Whilst the main summer holiday season may have come to an end, there are still plenty of reasons to visit Ireland this autumn.
September and October are traditionally the time of year when university and college students return to their classrooms, laboratories and lecture halls.
Ireland has much to offer the academically inclined.
There are many prestigious universities, as well as lots to see and do that will appeal to students of all kinds of subjects, from history and geology to music and art.
Here are some ideas to help activate the brain cells.
Dublin
Home to one of Ireland’s top universities, Trinity College, the Republic of Ireland’s capital city has a great deal to offer students and other visitors seeking out academic stimulation.
As well as stunning architecture and beautiful grounds to explore, Trinity College also houses the world-famous Book of Kells in its Old Library – an illuminated Latin manuscript of the four Gospels of the Bible’s New Testament that is more than 1,200 years old.
The city is also famous for its links to literary giants, Oscar Wilde and James Joyce.
Belfast
Some of the most sought-after Irish universities are located in Belfast, including Queen’s University and St Mary’s University.
Belfast is fascinating for students of politics and 20th-century history, with many of the iconic Peace Walls erected during the unrest that began in the late 1960s still standing as permanent reminders of that troublesome time.
RMS Titanic was built in Belfast in the early 1900s and a museum tells the story of the doomed ship. Narnia author, C S Lewis was also born in the city and lived there as a child.
Giant’s Causeway
Giant’s Causeway, now owned by the National Trust, has some truly fascinating geological features and attracts many students of physical geography and lovers of nature every year.
It is located around 60 miles from Belfast and well worth the trip for an educational experience like no other.
Guided tours and audio guides introduce the area to newcomers and you can enjoy amazing views out to sea.
Even if you are not a geographer, the natural tranquility is the perfect way to unwind after a heavy study session.
Kilkenny
This medieval town is all about history, with its 13th-century Kilkenny Castle and abundance of medieval architecture and Normal streets to explore.
Kilkenny is also home to Maynooth University and many other respectable academic institutions.
There are also lots of arts and crafts to enjoy, plus the student essential that is vibrant night life and plentiful entertainment.
There is even a spooky Kilkenny ghost tour to enjoy with friends after classes at the end of the day.
Wexford
Formerly Ireland’s leading fishing port, this friendly coastal town boasts a rich maritime history in the guise of Hook Lighthouse and Wexford Harbour, as well as plenty of culture for music and arts students – the 73rd Wexford Festival Opera takes place this October.
Wexford Vocational College, New Ross Vocational College and South East Technological University all call this very welcoming town home.
Letterkenny
Located on the scenic Wild Atlantic Way, Letterkenny is the largest town in County Donegal and home to the beautiful St Eunan’s Cathedral – a must-see for students of religion and architecture.
Geographers and botanists will love the proximity to the natural landscapes and coastal interest of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Historians are not neglected in this market town, with the beautiful Glenveagh Castle just waiting to be explored during a free hour or two.
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