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Packing and Travel

What to pack

Ireland has a temperate climate and does not experience extremes of heat or cold. It does however, have high rainfall levels. The weather is unpredictable and can change dramatically in a short period of time. It is best to be prepared for four seasons in one day!

Prepare to dress in layers and ensure that you have waterproof clothing and footwear for wet days. This is especially important if you are participating in field trips, where you will be exposed to the elements. The dress code for class will be casual, but you may wish to bring something dressy for nights on the town or a visit to the theatre. Remember to leave room in your bag for souvenirs on the way home. We recommend you include the following items on your packing list:

Waterproof walking shoes or hiking boots
Waterproof jacket and leggings
A fleece
Backpack for field trips
Umbrella
Camera and memory cards
Chargers for your electrical equipment
Power converter/adaptor*
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Prescription medicines and a copy of your prescription

*The electrical current in Ireland is 240 volts. Plugs use a three-pronged formation. If your electrical devices use a different current, you will need both a power converter and a plug adaptor.

There are lots of great packing videos on YouTube which provide useful tips on the most efficient way to pack for your trip. For example, How to Pack Clothes for Traveling.

Travel Information

Visa Information

You can check if you need a study visa on the website of the Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Service. More detailed advice about study visas can be accessed on the website of the International Office website Visas and Immigration - University of Galway

As a summer school student, you will spend 3-5 weeks in Ireland and therefore do not need to register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau. When checked by immigration officials on arrival in Ireland, your passport will be stamped up to the end of your summer school course. Should you wish to stay for a longer period, you may need to liaise with the Garda National Immigration Bureau after arrival to facilitate an extension to your stay. The Summer School Office will be able to assist with this process.

Please ensure you bring your passport and original letter of offer with you to show to immigration officials at your point of entry to Ireland.

Travelling to Galway

You will find information on travelling to Galway and campus maps HERE (scroll to the end for all maps).

Shannon International Airport is approximately a 2 hour drive from Galway City. Shannon Airport is serviced by Bus Éireann.

Dublin International Airport is approximately a 3 hour drive from Galway City. A number of bus services operate connections from Dublin Airport to Galway City centre: Citylink, GoBus and Bus Éireann. Bus is the easiest connection from Airport to Galway City Bus Station. A regular train service operates from Dublin (Heuston Station) to Galway.

Ireland West Airport is approximately 1.5 hour drive from Galway City. The airport is serviced by Bus Éireann.

Cork International Airport is approximately 3.5 hours from Galway City and is serviced by Citylink.

From Galway City centre, you can take a taxi to the University, or take the No. 404 Galway City Bus in the direction of Newcastle from Eyre Square. Eyre Square is a short walk from the Galway Coach station, which is used by Citylink and GoBus, and from the Bus Éireann train/bus station.

Travelling to Carraroe/An Cheathrú Rua

Carraroe is also accessible via the No. 424 Bus Éireann Service from Galway Bus Station.

Exploring Ireland

You may wish to spend some time touring Ireland during your visit. You will have a full schedule during your summer school experience, so we recommend that you consider scheduling some time before or after your course, to explore Ireland or travel in Europe. Some of the more popular tourist destinations in Ireland to consider are:

Aran Islands	Dublin City	Kylemore Abbey
Belfast	Game of Thrones Tour	Newgrange
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park	Giant’s Causeway	Ring of Kerry
Cliffs of Moher	Guinness Store House	Skellig Michael
Connemara	Inishbofin Island	The Burren