University of Galway

About the University

The University Galway (also know as N.U.I Galway, and previously University College Galway U.C.G.) can be found on University Road, right in the heart of Galway city centre. This landmark attraction is a must for visitors to Galway city if only to see explore its history and view it’s architecture.

The University of Galway, was established as Queen’s College Galway in 1849. A year later it became part of The Queen’s University of Ireland which also included other universities like Queen’s University Belfast and University College Cork.

The college presently has approximately 15,000 students which study in one of seven faculties – law, medicine and health sciences, celtic studies, engineering, commerce, science and arts.

Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the campus, which is located in the city centre and stretches along the River Corrib. The quadrangle is a replica of Christ Church (part of the University of Oxford) and is the oldest part of the university in Galway.

The university boasts a great student and social network with over 80 societies and 60 sports clubs! Two of the oldest societies on campus are the Literarty & Debating Society (founded in 1846) and Cumann Staire (historical studies).

Famous past alumni of the college include; Henry Arthur Blake (served as governor of Hong Kong), President Michael D. Higgins and Taoiseach Enda Kenny.