All FIE students undertake an intensive Irish Life and Cultures Course, which continues throughout the term. Students explore a variety of modules in relation to Irish history, language, culture, and politics, with special emphasis on the history of peace and conflict in Ireland. Complementing the Dublin-based course lectures and co-curricular excursions, two study tours take students to Northern Ireland (Derry and Belfast) and Western Ireland (Galway, Connemara, and the Aran Islands) to contextualize the topics at hand.
Additionally, Irish Life and Cultures has co-curricular activities to complement in-classroom learning. Examples are:
- National Museum
- Croke Park
- Glasnevin Cemetery
Provides an opportunity to experience working life in another country, and challenges pre-conceived notions of cultures and of the professional world.
The benefits of a well-structured social and cultural program outside the classroom can be as important as the in-class experience.
