Travel Journal: Galway, Ireland – An Exploration of Education Abroad
Study Abroad Students Embrace Galway's Vibrant Irish Culture
Galway, Ireland, with its charming architecture, friendly people, and unique atmosphere, has become a popular destination for study abroad students from Holy Cross College. Among them are Caroline Kramer '26 and Abigail Clark '26, who have been soaking up the city's rich cultural offerings this Spring 2025 semester.
For Kramer, a student majoring in English and Sociology, Galway's Irish language (Gaelic/Gaeilge) holds a special significance. As she departed for Ireland in the first week of January, she was eager to immerse herself in the language and its living cultural identity.
"I've always been fascinated by the Irish language and its role in preserving Ireland's heritage," Kramer said. "Being here in Galway, I've had the chance to learn from authentic Irish-speaking communities and participate in cultural events."
Kramer's group of 25 students has explored Eyre Square, pubs, and shops in Galway, and ventured further afield to the Cliffs of Moher, Giant's Causeway, and the Aran Islands. She has also joined Irish-language clubs and attended performances at An Taibhdhearc, the National Irish Language Theatre.
Claire Wolf, another student at Holy Cross majoring in Political Science with a concentration in Peace and Conflict Studies, shares similar sentiments. "Galway is a beautiful and charming city, and I love the way the Irish language is woven into everyday life here," Wolf said.
Wolf, who is involved in SGA, Club Running, Pax Christi, Hanify-Howland Lecture Committee, and Gateways Orientation, has also been learning Gaelic and appreciates the opportunities to practice the language with locals. "I've found that people here are very welcoming and patient with language learners," she said.
In addition to the Irish language, Galway's university is unique as Ireland’s only bilingual university, promoting Irish language education and scholarship. The city's location in one of the largest Irish-speaking regions (the Gaeltacht of Connemara) offers students a rich environment to engage with the language and its cultural significance.
For Kramer and Wolf, the study abroad experience in Galway has been more than just a chance to travel. "I value every moment, even the mundane ones like going to class, running errands, and hanging out in the dorms," Kramer said. "It's all part of the experience and I wouldn't trade it for anything."
Abigail Clark '26, News Editor of the school's news section, echoes this sentiment. "Galway has been an incredible experience. I've met amazing people, tried new foods, and learned so much about Ireland's history and culture," she said.
As for their favorite Irish-inspired media, Kramer's top pick is Mamma Mia, while Wolf's favorite movie is a tie between Pride and Prejudice and Mission: Impossible. Clark's favorite song is "Can't Take My Eyes off You" by Frankie Valli, and Wolf's favorite song remains unspecified.
With study abroad programs offering students the chance to travel to many countries on various continents for a year, the Holy Cross education continues to provide opportunities for students to broaden their horizons and immerse themselves in diverse cultural experiences. For Kramer and Wolf, Galway has been an unforgettable chapter in their educational journey.
- Study abroad students at Holy Cross College, such as Caroline Kramer '26 and Abigail Clark '26, have been enthusiastically embracing the vibrant Irish culture in Galway, Ireland this Spring 2025 semester.
- Galway's unique atmosphere and living cultural identity have attracted students, like Kramer, who are majoring in English and Sociology, to immerse themselves in the city's rich cultural offerings, including the Irish language (Gaelic/Gaeilge).
- Features of Galway that study abroad students like Kramer appreciate are the city's university, which is Ireland’s only bilingual university, promoting Irish language education and scholarship, and its location in the large Irish-speaking region, the Gaeltacht of Connemara.
- In addition to immersing themselves in the language and culture, study abroad students at Holy Cross College have engaged in events, such as exploring Eyre Square, pubs, and shops, as well as traveling to popular tourist attractions like the Cliffs of Moher, Giant's Causeway, and the Aran Islands.
- Encouraging educational development and self-growth, study abroad programs enable students, like Kramer and Wolf, to broaden their horizons and immerse themselves in diverse cultural experiences, such as pursuing arts, events, and travel opportunities in Galway.
- As a student at Holy Cross College, Abigail Clark '26, News Editor of the school's news section, has been documenting her study abroad experience and its impact on her personal growth in news articles, while also exploring the city's nightlife and lifestyle, such as her favorite Irish-inspired movie, Pride and Prejudice.
