Adventure and Leadership Program: Semester Length, Fall and Spring Cohorts

Quite honestly, I was extremely satisfied with IGY’s A&L program. I don’t know what else I could have asked for from my three months but I know I will come away from this program a more confident, happy, and adventurous person. The Irish Gap Year staff are all absolutely PHENOMENAL. Especially my individual group leaders (shout out Niall and Ryan) felt more like mentors or big brothers rather than someone paid to take care of you. They were both incredibly friendly and always wanted the best for you. The housing was truly home sweet home and I will be incredibly sad to move out of ❤️Portbeg❤️ in a few days. The location of the town is also a highlight of this program. I absolutely loved Bundoran and I think it’s a truly rare opportunity to be able to spend 3 months in the countryside of Ireland. This program is absolutely amazing for cultural immersion and I feel like I truly lived in Ireland. You get to know some of the locals and where all the best spots are in town really quickly and besides the fact that the houses are a little far away from town, the walk there is always beautiful with an option to walk along the costal cliffs. The program runs where you split your time between Bundoran and exploring cities and towns. The overnight trips are all awesome and have a good mix of tours and structured activities and free time.

In terms of things you did, I loved the variety of activities that the staff planned for us and although whether or not you loved something depended on the person, I think they planned a good mix of things so that everyone was happy. I was personally very happy with the surfing, and town exploration parts! If you go on this program make your leaders take you back to ulster folk park>>>

Overall, I came into this program with high hopes and was not disappointed. Everyone at IGY really wants the best for you and I think I grew a lot physically and mentally in this program. I even got covid in the early weeks of the program and their accommodation of that was spectacular. They brought me food everyday and set me up in an apartment where they would check in on me from a distance and make sure I wasn’t going stir crazy. Truly exceeded all my expectations. I would recommend this program for anyone looking to learn about Irish history and culture and have an amazing time living with other gappers in the countryside. I’ll be very sad to leave but I know I’ll be back sometime!

I was a part of the Adventure and Leadership Program in the spring of 2022. I had a great time on the program and had a positive experience with Irish Gap Year. I would say that the best part of this program was the cultural immersion. Living in a small town really gave you a sense of the community in rural Ireland. Bundoran was also incredibly beautiful and you always had close access to beautiful hikes and great outdoor activities. My personal favorite part of the program was the trips to cities. We were given enough independence to have fun and explore the city by ourselves while also having set out activities. The independent housing style was also great. It definitely is not without trials living in a house with 7 strangers and no adults, but it become a space where we could all come together and hang out. The independence that they gave us was definitely a draw for me to join the program. Our leaders were supportive yet understanding that we were young adults who were free to make their own decisions. For young people looking to take a gap year abroad that focuses on travel and adventure, I would definitely recommend this program.

I am so glad that I had the opportunity to go on the IGY adventure and leadership program. It was the perfect blend of independence while still feeling safe and cared for in a foreign country. Bundoran and Ireland in general was a great location to spend 3 months learning about yourself, appreciating nature, creating friendships, and getting to travel. I really appreciated how all the staff, no matter what job position they were in, were always there for you and were all really fun and easy to get along with. We got to do so many fun activities and had a lot of input into our schedule which was great. Some of our favorite activities were surfing, hiking, community service with Liquid Therapy, going out in town, and rock climbing. The housing was good because we were separated into 2 separate houses, 7 of us in each, so we were sometimes all together but also could spend some time alone when we needed to. We hung out in both the houses every day and ate our meals together. After long days out it was so nice to come home to a hot meal prepared for us. The food was pretty good and also they bought us whatever groceries we wanted, so we were always well fed. Overall, coming on IGY is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I am leaving with so many life long friends, a fondness and increased knowledge for a new country, a greater understanding of myself, and have had such a peaceful and fun time before I head off to college.

The opportunities given to immerse yourself in the culture of Ireland and travel to not only big cities but small scenic towns made IGY a worthwhile experience. Group Leaders do their best to ensure a positive time in Ireland and surfing with Liquid Therapy was a highlight of the 3 month long trip. The opportunity to plan a student lead trip to Dublin highlighted the leadership aspect plus you’re provided dinner almost every night. Hiking and camping is a big part of your time on IGY and I definitely enjoyed all of it. Most importantly Nial=🐐

Irish gal year brought so much adventure and peace in my life all at once. A huge majority of my time was spent outside, in the ocean, hiking, and anything out doors. I spent most of my time in such a peaceful environment but learning exploring and pressing my limits. I gained life long connections not only with my new friends but also with the amazing leaders. Irish gap year was just what I needed to move forward in my next adventures. This was the best experience I could imagine and I would recommend this company to anyone needing space to grow before there next adventure.

The IGY was the adventure and leadership fall program was amazing. What’s awesome about it is not just a structured itinerary that has activities like cliff jumping, hiking, traveling to cities, shopping, exploring monuments and ruins, and going to the pubs with your friends, but also the freedom you have to make your own choices. The counselors are there to help you and lead you on trips but also treat you like adults. The student led trip at the end where we got a budget and were able to create our own trip was amazing. We went to cork and stayed at a hostel where I met people of many different cultures and had a spontaneous arm wrestling tournament at 1 in the morning with all the foreigners in a common room.

Irish Gap Year provided me some of the most best opportunities of my life. I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this program outside of the provided itinerary list, and I think that’s part of why it’s so great. You’ll be doing amazing hiking, traveling, and workshops, but the rest of your time here is left up to you and your peers to decide what you will do. Irish Gap Year offers students the chance to not only immerse in Irish culture and adventure through nature, but also the freedom to make your own choices. Some things you can expect to do on this program would be cliff jumping, surfing, touring some of Ireland’s most famous cities, lots of hiking, and leadership workshops. For 3 months you will be living with other students from various different places and backgrounds which offers students the chance to grow and learn about each other on a deep level. If you are a young adult looking for a program that offers you activity filled weeks, the chance to experience lots of personal growth, and to make meaningful connections with peers, this is the program for you.

My exsperiance with Irish Gap Year is one that I will never forget. We are not just a cohort, we are a family. I have made life long friends that i would do anything for and I know they would do anything for me. Irish Gap Year pushs you mentally and physically while giving you the preparation and support you need. The volunteering opportunities are meaningful and rewarding. Working with Liquid Therapy was a highlight of my time here. Teaching children with additional needs to surf while creating a relationship with them and their families was refreshing. Overall, Irish Gap Year has far exceeded my expectations. Choosing Irish Gap Year was the best decision I have ever made.