ireland awaits you. Carlow College, St. Patrick’s is situated in its own grounds on an eighteenth-century parkland and is known locally as St. Patrick’s College. Carlow College is ideally located in the heart of Carlow town. Tullow Street is only one hundred meters away. Students have access to banks, shops, food outlets and a wide variety of social venues on the doorstep.

Academics
  • The cornerstone of the program is The Irish Experience (3 credits), a course which provides students with an introduction to the history, culture, and people of Ireland. This course includes field trips and a forum for inquiry into the country they reside in for the academic term. The second summer course may vary but is typically Contemporary Irish Writing (3 credits), a course that focuses on Irish Literature.
Accommodations
  • Housing is provided at Lennon House, a renovated residence hall on the college campus. Residing at Lennon House is a requirement of the program. Students are assigned a single room, however, students may share a room with one other student depending on the number of students living in the residency hall each term. A small lounge and kitchen, and bathroom with two or three other students. A common area on the ground floor with a television is shared among all residents. Wi-Fi is available in the residence hall. Laundry facilities are located on the premises. Bed and bath linens are provided.
  • Meals are not included in the program fee. Students are expected to cook for themselves. Kitchen and cooking facilities are available in Lennon House, and many students will share meals with their housemates. A nice selection of grocery stores and eating establishments are located within walking distance.
Excursions and Extra-curriculars

Visit County Carlow, including Killeshin Romanesque Church and Killeshin Hill, Old Leighlin Cathedral, and St. Mullins; County Wexford, including the Irish National Heritage Park, Mount Leinster, Curracloe Beach and New Ross; Dublin City; County Wicklow, including Glendalough, the Meeting of the Waters, and Avoca Headquarters; a three-day excursion (Friday-Sunday) to County Kerry (Killarney/Dingle); Kilkenny City, Dunmore Caves, and County Kildare, including Rathgall and St Brigid’s Cathedral. The cost of transportation and entry fees for all cultural excursions are included in the program cost.

Eligibility
  • 18 years or older
  • 2.5 cumulative GPA (on 4.0 scale)
  • Completion of at least 12 college credits by the time of departure
  • Completion of one college writing course (commonly known as English Composition I and/or II, or its equivalent) with a grade of B or better, by the time of departure.
  • A personal interview with the program coordinator may be held to determine the participant’s maturity and adaptability to a foreign environment. Successful completion of the application process is required for admission to the program. If a participant has special needs, the program will attempt to make reasonable accommodations within the capacity available at Carlow College. Disability accommodations will vary according to need and what can reasonably be provided by a foreign institution. It may be difficult for those with severe physical disabilities to travel to and within Ireland.
Dates/Fees/Deadlines - How to apply?
  • March 1
Other Important Info: (VISA, flights, etc)
  • U.S. citizens need a passport to travel to Ireland. A visa is not required for the summer program.
  • Students are responsible for booking their own individual flights to and from Ireland. Information regarding flights is sent to students upon acceptance into the program.
  • Students who take prescription medications should plan ahead to ensure they have enough for their entire stay abroad. Medication cannot be mailed to Ireland, and some prescriptions may not be available there. If necessary, students can visit a doctor in Ireland to obtain a comparable prescription, if deemed appropriate by the physician.

Additional Information

Enroll in the U.S. Dept of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) https://secure.login.gov/  to receive important updates about your destination. STEP is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals to register planned travel abroad. Get updates about health, weather, safety, and security for your destination. Plan ahead using information from the local U.S. embassy. Help the embassy or consulate contact you if there’s an emergency like a natural disaster, civil unrest, or a family emergency.

Travel Tips

  • Before you depart, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date.
  • Always keep digital and physical copies of important documents like your passport, visa, and insurance details.
  • Research the local transportation options and familiarize yourself with the best routes to your university and other key locations.

    • Health and Safety

    Stay informed about any health advisories or vaccination requirements for your destination. It’s important to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, including evacuation. Consider packing a travel first-aid kit with essentials like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medications. Familiarize yourself with the local healthcare system and know the location of the nearest hospital or clinic at your destination.

    Your global journey starts with one step—let’s take it together. Find your college’s representative today and ask how you can start your application process.

    Find Your Rep to Apply