Ireland, the country of a thousand castles located in the sea of Western Europe, has cities as beautiful as Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick. With a population of around 4 million people, Ireland is a country that is often visited by tourists as a mandatory tourist destination.

For those of you who are studying or want to visit Ireland. Here are 6 educational tourist attractions that you must visit.

1. Dublin Literature

Dublin is the City of Literature by UNESCO, which has become home to legendary writers whose works have gone worldwide. Starting from Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift, James Joyce, Anne Enright to Sally Rooney.

In addition, Ireland has also given birth to winners of Novel Literature prizes such as WB Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, Samuel Beckett to Seamus Heaney. The beauty of the city of Dublin has succeeded in creating extraordinary literary works. Therefore, you must visit Dublin.

2. The Abbey Town of Glendalough

Founded in the 6th century by Saint Kevin, the town of Glendalough is the city’s oldest and most important monastic settlement.

The Round Tower, as well as Saint Kevin’s Church and Cathedral are still flooded with visitors every day. When visiting this place, you can imagine the peace and harmony of the life of the monks several centuries ago.

3. Clonmacnoise

Clonmacnoise, located on the banks of the river Shannon, is a leading center of learning throughout mainland Europe, dating back to the 6th century. In fact, because of the significance of this place, the tomb of King Tara is also here.

4. The Burren and the Cliffs of Moher

One of the UNESCO Global Geoparks in Ireland is the tourist site of The Burren and the Cliffs of Moher.

The Burren in Irish ‘boíreann’ means ‘rocky place’ which was created by earth activity hundreds of millions of years ago. While at The Burren, you can enjoy a very rich biodiversity. 1,100 species of plants to various species of butterflies. Apart from that, you can also find iconic dolmens and stone fortresses.

5. Newgrange and Brú na Bóinne

The UNESCO-listed Boyne Valley is home to more than 90 Neolithic monuments, including Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth which is the largest prehistoric center of Neolithic art in Europe.

The thing that is still a mystery is, what was the reason for Newgrange being built 5000 years ago. And how did they come up with Newgrange with the plans for the tomb passage, and determine the winter solstice so that every December 21, the sunlight would align perfectly to enter the chamber?

6. The Giant Causeway

This place is also a UNESCO World Heritage site that you must visit. According to legend, 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns suddenly rise from the sea and were built by the giant Fionn McCall to settle a dispute with a Scottish giant.

Meanwhile, according to Science, this phenomenal tourist site was formed by volcanic activity that occurred 60 million years ago.

So, those are 6 educational tourist attractions that you must visit while on college vacation or when you want to visit Ireland. Want to study in Ireland? Immediately contact Education Republic as the official representative of universities in Ireland! Our management is also FREE without charge!

The cost of living in Ireland depends on where you study and the type of accommodation you choose. The cost of living in Dublin excluding tuition fees ranges from € 8,000 to € 12,100, including accommodation rent, electricity, meals, books, laundry, medicines, transport and entertainment expenses.

According to the latest news, the cost of living in Ireland is now 8% cheaper compared to 2008, but tuition fees have increased by 10%.

Accommodation

The cost of living outside of Dublin is lower, with accommodation costing €7,803 per year, excluding electricity, water, and so on.

Winters in Ireland are quite cold. You will need to set aside around € 57 to € 140 per month for heating costs. The cost of electricity in winter is also higher, as the sun rises at 8.30 am and sets at 4.30 pm. So, the lamp usage time will be longer during winter.

Transportation

Transportation costs depend on where you live. You can use public transportation or cycling. Ireland’s highways have many designated lanes for cycling. A one-way bus ticket is usually purchased for € 1.25. But you can buy weekly or monthly tickets at a discount if you show your Student Travel Card. More information about transportation can be found on the Dublinbus website.

Read also: 6 Educational Tourist Places You Must Visit in Ireland

Entertainment

Ireland is famous for its music which attracts the attention of many tourists. You can easily find musicians on the streets of Ireland. You can get more information in Time Out’s guide to Dublin.

Ireland’s official board of tourism also provides a lot of information about fun activities you can do while studying in Ireland. Your university will also provide various information about entertainment around your residence on a bulletin board.

The estimated cost of entertainment in Ireland is:

• Cinema tickets € 7.50 and € 12
• Entrance to the nightclub € 7 – € 15 (depending on the venue)
• Beer (1 pint)/ glass of wine in Dublin € 4.50
• You can get a discount by showing your student card.

As a full-time student, you can get discounts at certain restaurants and shops. You can also make an internationally known International Student Identity Card (ISIC). ISIC will prove your status as a full-time student, and you can get one at most colleges or universities.

Food

Including meals on campus or in inexpensive restaurants, you will probably be spending around €70 – €100 per week on the items below. You can save by buying in bulk.

• Milk € 1.22
• Bread € 1.69
• Butter (500 g) € 1.80
• Sugar (1 kg) € 1.99
• Coffee (200 g) € 3.99
• Tea (160 tea bags) € 6.19
• Coca Cola (2 L) € 1.69
• Big Mac at McD € 6.30

Health

As a student in Ireland, you will be required by the Irish Naturalization and Immigration Services to have valid health insurance while you are studying in Ireland.

However, if you become an Irish resident within a year, you can expect to receive the same medical services as Irish citizens. If so, you will need €100 for each trip to the hospital in case of an accident or emergency. €75 is charged for hospitalization per day, up to a maximum of €750 for the first ten days.

Hospitalization for more than ten days is free of charge. You will not get this privilege if you are in Northern Ireland or another European Union country. For more detailed information, you can visit the HSE (Health Service Executive) website. This health service does not apply to students from non-EU countries and taking study programs that last less than one year.

Irish festivals, come in all shapes and sizes, and at any time of year. But when visiting Ireland, you are sure to be spoiled for choice, you will see hundreds of festivals held throughout the year. From local Country Fairs to big celebrations in Dublin. So, which festival will you be attending?

One word of advice, though – if you’re planning a trip to one of these festivals, you’re best off booking accommodation well in advance, perhaps within easy driving distance. Most places get (more) booked early, with extortionate prices. So if you don’t want a stable child wardrobe for € 200 a night, get into the planning as soon as possible, it will pay off. And if you don’t want to participate in any of the “in this country” festivals, you might as well avoid the venues during the festivities. Because they will be crowded. And a nightmare to navigate.

Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann

Ireland’s national music festival and party for traditional lovers. Held annually at the end of August at a different location and attracts legions of musicians and other performers.

St. Festival Patrick (Dublin)

St. Festival St. Patrick’s Day is held around March 17 which is the peak of festivals in the United States – country parades and festivals tend to be much more narrow and amateurish. If you want some colorful squishy fun, Dublin is the place to be. Leave the capital if your taste buds are for a quieter celebration.

July 12 – Commemorates the Battle of the Boyne

On (and around) July 12 Loyalists everywhere in Northern Ireland celebrated King William’s victory at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. With bands, huge bonfires, and demonstrators. Republicans turned a blind eye or protested. The celebration is a sight to behold despite all the sectarian tensions. Though not for the faint of heart and definitely no place to discuss politics. For the “vanilla” (still orange) version, you might want to check out the Rossnowlagh parade in County Donegal.

Fairyhouse Easter Festival

A traditional Easter Sunday highlight for lovers of fast horses and high stakes – traffic jams around the small village of Meath hamlet Fairyhouse and fun “bookies” are included. See the best horses and jockeys competing in Ireland’s Grand National on Easter Monday.

Dublin Horse Show

Ireland’s premier equestrian event is sponsored by Fáilte Ireland and features the best events every August such as Showjumping, Dressage and Exciting Hunts. You can also see female visitors compete for the “Best Dressed” title on Women’s Day, and the best riders and horses compete for the Aga Khan Trophy.

Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival

Every year, hundreds of singles and thousands of supporters flock to the town of Clare, Lisdoonvarna in September – looking for a life partner or just for the fun of it. Matchmakers match potential partners in a time-honored tradition and everyone is happy. Or not. Some matches just aren’t made in heaven.

Appalachian and Bluegrass Music Festival

Held annually in early autumn this is one of Ireland’s best bluegrass festivals and one of a kind in an enjoyable atmosphere. Walk among America’s farmsteads and hear the sounds of Appalachian folk culture. Totally recommended for homesick travelers!

Killorglin Puck Fair

A goat is crowned king in the Kerry town of Killorglin, and all hell breaks loose – not a plot for a cheesy horror film but a tradition with pagan roots. Still practice for three days every August, on the 10th, 11th, and 12th. Music, entertainment, and pageantry range from traditional to modern. Don’t miss the “Queen of Puck” voting!

All-Ireland Finals in Hurling and Football

Tens of thousands of people make the annual pilgrimage to Croke Park decked out in their region’s colors – each September sees the All-Ireland Final in the Gaelic sports of hurling and football. Even if you don’t understand the rules, the game speed is dazzling. And the enthusiasm of the fans is unmatched.

Rose of Tralee

A beauty contest of saccharine sweetness with Irish graduates from around the world vying for the title “Rose of Tralee” (named after a deeply sentimental traditional song). No one in Ireland claims to watch the contest, but the live program on RTÉ is regularly one of the most popular TV shows each August!

Geographically, the Republic of Ireland cannot be categorized as a large country on the European Continent. However, the natural beauty, friendliness of the people, history of civilization, and intellectual property in the country have proven that this country is a country to be reckoned with. The country with the capital city of Dublin holds many amazing things. There, you can not only glance back by visiting the remnants of civilization’s history but also have the opportunity to peek into the future.

Why is That?

The following reasons will fully answer the question of why the country known as the Emerald Island is able to make you feel like you are crossing the ages.

Remains of Civilization in Prehistoric Times

There was a time when humans did not know how to read and write, they still communicated with body language, and survived by using makeshift items.

We know these times as prehistoric times

One of the oldest periods in ordinary prehistory is the stone age. Humans at that time used rocks as a tool for them to survive, both as a tool for hunting, farming, and living.

Several areas in the Republic of Ireland keep historical evidence of human civilization at that time.

One of them is the Hill of Tara, the most famous stone age site in Ireland. The location is in the north of Dublin City. There, there are various shapes and forms of stones that show human life at that time , such as the Stone of Destiny, Mound of the House stage, and Ringfort which became the land where a group of people lived at that time.

Not only on the Hill of Tara, but the Republic of Ireland also stores various other prehistoric relics, such as Newgrange, the largest tomb that has been named one of the best cultural reserves in the world, and Céide Fields which is also one of the widest Neolithic era remains in the world.

Historical Evidence in the Middle Ages

Towards historical times, when humans began to enter the ancient and medieval eras, civilization in Ireland was growing.

In the era when the small kingdoms began to stand, many castles were built in almost the entire territory of the Republic of Ireland The castle is still standing strong today. Some of them have become tourist destinations, while others have been transformed into inns.

Evidence of the history of human civilization at this time is also shown by the existence of sites and former settlements. One of the most famous is Skellig Michael, the former nun complex, which was once the shooting spot for the film Star Wars, where in the film, this place is better known as the Jedi Temple.

As for other relics of this era, you can also find them in big cities there. Especially, seen in the magnificent churches, where the development of Catholicism, which is currently embraced by the majority of the population of Ireland.

Works and Figures in the Modern Era

Entering the modern era, where science began to develop rapidly, historical heritage in Ireland also shifted from just physical buildings to stories of world leaders with their phenomenal works.

Call it Bram Stroker, a Dublin-born writer who succeeded in creating the character of Dracula, a ghost who is said to be the incarnation of a bloodsucking bat. There is also Robert Boyle, a world figure with the nickname “Father of Chemistry” who was born in Lismore, Republic of Ireland. James Joyce, Maureen O Hara, Michael Collins, Oscar Wilde, and others, are also world figures who were born in the Republic of Ireland.

Apart from world figures, Ireland also has the oldest operating hospital in the world. The hospital is Rotunda Hospital , located in the City of Dublin.

How Is Ireland Today?

It’s not only civilizations in the past and their heritage that make Ireland amazing. The achievements, he has made at this time also emphasize that this country is a country to be reckoned with.

The proof is the release of Fortune in mid-2018, which crowned the Republic of Ireland among the top five richest countries in the world.
Likewise, in terms of scientific development, Ireland also has a significant role. This is because universities in Ireland are included in 1% of all world research institutions that have broad influence in various fields.

Peek into the Future in Ireland, Europe’s Silicon Valley

Well, this is a compliment, why the Republic of Ireland can be considered as a ‘time machine to explore human civilization from time to time. Having discussed the past and present, it’s time to take a peek at the future of the country.

In line with the increasingly rapid development of information technology, Ireland’s development towards becoming a more mature country in terms of technology and information is also getting better.

This country is a reference for the giant information technology companies in the world.

Especially in the capital Dublin, which is predicted to become Europe’s Silicon Valley.

Technological developments in Dublin have been matched by achievements in related fields. Yes, based on the report of The Cultural and Creative Monitor, five cities in Ireland occupy the top positions, in their respective categories.

Meanwhile, in terms of innovation, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) stated that Ireland is the top 10 most innovative countries in the world.

The data above has shown how Ireland has a chance to become a country capable of responding to challenges in the future. So in that way, you can be sure that visiting Ireland will give you the opportunity to peek at the direction of the world’s movement in the future.

The past and the future are dimensions that cannot be separated from human life. In fact, knowing the past and responding to challenges in the future can improve our capacity as humans.

For this reason, with various cultural artifacts in the Republic of Ireland that represent each era, of course, it will be very useful for us in living life in the world. That’s why Ireland can take us to explore the eras where human civilization was born and developed.