As a country steeped in tradition and history, it has a long-established reputation for educational excellence. Ireland has a prestigious tradition in education, dating back to the middle ages when it held the position of one of the principal education providers to the western world. Successive governments have regarded education as a key priority and have made sustained investments in the area, which has resulted in one of the highest education participation rates in the world today, with positive implications for the economic growth and development of the country. Ireland is a thoroughly modern nation, with well-developed manufacturing and international services sectors. The quality of our education system is often highlighted as a major contributing factor to the rapid rate of economic growth in recent years.
Irish people enjoy a standard of living on a par with our European neighbours.
Although we have our own distinctive Celtic language and culture, English is the predominant language spoken in Ireland today. Every year over 150,000 students of all ages and from all over the world come to Ireland to benefit from the highest quality English language training in schools throughout the country. Irish people have a great love of conversation, with a genuine interest in other people. This renowned friendliness and hospitality contribute to the ease with which overseas students adapt to student life in Ireland. In addition to offering degrees at Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate level over a full range of disciplines, universities and colleges also undertake research in many areas.