Dublin

The capital city for most of its 1,000 year history, the Viking settlement of Dublin or Áth Cliath (in Irish) has become one of the most popular small cities in the world. Apart from its magnificently elegant eighteenth-century Georgian buildings and fine squares, it is a city noted for its vibrant cultural life and atmosphere rather than its architectural splendour and has recently been named as a UNESCO city of literature.

This is not surprising as Dublin has been home to many of the world's leading writers and playwrights including Sheridan, Shaw, Swift, Wilde, Joyce, Behan, O'Casey and Beckett. Contemporary actors, film makers, poets and musicians, from Seamus Heaney and Neil Jordan to U2, Gabriel Byrne, Riverdance and Glen Hansard together with the city's many festivals ensures that Dublin continues to rival any capital city in Europe for popular culture.

Trinity College lies at the heart of this cultural life of Dublin. An oasis of peace amid the cacophony of a modern bustling city, it is an ideal location for studying contemporary Ireland. The National Museum, the Dáil (Irish Parliament) and National Gallery, not forgetting cafés, bars, theatres and music venues, are all within a few minutes' walk of the college.

The city is uniquely located between Dublin Bay and the mountains and both are easily accessible from the city centre. The scenic areas of Kerry, Clare, Cork, Galway and Donegal are easily reached by train or bus. In addition, other European cities, such as London, Edinburgh, Paris or Prague are only a couple of hours away by air and the summer school will help you both explore Ireland and further afield during or following your programme