University College of Cork (also known as UCC) neighbours Cork English Academy (CEA). The University is situated at the top of Western Road, however as many locals know, its campus spreads the whole way across the city. As a student of Cork English Academy you will be get many opportunities to visit the historic University on our weekly social activities. Several of our students have followed their studies at CEA onto UCC.

UCC was founded 1845 and was originally known as Queen’s College, Cork, one of the 3 Queen’s College’s in Ireland the others located in Galway and Belfast. In 1908 the College was renamed to University College Cork. UCC began with 115 students and as of 2016 had over 21,000.

UCC has won Sunday’s Time University of the year 3 times. It is also the first University in the world who has received A Green Flag from the Foundation for Environmental Education. UCC has been ranked as one other world’s most sustainable campuses.

Some of the Highlight of Your Visit to UCC

1. The Honan Chapel. The Universities chapel was built in 1916, with beautiful architecture and magnificent stained glass windows by the world class artist Harry Clarke. Don’t get too attached though, only graduates of UCC are permitted to marry in there.
2. The Glucksmann Gallery. Opened in 2004 designed by Irish practice O’Donnell + Tuomey architects and Arup Consulting Engineers. The gallery has won many architecture awards for its stunning design. Venture inside to see the ever changing exhibitions.
3. The Quadrangle: The original university building The Quadrangle is almost 200 years old and still functions as a critical part of the university.

Notable Figures

1. George Boole was the first mathematics professor in Queen’s College Cork. Boole made major advances in mathematics that has provided crucial groundwork for modern mathematics, engineering and computer science. Boole is nicknamed ‘The Father of the Digital Age’. The main library and lectures theatres in UCC are named after Boole.
2. Professor Mary Ryan was appointed as a romance language professor in 1910. She is the first female professor in Ireland and Britain.
3. Fiona Shaw is a successful actress staring in Harry Potter, My Left Foot and Killing Eve
4. Graham Norton hosts the ever popular Graham Norton show on BBC
5. Cillan Murphy who has acted in Batman, Inception, Dunkirk and Peaky Blinders

Blarney Castle and Gardens is one of the most visited tourist sites in Ireland. Cork English Academy organises regular trips for our English language students as part of our Social Activity Programme.

The castle is believed to have been first constructed as a wooden house as far back as 1200. Approximately 10 years later, this was replaced by a stone structure. After the destruction of this building the Blarney castle we know today was built by Cormac Láidir MacCarthy, Lord of Muscry in 1446.

Blarney castle has had many owners over the years including Sir Richard Pyne, Sir James St John Jefferyes coming up to today’s owner Sir Charles St John Colthurst.

The Blarney Stone

The exact origin of the famous Blarney stone is unknown however if you believe the legend this is a must see spot. For centuries there is a tradition to kiss the Blarney stone to give you the gift of eloquence (or gab)

Blarney House and Gardens

Blarney House is on the castle grounds, it is a Scottish Baronial mansion designed by John Lanyon. While it was once a private home it is now open to the public, full of grand rooms and bursting with history. The house and castle gardens are one of the highlights of any visit. There are paths touring the grounds with signs pointing out the various attractions such as several natural rock formations with fanciful names such as Druid’s Circle, Witch’s Cave and the Wishing Steps.

A harbour city on Ireland’s west coast, sitting where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean. Galway is often referred to as the “Cultural Heart of Ireland” because of it’s strong ties to music, dance and the Irish language. Galway city is on the door step of Galway’s Gaeltacht ( an area where Irish is the first language) . The city is the 6th most populous city in Ireland with a population of about 79,900.

Where to Visit:

1. Eyre Square: officially known as the John F. Kennedy Memorial Park. The square dates back to Medieval Times, used as a market place right outside the town gates.In 1710, Mayor Edward Eyre officially presented the plot of land to the city. Eyre Square is in the heart of the city filled with Christmas shoppers in the winter and a wonderful sunbathing spot during the summer.
2. Kirwans Lane : One the finest medieval lane ways in Galway, Kirwan’s Lane, located in what is now referred to as The Latin Quarter. It is at the centre of the area that was originally within the city walls, and is named after the Kirwan’s, one of Galways fourteen “tribes” – the families who ruled the town for several centuries. You will now find this filled with modern restaurants and shops.
3. Lynch Memorial Window: This window commemorates one of Galway’s biggest legends. According to local tradition, the mayor of Galway, James Lynch FitzStephen, hanged his son from the window of his home in 1493. Lynch’s son had murdered a Spanish man in the care of the family. Lynch’s Window stands in Market Street at the side of St. Nicholas’ Church.
4. Salt Hill: Take a dip in the ocean at Galway favourite promenade, but we would recommend waiting until its a little warmer outside.

Only 1.5 hour drive from Galway city lies the exquisite Connemara. Known to be one of the most beautiful part of not just Ireland, but the world. Home to the Connemara National Park and the magnificent and historic Kylemore Abbey.

Galway city is full of hostels, hotels and B&B’s. The city is about a 3 hour drive from Cork city .

Get the City Link bus. Hop on at Patrick Quay, Cork direct to Galway

Or get the train to Limerick Junction, then to Limerick city and from there on to Galway.