I couldn't have picked a better program to be a part of for my gap year. Before the program, I was very socially anxious and wasn't much of a risk-taker. During the program, though, I was almost always talking with people and saying "yes" to things I never thought I would. The trips we took were phenomenal, and I got to explore some of the little parts of Ireland that I never would have gone to if I were just a regular tourist. The program leaders are very supportive and so much fun to be around. I've grown so much since February, and I am forever grateful to the IGY staff for being so helpful and welcoming.

Being in the Arts and Culture program was a wonderful experience. My perspective on art and how I go about making it has changed completely. The art tutors, Anna, Ken, Aideen, Jim, and Rossa are some of the coolest people you will ever meet. They manage to make every workshop fun and engaging while also teaching you about different techniques and ways to create art. All of the tutors want you to be comfortable while creating art and will do everything they can to make sure that you do. They encourage you to take breaks if you're feeling stuck and are always there to help you with any issues you may be having. They aren't there to tell you what to do, they are there to guide you into becoming the artist that you want to be. I absolutely loved being in the Arts program. *Also we were not just stuck inside all day! There were many opportunities to be in nature, volunteer, and do some adventuring!*

Great people, especially in the art program. All the trips were super memorable and there was scarcely a week without some goof or guffaw afoot. Haha, takes me back to me olden days my the railroad tracks. Oh to be young again...

This has been everything I wanted in a gap year program. I came here hoping to explore Ireland, make art I could be proud of and learn new skills, make some friends, and overall have a good time. I got all of that and more. The arts tutors are all amazing, and with their help we put together an amazing exhibition. The location's also great- the cliffs are beautiful, the beaches have lots of cool shells and other fun treasures, the sky's great for stargazing on clear nights, and Bundoran's fun to explore on the weekends. I couldn't be happier that I chose this program.

My time with Irish Gap Year has been very enjoyable. I really liked being able to learn from such amazing art teachers that are all so unique and helpful. Charcoal worked the side of my brain that requires precise line work. Found art gave me an ability to be more free and open with creation. And painting was very enjoyable as I loved the very kind teacher who taught us about different artists and styles. I wish there were more opportunities to work with bog jewelry, leather and wood working. I felt that some mediums were prioritized more than others, which has its pros and cons. I really enjoyed the town we stayed in. I didn’t mind being a bit far (I would recommend renting a bike). Bundoran has a lot of character and once you find the places you enjoy the most in the small town, you’ll very much miss letting go once you leave.

The arts and culture program was so much fun and so valuable for improving my stills in so many different art mediums. I was able to make some really good friends that share a lot of the same interests as me. All of the workshop leaders and program leaders/staff are so wonderful and supportive, and I really recommend Irish Gap Year for anyone looking to do a gap year program. It’s a great way to learn independence and is an awesome opportunity to see some beautiful places around Ireland/Europe.

I did the Irish Gap Year Arts and Culture program in Spring of 2025 (I’m actually still here while writing this) and I can say pretty certainly that this was what I needed right now. This program was as much a vacation as it was a challenge (in a good way). Bundoran (and by extension, the entire country of Ireland) is a beautiful, magical place, and every day spent there was soothing and relaxing. The art program, between seven different instructors and the chance to learn and practice a whole host of mediums, was a perfect opportunity to learn and grow as an artist in a guided, but still fun and free environment.

I had a great time during the IGY Arts program. The exhibition at the end of the trip felt very rewarding and I developed meaningful relationships with the local art tutors. The charcoal teacher in particular is excellent. The friends I made here were kind and open minded. And Bundoran itself is a great little town and a beautiful location. The leaders were fun and lifted everyone’s spirits. Being here in the spring was nice because it was green when we got here in February, and it only got warmer. I would recommend the program for art students who want to create!

This was an interesting program, and overall I enjoyed my time here. Some mental health things made it a little hard to enjoy it sometimes. Overall the program directors were good at addressing that, and kept us safe. There were a few times they made decisions that I felt were unwise or perhaps not thought out completely, and while concerning those decisions never actually put anyone in danger. The art was amazing, and I feel like I grew a lot as a person and as an artist. Living on my own in a house full of people was really usefull as a way to grow, and I hope to take what I have learned in this program onwards in my life.