Irish Studies Minor

The Irish studies minor fosters a deep understanding of Irish culture, history, political systems, and other aspects of Ireland and the Irish diaspora. Courses offer extensive study and discussion of Irish literary, political, and social issues in an interdisciplinary context.

Our flagship study abroad program in Dublin and short-term study abroad courses immerse you in a dynamic learning experience with local communities in Ireland.

Minor Requirements & Courses

Study Abroad in Dublin, Ireland

This world-class city hosts cultural and historical attractions with a vibrant musical and theatrical culture, and Ireland’s major museums and universities. Dublin is an excellent place for first-time visitors to Europe because, unlike larger, sprawling European cities, it is manageable.

Courses are held at Dun Laoghaire’s Institute of Art, Design, and Technology (IADT). Dun Laoghaire is a small coastal town less than an hour south of Dublin. While there, you will participate in a credited internship experience.

Learn about Study Abroad

Highlighted Courses

The Celts

The Celts- Hags, Druids, and Saints pace the pages of Celtic myth and folklore, entrancing audiences and readers with stories of personal dilemmas, heroism, and magic. This course will analyze comparatively some Irish and Welsh myths, study the evolution of the legend of St. Patrick, and read fairy tales to understand important cultural realities and the social changes they reflect.

Irish Women’s Writing

This course focuses completely on reading texts by Irish women writers, placing various literary genres within the context of the socio-political and religious experience of Irish women. The diverse narratives represented highlight particular themes that are featured in Irish women’s experience: religious oppression, motherhood, sexual abuse, marriage, education and work, political activism and repression, and individual rebellion. We will look at the wider literary and cultural contexts as we seek to understand the history, contributions and influence of Irish women’s writing.

Nationalism in Ireland

This short-term travel course to Ireland examines the history of Irish nationalism and different understandings of Irish national identity today. It includes hearing from a diverse range of Irish people and visits to sites in Dublin, the west coast of Ireland, and Belfast, Northern Ireland.

As part of this course, students draw on texts, conversations with Irish people, and images they took while traveling on the island for a final project reflecting on the meaning of Irish identity today.

Loras gives you all the support you’ll need to be able to say, yes to studying abroad. It will be an experience of a lifetime.

— Annie Flanagan (’22)