Close enough to be convenient but just far away enough to be different, Ireland is a perfect destination if you’re thinking of studying abroad. With outstanding employment opportunities, fantastic food and culture, and a guaranteed warm welcome wherever you go, here’s 7 reasons why Ireland should be top of your list when choosing a place to study.
It's English speaking
As one of the only English-speaking countries in the EU, Ireland offers the opportunity to experience a different culture without having to grapple with a language barrier. Ok, so some of the stronger Irish accents might present some difficulties for the new visitor, but give it a few weeks and you'll be having "the craic" with the locals like a native.
It’s home to many of the world’s leading companies
When it comes to job opportunities Ireland is second to none, with many of the world's top companies attracted here by generous tax incentives and a highly educated workforce. As well as tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Twitter, Ireland is currently home to 9 of the world's top 10 pharmaceutical companies and is one of the globe’s largest exporter of pharmaceuticals, which means you certainly won't be short of a job interview when you finish your course.
You’re sure of a warm welcome
Irish people have always prided themselves on the welcome they offer to tourists and new arrivals alike, and last year leading travel site Lonely Planet named Dublin as the third best city in the world to visit. Wherever you base yourself in Ireland, you’ll be welcomed by a people who are justifiably proud of their conversational skills and happy to set the world to rights over a chat or deep discussion. Ireland also recently finished top in the Good Country Index, which measures a country's overall contribution to the world, from arts and culture to science, and charity. Not bad going for a little island of 5m people.
It’s got great food
It's not just about Irish stew anymore. The Irish restaurant industry has made huge strides in recent years and the country now boasts 11 Michelin-starred restaurants. Away from the higher-end stuff, Dublin's vibrant food culture encompasses authentic burrito joints, indulgent American-style burgers, and some extremely chic (and extremely popular, so book ahead) brunch spots. Our produce is also second to none, with Irish meat and dairy products prized around the world.
It's a cultural hotspot
For such a small country, Ireland has always punched well above its weight in terms of cultural impact. The island has produced four Nobel Laureates in Literature (perhaps surprisingly, the country's most famous literary son, James Joyce, never actually won) and the streets of Dublin are crammed with artistic and literary spots of interest, from the National Museum, with its stunning collection of medieval artefacts, to the Hugh Lane Gallery, which houses a recreation of Francis Bacon’s studio, transported piece by piece from London and rebuilt in painstaking detail.
It’s sports-mad
Ireland has a uniquely intense relationship with sports. From rugby to soccer, our national sides attract fervent support whenever they play, packing out the Aviva Stadium and pubs across the land. From something a little more out the ordinary, take in one of our traditional Gaelic games which attract massive crowds to Croke Park all summer long. High-Level hurling (often called the fastest field sport in the world) game has to be seen to be believed.
It's got natural beauty
They don't call it the Emerald Isle for nothing. Ireland's relatively compact size means you're only ever a few hours away from an area of outstanding scenery. From the breathtaking lakes and mountains of The Ring of Kerry, to the unearthly landscape of the Burren in Clare, and the rugged Atlantic coast of Donegal (a surfer's paradise) the list of stunning natural spots is almost endless, and most of them can be reached in a few hours by car from Dublin. The city itself is also home to some beautiful green spaces, like the Phoenix Park, which is one of the largest city parks in Europe and even has its own herd of deer.
Interested in studying in Ireland? Innopharma Labs offer a range of courses in the Pharmaceutical, FoodTech and MedTech industries that are specifically designed with your career in mind.