The Republic of Ireland is a country in Western Europe. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland’s estimated usually resident population reached 5,458,600 in April 2025. The country’s official languages are English and Irish, also known as Gaeilge. Roman Catholicism remained the largest religion in Census 2022, while people with no religion and members of the Church of Ireland/England, Anglican, and Episcopalian grouping were also represented.
When it comes to tourist destinations, the country has a long list of places that travelers should not miss. This list includes Dublin’s Grafton Street, Killarney National Park, the Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher, and Cork’s English Market. In addition to this, there are also many must-try Irish dishes, such as colcannon and champ, soda bread, boxty, Dublin coddle, and, of course, a full Irish breakfast.
In 2024/25, Ireland’s publicly funded higher education institutions recorded 44,535 non-Ireland-domiciled student enrolments. In this guide, we let you in on some of the best cities to study in Ireland for international students.
Top Cities to Study in Ireland for International Students
1. Dublin
The capital of Ireland, Dublin, is known in Irish as Baile Átha Cliath, while the English name Dublin comes from Dubh Linn, meaning “black pool.” It is one of Ireland’s most vibrant cities. Aside from being popular for its lovely architecture, the area is also famous for its drinks, including the dry stout beer Guinness.
With many colleges and universities to choose from, Dublin is among the best cities to study in Ireland for international students. A few of the best include Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, Technological University Dublin, Dublin Business School, and RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.
For students who are planning to take up a technology-focused program or course, Technological University Dublin, or TU Dublin, is a strong option. It is Ireland’s first technological university and has about 28,000 students across five campuses. Aside from undergraduate and postgraduate study options, the university also offers part-time programs, postgraduate research, apprenticeships, Springboard+ courses, microcredentials, and professional development options.
As for those who aspire to work in healthcare, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland is highly recommended. It is also known as RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences. Established in 1784 and authorized to use the university title in Ireland in 2019, RCSI is one of the country’s leading specialist institutions for medicine and health sciences. In the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, RCSI ranked among the world’s top 10 universities for Good Health and Well-being.
2. Cork
Cork is in the southwest region of Ireland. To be specific, it is part of the country’s Munster province. It has been called “The Rebel County.” It is also known as a foodie destination because of its famous English Market, where visitors can find artisan cheeses, cured meats, organic foods, and much more.
On the topic of higher education institutions, University College Cork, Cork College of FET, Munster Technological University, MTU Crawford College of Art & Design, and Griffith College Cork are among the top centers of learning in the area.
University College Cork, simply called UCC, offers a wide range of options for prospective students. It was founded in 1845 and has continued to grow as one of Ireland’s major universities. In the QS World University Rankings 2026/2027, UCC ranked 220th in the world. At the institution, there is a variety of undergraduate, postgraduate, adult continuing education, continuing professional development, and microcredential courses.
Adding to that, MTU Crawford College of Art & Design is a strong school for budding artists and creative professionals. Its areas include fine art, contemporary applied art, creative digital media, photography with new media, visual communications, arts and engagement, contemporary art practice, e-learning design and development, and journalism and digital content creation.
3. Maynooth
Maynooth is a culturally and historically rich area located in County Kildare, about 25 kilometers west of Dublin. It is known as Ireland’s only university town. People love Maynooth for its pubs, but there is more to see and do in the town than just get drinks. Visitors can check out Carton House, Clonfert Pet Farm, and The Kildare Gallery. Maynooth is surely among the top cities in Ireland to study in.
In Maynooth, the best-known universities and colleges are Maynooth University and St. Patrick’s Pontifical University, Maynooth. Maynooth University is a leading institution for higher education and regularly appears in international university rankings. Moreover, there are many subject areas to choose from at the university. A few of these are Accounting, Biological and Geographical Sciences, Biology, Biotechnology, Business, Chemistry, Economics, and Law.
As for the latter, it is also called St. Patrick’s Pontifical University, Maynooth, or Maynooth College. It opened in 1795 as the National Seminary for Ireland and was established as a Pontifical University in 1896. The institute is highly regarded for its courses and programs in theology, philosophy, Canon law, and related fields.
4. Galway
Galway can be found in Ireland’s vibrant province of Connacht. Furthermore, it is known as the country’s festival capital. With that, some of the most-visited places in the city include Eyre Square, the Wild Atlantic Way, Galway Market, the Aran Islands, and St. Nicholas’ Church.
The University of Galway, Atlantic Technological University, Galway Business School, Mercy College Galway, and Galway Community College Further Education are some of the city’s recognized institutes for higher learning.
The University of Galway is a public research university founded in 1845. Its historic Quadrangle opened its doors to the first students in 1849, and the institution was renamed University of Galway in 2022 after previously being known as NUI Galway. Today, future students can choose from options across its colleges and schools, including Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies; Business, Public Policy, and Law; Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences; and Science and Engineering.
Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology is now part of Atlantic Technological University. ATU was established in 2022 through the merger of Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Institute of Technology Sligo, and Letterkenny Institute of Technology, expanding technological university options across the west and northwest of Ireland.
5. Waterford
- Best Schools: South East Technological University
Waterford is another one of the best cities to study in Ireland for international students. Situated in the southeast part of Ireland, it is one of the country’s oldest cities. In the area, the greatest places to go include Curraghmore House and Gardens, the Rock of Cashel, the Medieval Museum, Reginald’s Tower, and the Bishop’s Palace. As for centers of learning, the most prominent university presence in the city is South East Technological University.
South East Technological University, or SETU, officially opened in 2022 after Waterford Institute of Technology and Institute of Technology Carlow were designated as a technological university. Today, SETU offers CAO, postgraduate, part-time, and international courses across its campuses, including Waterford.
Studying in Ireland could be an experience of a lifetime for a prospective student. Irish people are known for their warmth, humor, and kindness. These factors collectively make it a great choice for students, especially those interested in ancient history, literature, nature, and a genuine artistic experience. Ireland’s universities and technological universities also offer a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, part-time, and online study options.
We hope you found this article on the best cities to study in Ireland for international students informative and helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs for International Students in Europe!
