Many refer to the idyllic location of SHU’s Center for Irish Cultural Studies as the “best of both worlds” since it provides visitors with all of the amenities of a tourist haven, but in an authentic setting with traditional Irish culture. Yet, it is much more. In fact, our students will tell you: it’s the best of all possible worlds. A place with welcoming locals and many hospitable places in which to meet them…tremendous learning resources…magnificent relics, ruins and holy places…outstanding access to other areas of the country-and to Europe…immersive activities and opportunities to try something new…and a vast, living record of folklore, celebrations, history and authentic music and dance. If you wish to experience all that Ireland has to offer, the Dingle Peninsula Gaeltacht is where you want to be.

In Irish, “An Gaeltacht” refers to the few areas in Ireland in which Irish is the community language of the people. In these areas, people work to preserve the vitality of the language and all aspects of Irish culture.  Complementing the traditional culture, are the modern amenities which make Dingle the best of all worlds for our students: banking institutions, high-quality medical facilities, retail shops, accessibility of bus and train services, a regional airport for travel throughout Europe and proximity to larger towns and cities such as Tralee, Cork and Killarney.

You won’t need to leave the Peninsula, however, to see the most breathtaking coastal scenery Ireland has to offer. The wind-swept beaches, green hills, and sea cliffs are stunning.  In fact, National Geographic described the region as “the most beautiful place on Earth.” 

Our home base is in the heart and soul of the Peninsula, Dingle Town - a thriving Irish fishing port teeming with restaurants, shops and lively pubs. Both instrumental music and song have a long tradition in the area, and Dingle is renowned among music-lovers likely due to the variety of music that can be heard every night of the week in pubs all over town.

As one student described it, “It was everything together—culture, daily life, field trips, activities, nightlife—that made this experience so amazing and memorable. And our learning was interactive with the people of Dingle.” 

Truly, there is no place quite like it to engage in Irish studies-anywhere.