A good percentage of the students may speak Irish in your presence, but don’t let it get you down. The Irish students are friendly, but not always easy to befriend. So many of NUI Galway’s students come from rural counties and they tend to stick to their own for a sense of safety. Join a soc or two, get involved, and you’ll get to know great people.

The University is great for a walk-through visit, as well, with all styles of architecture and a beautiful walk along the water. And last time I was there, the gardens were still blooming in December!