Study Abroad | Limerick

Housing

Shared Townhouses

Students are housed in Plassey Village, the number one choice with students. One or two AIFS students live with 6 or 7 Irish students or other international students in a townhouse to foster integration into the social life of the full-time student body.

• Single rooms
• Shared kitchen, living room and bathroom
• 10- to 15-minute walk from the main classroom buildings
• Cable TV
• Broadband connection available for no extra fee
• Local supermarket offers a weekly shuttle service to and from the houses
• The community village hall located at the heart of the village is also available for events, dinners and get togethers with your neighbors.
• Laundry facilities

Internet access is included in all AIFS housing in Limerick.

City Facts

Geography

Limerick is the third largest city in Ireland with a population of 100,000 people.  

History

Founded by the Vikings in 812, Limerick is one of the oldest cities in Ireland. 

Architecture

Limerick is home to both the longest footbridge in Ireland and the westernmost castle in Europe.

Site Staff

AIFS in Limerick Director, Academic Year and Semester Programs

Elaine Keane

Dia Dhuit!—that’s how we say hello in Irish (I also speak English and a little bit of German). I have been the AIFS Program Director since 2004. I can’t wait to show you the beautiful city of Limerick, I’m sure you’ll feel at home right away.

I know Limerick very well after growing up here and obtaining a BA and graduate diploma in Adult Education from Mary Immaculate College, the sister college of the University of Limerick. You will find that while the culture is different, there isn’t a significant language barrier so your integration into local cultural life will be much easier. You can think of me as a support for you both personally and academically for any issues that may arise. It’s my goal to make your transition into Irish culture as seamless as possible. In my free time you can find me enjoying a good book or cheering on my favorite rugby team.

During your time abroad I will coordinate all aspects of the program including academic planning, housing and social and cultural activities. See you in Limerick!

The Program Director provides academic advice, introduces you to the community and handles communication with the University.

Cultural Activities

In addition to day trips and excursions, a cultural calendar of activities and social events is included in your program fee. These activities will include both typical tourist sites and attractions and lesser known visits which take advantage of the expert knowledge of our local AIFS staff and give you a more authentic and insightful view of Irish life. Typical activities, tours and visits may include:

• Traditional Irish music night
• Literary walking tours and local festivals
• Welcome dinner
• Bunratty Castle, folk park and medieval banquet
• Ticket to a concert at the university Concert Hall
• Fishing with local fishermen off Loop Head
• Trip to Limerick’s Milk Market
• Irish farm experience
• Tickets to a sporting event such as a Munster rugby game and native sports such as hurling and Gaelic football
• Irish theater play or concert
• Trip to the greyhound racing
• Half-day trip to King John’s Castle and Askeaton Abbey

You may be asked to pay a small additional fee for some of the activities above.

Additional Features

UL SPORTS FACILITIES at UL

AIFS students will have access to a range of state-of-the-art sports facilities at the university Arena, the Outdoor Activity Center and the university Boat House. Facilities include a 50-meter swimming pool, sprint track, indoor courts, cardio-fitness center, powered rowing track and a 400-meter track. There are over 36 sports clubs on campus and a packed schedule of fitness classes. For more information visit www.ulsport.ie/. 

UL BUDDY PROGRAM AND CLUBS AND SOCIETIES

Students may choose to be allocated a UL student who will help them to settle in. Joining one of the 70 dedicated clubs and societies run and managed by students for students is also a great way to make friends and integrate into the student community. 

President’s Volunteer Awards

AIFS students can make a difference to their community and gain valuable practical experience as well as transferrable work-related skills by participating in the President’s Volunteer Award Scheme. It’s also a great way to get to know real Irish/ Limerick people. 

Volunteer opportunities range from working with children and young people, in the arts, culture and media, sports and recreation and with adults and older people. To find out more go to https://ulorientation.wordpress.com/get-involved/the-presidents-volunteer-award/

Depending on the number of hours committed to volunteering, students will be awarded with gold, silver or bronze. The award will be listed on the UL transcript at the end of the semester.