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Maynooth University

About

Maynooth University (MU) is located in the beautiful, historic town of Maynooth on the fringes of Dublin, Ireland’s bustling capital city. MU is ranked among the Top 200 Most International Universities in the World (Times Higher Ed.) and is named in The Princeton Review Best 381 Colleges as one of the world’s top institutions for 2017. MU is also ranked 68th among the next-generation of leading universities in the world (Times Higher Ed. Top 150 under 50). We offer a flexible, selective curriculum across the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Engineering, Mathematics and the Sciences. MU boasts world-class teaching facilities, comprehensive student support services, small class sizes and a vibrant social scene. If you are an international student who prospers in a smaller university setting and are seeking an exciting and academically-stimulating university experience in one of the world’s safest, most beautiful countries, Maynooth University is the perfect fit for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How far is Maynooth from Dublin?

    Maynooth is 23km (about 14 miles) from Dublin city center. By car, it takes about 25-30 minutes to travel between Dublin and Maynooth.

  • How many students attend Maynooth University?

    Almost 14,000 students -- including around 1,700 international students -- attend Maynooth University each year.

  • What is Maynooth University known for?

    Maynooth University is known for its excellent rankings, which are the result of offering world-class education in a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, led by internationally-renowned researchers and faculty.

  • How does Maynooth University rank?

    Maynooth University is ranked #701-750 in the QS Global World Rankings 2021; the school also ranked #50 in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) ‘Young Universities’ list.

Reviews

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Alexandra
9/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Maynooth University Summer Abroad

To say that my time studying at Maynooth was the best thing I have ever done thus far in my life, would be an understatement. I have always been interested in travel, adventure and the exotics of different cultures. Maynooth University provided me with all of the above, and so much more! I got the chance to learn so much about my field in business from a global perspective, while also sinking myself into the rich Irish culture. From the visit to the surreal views of The Cliffs of Moher and the fresh feel of the Atlantic Ocean in Galway, there was never a dull moment, with such beautiful sights to see and delicious food to feast on...pro Irish tip, ALWAYS order the Guinness and Beef stew... You won’t regret it! Along my unforgettable journey I got to share it with other students from all around the world who I still call my best friends up to this day! Definitely a trip to remember and an experience of a lifetime.

What was your funniest moment?
The funniest moment was when I was eating ice cream with my friends and we decided to sit up on a grassy cliff that had stairs leading up to it. As I got to the top of the stairs I fell flat on my face and then a birds came to eat my ice cream! Luckily the ice cream shop gave me another scoop!
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Andrea
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Maynooth Study Abroad-- Best Experience!

Studying abroad at Maynooth University was an amazing experience! The campus is centrally located--only 30-40 minutes by bus/train to Dublin, the professors and class options are very diverse, and the overall experience of living on campus was very enjoyable (near multiple grocery and convenience stores). Orientation Week ensured we were fully informed about all of our responsibilities, and reassured us through various processes like immigration registration, travel advice, and culture/academic shock that may occur throughout our stay.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
Don't be afraid to take chances-- say yes to anything and everything you can to ensure you enjoy the experience as much as possible. Take new courses that you wouldn't otherwise be able to at home, and take advantage of the beautiful environment, culture, and history surrounding you in Ireland.
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Nicole
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Summer in Maynooth!

Getting to spend 4 weeks in Maynooth was one of the most amazing trips of my life! I got to experience normal college life in Ireland, learn about the culture, and take several amazing trips to different scenic locations across Ireland! Going to the store and seeing all the different options was an adventure by itself, let alone going to visit beautiful historic sites, such as Clonmacnoise. My all time favorite place we got to visit was Giant’s Causeway and seeing the gorgeous cliffs and the Columnar Rejointing! I even got to taste the ocean (much to my friend’s amusement)!

What would you improve about this program?
If I could change anything, it would be having more activities revolting around the culture. Some of my favorite trips were onyl available to me because I choose the course they were offered by, so most of the other program members did not get to exerience them. I would have loved optional courses on Irish language, and more about their history and culture.
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Emily
9/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Fall Semester 2018

I loved staying in Ireland for a couple months, and honestly I wish I could’ve stayed for a whole year. I loved the environment of the school and surrounding community, I loved the support of my professors and my classmates, and I loved the beautiful landscapes that I got to explore every day. Most importantly, I loved being in a beautiful country with beautiful people, and I learned a lot about the country I also learned a lot about myself. The school was beautiful and the people were intellectual, and it was close to Dublin so I got to go explore the city easily, and I loved every second of it! I love Maynooth ❤️

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Take every opportunity you can to get involved. Whether it’s going on weekend trips or going out on a weeknight to a pub to meet people, every experience that you can make his worth it.
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Nicholas
9/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Semester in Ireland

I would suggest people plan ahead to go with several people from a university to share a suite with. I did not know my roomates going into it and it made for a rather uncomfortable living experience when I was not out doing things. There's also the fact that American students should know that the academic structure of a course is very different in Europe and should be advised to make a real effort in their classes while they are abroad. All in all it was a good trip and chance to learn about another country.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I wouldn't have wasted my time with certain people or things

Programs

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Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Patty Hayden

Job Title
Coordinator - North America
Patty is originally from Michigan City, Indiana but has been living in Ireland for 21 years. She completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee and her masters at Maynooth University. Patty has been working at the International Office for almost 5 years.

What is your favorite travel memory?

Arriving in Dublin on New Years Eve to start my Work Abroad program. I loved walking around a city that I had read and dreamed about my whole life. It was the best four months of my life and gave me opportunities I never thought possible. My work abroad program changed the trajectory of my life completely and I've never looked back.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I had always embraced travelling, learning about new cultures and meeting new people and my role in the International Office has just confirmed that this is my perfect job. I love working with students to help them realize their dreams and help them on the journey of becoming a global citizen. I also love that I am continuing to change and grow with every passing day and I am always looking for ways to open the world to our students.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

A common thread that I've heard from many students is that going abroad for the first time opened up a world of opportunity for them. And due to that first study abroad experience, students have gone on to travel more extensively. For some, it changed the direction of their life both literally and figuratively.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I would be interested in any program that allows me to travel and meet with my peers. I have been fortunate enough to travel extensively in my roles in the International Office. I have not only had the opportunity to travel more within the US, but also in Europe. These new experiences allow me to be a better role model and support system for our students.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

Our team in the International Office definitely put student's first. We are very proud of the fact that the Student Experience for incoming and outgoing students is first rate. We truly believe in the transformative power of studying abroad and we instill that everyday when we are advising students.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

Comradery and being a team player. By sharing not only ideas, but also problems and solutions, you create a work environment that is open and welcoming. An environment like this helps everyone be a better employee. And when you are a better employee, this reflects in your work with students, faculty and partner universities.

Articles About Studying Abroad in Ireland