Cultural Landscapes of Ireland: Explore Ancient Heritage in a Modern World
We are excited to announce a groundbreaking agreement between Marshall University and the Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) in Ireland! This partnership, formalized in summer 2024, is sponsored by Honors College at Marshall University and the School of Business & Humanities at DkIT and offers students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich cultural landscapes of Ireland. With opportunities for integrative learning, hands-on experiences, and cultural exchanges, this program promises to be a transformative experience that enhances your global perspective and academic journey. Embrace this chance to expand your horizons and become a true global citizen!
Our exchange continues with a Certificate in Cultural Landscapes study abroad program planned again for May 2027. Each student will be able to earn the certificate through DkIT on their 15-day trip to Ireland. Learn more about Cultural Landscapes.
There’s a lot of Ireland in Appalachia
As you consider a study abroad experience in Ireland, know that the connections between Ireland and Appalachia run deep. From the Scots-Irish settlers who helped shape both the culture and economy of Appalachia to the shared traditions of music, storytelling, and labor movements, you’ll discover how these regions have influenced each other in profound ways. Today, Ireland’s status as a global hub for technology and innovation offers exciting opportunities for students to engage with cutting-edge industries while reflecting on the shared cultural heritage between these two places. This program will allow you to see not just the historical roots but also the contemporary relevance of these connections, providing a transformative learning experience.
What do I need to know?
- Dates second two weeks of May 2027.
- Total tuition and fees (including housing, local transportation, and two meals/day) are TBD and may be included in your total Cost of Attendance for MU.
- ALL students who are eligible for study abroad, whether or not they are in the Honors College, may apply to attend the program.
- ALL students successfully completing the program will earn a complete Certificate in Cultural Landscapes from DkIT as well as 7.5 hours of transfer credit to Marshall University.
- ALL students should talk to the Office of National Scholarships manager, Heather Smith, for possible funds to assist their attendance of the program.
- HONORS students in good standing, in addition to talking to Heather Smith, can apply for funds through the Honors Council Grant to assist their attendance of the program.
- HONORS students may apply 3 hours to General Honors and another 3 hours to the upper-division Core Honors requirements!
What Students Say About the Experience
Students consistently describe the Cultural Landscapes of Ireland program as much more than a study abroad experience. Through field-based learning, independent exploration, and direct engagement with Irish communities, participants report gaining new perspectives on culture, history, identity, and their own futures.
Learning Through Place
Students often describe the experience of standing in places such as Newgrange, the Hill of Tara, Trim Castle, and the Boyne Valley as transformative. Rather than learning about these places through readings alone, they encounter them directly and begin to understand how landscape, history, culture, and community intersect.
“Instead of only reading about Irish history, archaeology, politics, and culture, I was able to stand at the actual sites and understand how the landscape connects to the people and events we studied”— Mike Allie
For many students, the experience reveals connections across disciplines and ways of understanding the world that are difficult to discover in a traditional classroom.
“I didn’t realize that culture, engineering, and history could all be simultaneously directly connected. Now I know better and want to know even more” — Flo Napier
“It’s one thing to read piles of literature on Celtic mythology… but it’s an entirely different thing to be fully immersed in the land it was created and surrounded by the people who are descended from those who carried these stories orally for centuries”— Kayleigh Garcia
Connecting Ireland and Appalachia
One of the most distinctive features of the program is the opportunity to explore connections between Ireland and Appalachia. Students frequently return home with a deeper appreciation for both regions and a stronger understanding of the cultural and historical ties that connect them.
“Going on this trip has opened my eyes to the history that connects so many of us across Appalachia” — Kady Crank
Students regularly describe returning home with a new perspective on both Ireland and the Appalachian region they call home.
Friendship, Community, and Shared Experience
While students come from different majors and backgrounds, many identify the relationships formed during the program as one of its most meaningful aspects.
“We were like family by the end”— Kady Crank
“Some of the greatest people I have met went there. You end up making great friends!”— Zachary
Students consistently describe the experience as one that creates lasting friendships through shared travel, learning, and exploration.
Confidence, Independence, and Growth
For many participants, Ireland is their first experience traveling internationally. Students regularly report increased confidence, adaptability, and independence as they navigate unfamiliar environments and engage with people from different backgrounds.
“Getting to experience life outside of Appalachia and realize how big this world is, is so valuable”— Olivia Jackson
The experience challenges students to step beyond their comfort zones while providing a supportive community in which to do so.
A Life-Changing Experience
When asked to describe the program, students often return to the same words: meaningful, unforgettable, and transformative.
“The trip was 100% a life changing experience! I think it’s one of those things that even in 40 years we won’t forget the magic of it all”— Elijah
“I had the privilege of visiting so many historical sites and meeting so many unique people. My experience could only be described as magical!” — Jeorja
How do I apply to go?
You’ll apply through the Office of Study Abroad. Submit your application before TBD. The forms are located here:
There are many scholarships at Marshall for current students across a wide range of departments and programs that support different students in a variety of ways. The Office of Student Financial Assistance is the best resource for these opportunities. Also, for Study Abroad, in particular, see the list of possibilities provided by the Office of Study Abroad. And, be sure to talk to Heather Smith in the Office of National Scholarships here in the Honors College.
Learn More
See our flyer.
See our FAQ sheet.
In her delightfully captivating talk full of beautiful images of Ireland’s most iconic archeological sites and people gathered in shared celebrations, Clare Tuffy tells her story of bringing locals and tourists together in Ireland’s Boyne Valley through using the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Center as the local community center. With the hope that other organizations will similarly build connections and community through sharing spaces, she describes the challenges and amazing successes she witnessed as tourists and locals gathered together through their shared connection to local archeological monuments like Newgrange.
Tuffy worked for the Office of Public Works (OPW) for over 40 years managing visitor services at National Monuments sites in the Boyne Valley in Ireland. Her work for the OPW included managing Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, which is the starting point for all visits to the World Heritage Properties of Newgrange and Knowth. She also managed visitor services at the Hill of Tara, Old Mellifont Abbey, Trim Castle and Loughcrew. Altogether, these sites receive approximately 500,000 visitors annually. She retired in 2022.
Tuffy has extensive experience in lecturing, teaching, and broadcasting and has written visitor guides to archaeological sites. She has worked with schools to develop educational programs and continues to assist communities in promoting the use and appreciation of the monuments in their local area.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.
TEDxMarshallU, 2024
Marshall strengthens Ireland partnership, engages state delegates in Dublin
Marshall signs MOU with Dundalk Institute of Technology in Ireland
State Department IDEAS Program awards Marshall grant to build study abroad capacity
