Any advice for an American student studying abroad at NUI Galway?

Question

I am going in the spring to study English literature, but I have never been to Ireland before. Do you think I will have trouble understanding the accent? Where are some places I should plan to visit?

Answer 1

You will love it.  

Galway is often considered to be the 'Cultural Capital of Ireland', and is world renowned for its vibrant lifestyle and numerous festivals, celebrations and events.  The west of Ireland is a very beautiful part of the country.  It is also easy to travel around.  Many Americans that studied abroad would take weekend or day trips.  Be sure to get a student discount card (ISIC card) so you only pay the student fares on the buses and trains. The ISIC card is the ONLY internationally recognised proof of full-time student status. The ISIC is €13 and you must have passport photos, application form you can get in the university, and a registration letter/receipt from the university.  Nice places to go would be: Dún Aengus which is on the Aran Islands (off the coast of Galway), Donegal, Northern Ireland (Enniskillen and Omagh) and Dublin (3 hours on the train).  You will not have a problem with the accent, nevertheless, we use some slang that you will quickly get used to hearing.

Answer 2

I live in Galway and studied at GMIT another university in the city.  You should be fine with the accents after a week or so.  You will find a higher concentration of people speaking Irish in Galway and particularly in NUIG.

There are plenty of Americans studying in the city.  NUIG is one of the best universities in Ireland and outside Trinity would be the best for literature.

One bit of advice, you will have to watch your spelling.  Color, Organization should be spelt Colour and Organisation in Ireland, just like the UK and Australia.

Answer 3

You shouldnt have a problewith the accent!Apart from a few of the country people who have thick accents, the west of Ireland has probably got the softest accent in the country, comparing to Dublin or Cork for instance. In a few months youll probably even have a few words of Gaeilge(our native language).

Theres loads to see around Galway, even just to walk around the city on a fine day is nice....Theres a beach beside the city and its really scenic and the athmosphere is always really good. The nightlife is brilliant too...Be sure to check out Cuba and the GPO nightclubs!!!