Along with the structured program for the summer school other social events such as a music night, pub night and meals out will happen during the three weeks in Ireland. All group activities are organised by a dedicated tour guide and will aim to make your time in Ireland as beneficial and fun-filled as possible. 

As well as learning inside the classroom, here at the summer school we want our students to get a real insight into the Irish culture also. To achieve this there will be plenty of tours organized to a variety of different Irish heritage sites, landmarks  and world renowned organizations where you will get a chance to interact with Irish people, taste Irish foods, participate in cultural activities and much more.

Visiting Microsoft and Intel Ireland

For the last number of years we have visited the offices of 'Microsoft Ireland'. During our time at Microsoft we got an insight into how the world leading technology company operates in Ireland. We also got a tour of the campus and got to learn what it's like to work for Microsoft on a daily basis. We make this tour every year as here at the summer school we feel our students can benefit greatly by seeing first hand what its like to work for a technology giant such as Microsoft.

As well as visiting Microsoft, for the last number of years we have taken our students to the labs of 'Intel Ireland'. Intel is located right on the doorstep of Maynooth and like Microsoft, every time we have taken a visit they have put on a very interesting tour talking about their operations both in Ireland and worldwide.

Other activities and events

As mentioned above we have at least one in-house music every year. This is fun way to make new friends, get a taste for Irish music and maybe demonstrate some of your own musical abilities. One of the students made a video in 2011 and posted it here on Yoku: http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMzA5MTQzNTYw.html

In 2012 we spent a night away together in Cork city and took the opportunity to visit Blarney Castle and kiss the famous Blarney Stone. This trip away gave our students the opportunity to see other parts of Ireland. This is just an example of one of the many heritage sites we have taken our students to.

To finish off your time in Ireland and to give you something to take home the summer school organizes a closing ceremony for all its students. The ceremony will be held in Pugin Hall on the Maynooth University campus. Here, the college President will present certificates of completion to all participants of the summer school.

Group Visits

In the previous years we visited many famous sites in Ireland. Each day we visited two places. These are given in the lists below. This year's Summer School will include some of these sites and some newer locations. A selection of photographs are also given below.

2006
The National Museum, Dublin National Stud and Castletown House, Co. Kildare Glendalough visitor centre and Powerscourt House and Gardens, Co. Wicklow Trim Castle, Co. Meath

2007
The National Museum, Dublin Irish National Stud and Castletown House, Co. Kildare Glendalough visitor centre and Powerscourt House and Gardens, Co. Wicklow Kilkenny Castle and Dunmore Caves, Co. Kilkenny

2008
National Botanic Gardens and the National Museum, Dublin Newgrange and Battle of the Boyne Centre, Co. Meath Ferrycarrig Heritage Centre and Wexford town, Co. Wexford Glendalough visitor centre and Powerscourt House and Gardens, Co. Wicklow

2009
Viking Splash tour of Dublin Newgrange, Co. Meath Kilkenny Castle and Dunmore Caves, Co. Kilkenny Glendalough visitor centre and Powerscourt House and Gardens, Co. Wicklow

2010
Phoenix park, Dublin Knowth, Dowth, and Newgrange, Co. Meath Intel and Microsoft, Dublin Kilkenny Castle and Dunmore Caves, Co. Kilkenny Glendalough visitor centre and Powerscourt House and Gardens, Co. Wicklow

2011
Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin Dublin Castle, Dublin Intel and Microsoft, Dublin Newgrange and Hill of Tara, Co. Meath Kilkenny Castle and Dunmore Caves, Co. Kilkenny Glendalough visitor centre and Powerscourt House and Gardens, Co. Wicklow

2012
Dublin Castle, Dublin Intel and Microsoft, Dublin Howth head, Co. Dublin Cork city and Blarney Castle, Co. Cork The National Wax Museum, Dublin

2013
Dublin Castle, Dublin Microsoft, Dublin Howth head, Co. Dublin Dollymount Strand, Clontarf, Dublin Horseriding and traditional irish music, Co. Tipperary Rock of Cashel, Co. Tipperary