Know Before You Go To Ireland



Your study abroad experience doesn’t start when you step foot off the plane in Dublin. It starts now!

What documents do I need to get before I go to Ireland?

You will need a valid passport to travel to Ireland, and it should be valid until at least 6 months after the end of your planned stay in Ireland. You do not need a visa in order to travel to and study in Ireland, but in order to be approved to stay in Ireland for the semester, you will need evidence that you have enough money for your trip and/or have ongoing or return transportation tickets. You will also need letters from Loras College and Dun Laoghaire Institute stating that you are a student and will be in Ireland primarily to study. These will be provided to you by the CEL. Please keep these documents in your CARRY-ON, as you will need to present them to the Irish immigration services officer. Shortly after arrival in Ireland, you will need to register with Irish Immigration Services because you will be in the country longer than three months.

Should I make my own flight arrangements to Ireland?

Yes, you are responsible for booking your own flight to Ireland, but the faculty directorwill recommend a specific group flight. You are strongly encouraged to make their arrangements on the designated flight. This facilitates airport pickup and transportation to student housing. If you choose to arrive on another flight, notify the SAC and FD. If you plan to arrive shortly prior to the group flight, you can connect with the group at the airport. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting into the city yourself. Loras housing will not be available until the official arrival date in Ireland. If you arrive earlier, expect to find your own lodging until the program begins.

When the program ends you have the option of returning to the U.S. as soon as it is over or spending some time traveling in Europe. You will need to inform the CEL of their departure date from Ireland and find your own housing after the program end date.

What is Dublin’s weather like?

In Dublin it gets cold with average temperatures from 32-50 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. Fall and spring are usually mild, although this can vary. It can definitely be chilly, foggy, rainy and/or windy at times. Bring warm clothes that will keep you dry! Due to the type of construction and the absence of central heating systems in many of the buildings, it is often colder indoors than outdoors in all areas of Ireland. Do as the Irish do and dress in layers. It is windy when it rains, so a good poncho is better than an umbrella. There are a lot of puddles, so it is good to have water-proof shoes.