Participants in the Irish Summer Institute have an opportunity to study and discover Ireland across multiple cities. While based in Dublin, this program features several excursions around the country that allow students to immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of the "Emerald Isle."

From its origin as a Viking outpost to its emergence as "a big village and a dirty village where gossip reigns supreme," Dublin has been central to the development of Ireland, epitomizing the country's ability to continually invent and re-invent itself according to the demands of each new age. In this course we consider Dublin's linguistic, religious, and political complexities through the lens of the city's distinguished literary history. Topics include medieval Dublin and the Pale, the Georgian city and the Protestant Ascendancy, the Irish Literary Revival, the Abbey Theatre, the "exile" of James Joyce, the Easter Rising, World War I and the emergence of the Irish Republic.

This course examines how plays staged in London and Dublin between 1600 and 1775 represented Ireland, its history, and inhabitants. Students will read the most important dramatic literature concerning Ireland written during this period, including works by William Shakespeare, George Farquhar, and Richard Brinsley Sheridan. In addition, students will tour Dublin and learn firsthand how the city served as a backdrop for a social drama. We’ll visit many places, like Dublin Castle, Trinity College, and the building that housed John Ogilby’s Smock Alley Theatre.

Dublin: Students are housed in single rooms at the University College Dublin dorms. Students may eat at the university cafeteria at their own expense. All meals are self-catered, though a Welcome Meal and Farewell meal are included in the CUAbroad Program Fee.

Composed of generous donations from the Twohig-Sullivan Family, the Twohig-Sullivan Fund for Irish Studies exists to increase opportunities for Catholic University students to study abroad in Ireland, especially those students eager to enroll in the University’s annual Irish Summer Institute. Multiple, significant awards are made each year. These awards cover various expenses incurred by those who participate in the Irish Summer Institute. Applicants must be both US citizens and full-time Catholic University students in good academic standing. There is no minimum GPA.

Award amounts will be, at a minimum:

Additional scholarship funds may be available for applicants who are able to demonstrate a significant need.
 

Students receiving an award will be asked, on their return to Catholic University, to compose a statement describing their experiences in Ireland, and how precisely the Twohig-Sullivan Fund helped enrich their appreciation of Irish history, literature, and culture. This statement will be shared with the sponsors of the Fund to help illustrate the significant impact these resources have on our students’ education and their future.