content - ireland

Ireland is a country steeped in tradition and history. Ireland's long-standing tradition of providing exceptional education began with 6th century Irish scholar-monks, who travelled throughout Europe establishing centres of learning. Ireland's long and honourable tradition in educational excellence is recognised the world over.  Successive modern governments have continued to regard education as a key priority and investment in this area has been sustained for a long time. This has resulted in one of the highest education participation rates in the world today.

 Why Study in Ireland?

Friendly Country

Voted by Lonely Planet as the most friendly country in the world (2008 & 2010) 

Irish people are among the most enriching reasons to study in Ireland. We are renowned for our friendliness and hospitality which greatly contributes to the ease with which overseas students adapt to student life in Ireland. We are naturally curious and genuinely interested in others. A strong sense of community abounds

English Speaking

Ireland is an English speaking country. Some of the great writers in English literature have come from Ireland. These include Jonathan Swift, James Joyce, William Butler Yeats, Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw and Samuel Beckett.

Safe

Ireland has a reputation for being a safe and welcoming country to live in ranking 12^th in the 2009 Global Peace Index

Education System

Ireland has one of the best education systems in the world according to the independent IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2009 (ranks 8^th)

Quality

Irish education is of the highest international quality.The quality of the Irish education system is a major contributing factor to the rapid rate of economic growth Ireland has experienced over the last few decades.

Open Economy

Ireland's small open economy has achieved deep integration within the world economy. Among the key factors contributing to this has been the Irish education system in general, and the higher education system in particular. Almost one thousand overseas companies use Ireland as their European base including Google, Intel, Yahoo, Adobe, Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, Apple and Amazon.com to name but a few!

Excellence

Irish higher education institutions are widely recognised for excellence in many disciplines.

Quality Research

Ireland is recognised as an international location for high quality scientific research.

Young Population

 Ireland has a young vibrant population, with 36% of the population under the age of 25, Ireland is one of the most exciting places in the world to be a student.

Beautiful

Ireland is beautiful - much of the countryside remains unspoilt providing an excellent natural habitat for a flourishing flora and fauna. Ireland's landscape provides a rich environment for the many outdoor leisure pursuits for which it is famous. Watersports, hill walking, rocking climbing and caving are just a few of the many activities which can be enjoyed when taking a break from study

Global Centre

Ireland is a global centre of artistic and cultural excellence.

Rich Cultural Heritage

Ireland has a rich cultural heritage with its own distinctive language (Gaelic) music, culture and sports.

Dynamic

Ireland is a dynamic, lively and modern country

Highly Developed Democracy

Ireland is a highly developed democracy with a modern economy. The Irish economy is particularly strong in the areas of software development, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and international services.

The number of international students visiting Ireland is increasing each year, students from all over the world are taking advantage of the higher education standard in Ireland coupled with the unique cultural experience.

Above all, however, Ireland is renowned worldwide for its friendliness and its welcome to visitors. These core values are as prevalent in Irish society today as ever. You can be sure that an integral part of "The Irish Experience" will be the welcome you receive!

For more facts on Ireland please read the Ireland Vital Statistics January 2010