Ireland a dynamic, lively, modern country with a young population and one of the fastest growing economies in the world ... a country where music, conversation, culture, traditions, time to relax, listen and make friends ... matter. A country renowned for its beautiful, unspoiled countryside and scenery as well as its cultured, cosmopolitan and lively cities.

Ireland - linked to the world

Ireland is an English-speaking country with close cultural, economic and educational links with the English-speaking world, especially with the UK - our next door neighbour and with the USA, where Irish Americans form a high proportion of the population. We are European - part of the EU family of nations and cultures and of the increasingly integrated European Education Area. Ireland is Global in outlook - for several centuries Irish people have emigrated to and settled in many countries around the globe and today we welcome people to Ireland from all over the world.

Ireland - where education and learning count

Ireland's long tradition in educational excellence at all levels, primary, post primary, university and fouth level education is recognised the world over. Dating back to the Middle Ages, Ireland held the position of one of the principal education providers to the western world. Successive governments have continued to regard education as a key priority and investments in this area have been sustained for a long period. This has resulted in one of the highest education participation rates in the world today which, in turn, has had positive implications for the strong economic growth and development of our country.

Ireland - where education and industry meet

Ireland has one of the best education systems in the world according to the 2004 IMD World Competitiveness Report. It has close links to industry and is characterised by creativity, flexibility, agility, pragmatism and informality. Education has been a key factor in making Ireland one of the fastest growing economies in the world over the past decade. Government policy on investment in research and "4th level" education as the key to developing Ireland as a knowledge society in the new global economy. (Source: www.educationireland.ie )

Climate

Ireland has a temperate climate with summer temperatures ranging from 16 - 24 degrees. In winter the temperature rarely drops below freezing point, but the winters can be quite damp. The following chart gives an indication of what you can expect in each month in Ireland:

Dublin city transport

Click on the link to Dublin Transportation (http://www.dto.ie/) and under travel information, you will find all you need to know about getting around Dublin.

Location of DCU

DCU is located a short distance from Dublin city centre, Dublin Airport and the M50 and M1 motorways. The campus is bordered by Ballymun Road and Collins Avenue. Click here to find out how to get to DCU.

Banking and Currency

The unit of currency used in Ireland is the euro (€). One euro is made up of one hundred cent. Our advice to students is to open a bank account as soon as possible after arrival. In order to open a bank account, you will need two forms of identification. One should have your photograph on it and the other one should show your home address in your own country. It can take up to two weeks for the international transfer of money through the banking system. You should allow for this when deciding how much currency to bring with you in order to meet your initial expenses in the first few weeks after arrival. The International Office will issue you a support letter to help you open your bank account.

Electricity

The electrical current is 220 volts in Ireland. The most commonly used plugs are 3-pin flat. As Irish voltage is different to US/Canadian voltage, you will need to bring/buy a voltage convertor if you are bringing electrical appliances. Voltage convertors are available from most electrical stores.

Emergency Services

For emergency services dial 999 or 112. You will asked which service you want – for example the police who are known by their Irish name 'Garda', or an ambulance or fire brigade - and the area in which the incident has occurred. Please have these details ready when you make the call. To contact security on campus, dial 5999 from any extension on campus or 01-7005999 if calling from a public phone.

Useful Addresses