A 25-day cultural adventure across Waterford, Dublin, Killarney & Galway — where North American high schoolers discover Ireland's heritage, make lifelong friends, and grow in confidence.
Every summer, students return home changed: more curious, more capable, and more connected to a culture and a community an ocean away.
Learn the language, the cooking, the dancing, and the everyday rhythms of Irish life — from the inside.
Walk in your ancestors' footsteps and discover how they lived, worked, and played generations ago.
Journey alongside like-minded young people and form the kind of friendships that last a lifetime.
Grow in independence and confidence while seeing the beauty of the wider world for yourself.
The Irish Way is a study-abroad program in Ireland offered to high school students. During the summer, students are introduced to Ireland's magical landscape and rich heritage through a variety of workshops, classes, and tours. Emphasizing culture, education, travel, safety, and fun, our program ensures a unique and unforgettable journey for every student.
Whether you're a curious student, a thoughtful parent, or a proud alum, there's a place for you here.
Discover what makes our 25-day Irish summer so unforgettable.
Learn more
See what awaits — the classes, the tours, and the friends.
Learn more
Safety, accommodations, and answers to every question.
Learn more
Stay in touch and help the next generation discover Ireland.
Learn moreStudents rotate through four Irish home bases, each with its own character, history, and home away from home.
Settle in at the Newtown School, a short walk from the historic city centre, and begin your immersion into Irish history and language.
Live at the King's Hospital and explore the capital — from a live match at Croke Park to the cobbled streets of the city centre.
Stay at the Gleneagle Apartments inside Killarney National Park — a stone’s throw from the Lakes, Muckross House, and Torc Waterfall.
Stay near Eyre Square and venture to the Aran Islands to practice your Gaelic with native speakers.
The Irish Way was everything we could have asked for-and more-thank you so much. Our son Ian was nervous and skeptical about going overseas, not knowing anyone and being away from family and friends. But it was transformative for him. The combination of classes, traveling throughout the country with a new group of people-who became good friends, was exactly the type of immersive experience that allowed Ian to learn and have a great time doing it.
Ireland is a beautiful country with friendly people-just like the Irish Way. My daughter Elizabeth was so very fortunate to attend the Irish Life Experience this past summer in 2019. As an alumni of the Irish Way in 1987, I have spoken highly of my summer in Ireland over the years and Elizabeth was eager for her turn. I dropped off a shy, nervous girl that first day and she came home a stronger, more self-assured young woman. She made many friends from all over the US and had so many experiences, that she cannot possibly top this trip of a lifetime! #IW19 allowed her to spread her wings for the first time and gave her more self-confidence and poise. She is already talking about when she will be able to go back as a Counselor in a few years. Thank you Irish Way and Taryn for an amazing life-changing experience for my daughter.
The summer of 2019 was my favorite summer. There was never a dull moment during the whole trip. I wasn’t too excited to take classes, but quickly I realized that the classes were tons of fun and informative. The great counselors always had something fun planned, whether it was watching a movie, playing sports, or going on a tour. Visiting the Cliffs of Moher was my favorite memory because of the awesome views, then closely followed the killer bus trips on our way to many of the different counties. Going into the IW I was just a kid from the Jersey Shore not knowing if I was going to fit in, but then we came out on the other side one big family. I would suggest the IW to everyone. I am looking forward to maybe being a Junior Counselor one day. Thanks for the great trip, Irish Way!
The Irish Way was not only one of the greatest experiences of my life, but truly made me realize that there is so much out there! The IW Team were amazing and I can say they are truly family! Between classes, tours, and workshops they made every moment special. I am also so grateful to have left the program with so many new and beautiful friendships that I believe will last a lifetime! Everyone on the trip holds a special place in my heart. To say this program is amazing is an understatement. There are not enough words to describe this once in a lifetime opportunity. Not everyday do you get the chance to go explore and learn about Ireland with such an astounding group of people! There is not a single thing I would have changed about my IW trip and I would do it again any day! The IW is one of the best decisions I have ever made and I believe everyone should experience this incredible journey!
Real students, real friendships, real Ireland — follow along on Instagram for more.
Meet the team, follow this summer's adventures, and get a feel for the Irish Way family.
The freedom, the fun, the laughter, and the experiences changed me that summer of my 16th year. I gained life-long friends and...
Read more
After living in Northern Ireland and traveling there often, I can say that while the bitterness still lingers and the wounds are still felt, there is a strong desire for a bright and peaceful tomorrow...
Read more
I am confident that the only reason I am standing here today is because the Irish Life Experience, and all of the wonderful people involved, helped me find my way...
Read more
Have questions about the program, pricing, or what your student's summer will look like? We'd love to help — reach out and a real person will get back to you.
