The Irish Arts and Culture Program

My god was it fun. The friends you'll make, the things you'll see, the experiences you'll have, all make this program so very worth it. You won't find another program that is this fun and relaxing, while still fast paced and stimulating. You will love the tutors and faculty, especially Ken and Phil (they're so awesome). The houses are nice enough, can't really complain. You will have to get used to shitty wifi on this trip, it's inescapable. The sub trips (both overnight and day trips) are enjoyable, although I wish we went to Donegal town one more time. Honestly though, all the good parts to this experience far outweigh the bad. I can't say it enough, you should come.

The Arts and Culture program was great to broaden my understanding of art and allow me to explore new mediums. I feel that at least for my group we would’ve liked to have some more adventure stuff and have more of a balance. Also at times the trips we went on weren’t spread out enough. They were all super fun just sometimes too much at once. I think this program has helped me learn how to live on my own and coexist with other kids which is helpful for the future. This program has given me some lifelong friends and some great memories to take with me now that the program has ended!

Irish gap year was really good for meeting new friends and clearing my head. I met a lot of really great people and it was nice experiencing life so far away from my hometown. If you’ve had a rough high school experience or are just looking to get away and have a little fun I highly recommend Irish Gap year. Everything except for the food was a 10/10. They kind of cycle the same few meals over and over again which wasn’t the best. Other than that I have absolutely loved this program, the people who run it, and the new friends I’ve made.

This program has truly been one of the greatest experiences of my life. I have met some of the greatest people, had incredible new experiences, and learned so much about myself. The workshops were so beneficial and it is so fun to create bonds with the tutors while learning more about things you are interested in. Going to new places and exploring Ireland with so much freedom also makes the trip so much fun. There is so much support from the staff and all your peers that really enrich your experience. You will not regret choosing Irish gap year for your next adventure.

This program has been amazing! There's a great balance between the arts and exploration. We traveled all around Ireland, and got to see a lot of historical and cultural sites. My group was amazing, and we had a lot of time to become really close. Everyone was really nice and made me feel very at home. The art mentors are kind and very helpful. We worked in water color, acrylic paint, charcoal, photography, film, leather working, jewelry making and found art. This has been a monumental experience for me, I highly recommend it!

I was super excited for this trip but also terrified because I’ve never been away from my family for this long but especially because I’ve never really been great with making friends so I was really nervous. But after the first two days all those worries went away everyone was really welcoming and kind and I was really comfortable around everyone. For the art section of the program it was unbelievably helpful. I was able to learn so much in only 3 months Michael was the best teacher for me teaching me on how to use the greyscale a lot better and how to improve as an artist as a whole

I loved the program and the time that I spent here. The group that I was with was accepting and supportive, both peers and guides. The classes and mentors are engaging and throw themselves into helping with our projects. Everyone from the staff was great and we all felt like a family with the first week. I went on this program to try and start becoming more independent after high school but still be supported and this program delivers. I was lucky that I was able to go on this trip. I was lucky to be on this trip and meet and experience the people that I did.

Deciding to go on this program may have been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The program is very well organized with exciting activities and busy schedules almost every day. The location of the program is so beautiful, and ended up being way better than I expected. All art lessons are done in a beautiful old house with windows that look out over the ocean and green grassy fields. The art teachers are so supportive, unique, talented, and maybe even a little bit crazy. This program has given me the space to explore my creativity in a space free from pressure or judgement, which has been quintessential to my personal growth as an artist. The most important part of it all was the people I met here. Everyone here in this silly little art group are genuinely so unique, creative, funny, and supportive beyond belief. I am so eternally grateful to know all of these crazy goofballs for the rest of my life.