Dating back to the mid 19th century, the University College Cork is spread across 44 acres of well-wooded university grounds.

In 1845 the UCC was created in its original form as one of three Queen’s Colleges, along with Belfast and Galway, finally opening in 1849. Early buildings including the Gothic-inspired, Oxford-style Quadrangle buildings and the Aula Maxima (or Great Hall) remain as the heart of the university today. Notably, the university grounds are said to be close to the hills where the monastery of patron saint of Cork, St Finbarr, stood. 

The university has performed well in published league tables, with circa 16,000 full time students attending the teaching staff is kept busy, and over 2000 international students give the student body a touch of continental flair. 

Cork itself has a host of attractions and crumbling castles for inspiration, with magnificent views of the clash between the jagged Cork coastline clashing with the Atlantic Ocean available at any number of beauty spots along the county’s coast. The city has plenty to offer the student population, with shopping centres packed with brand name stores and a variety of restaurants and cultured coffee shop spots. 

The nightlife is adequate if not amazing, with a few clubs and loads of bars and traditional Irish pubs for the drinkers. Music venues showcase plenty of local and travelling talent, including local Irish music - which is unavoidable and unforgettable!