The Irish Arts and Culture Program

Attending IGY was one of the best decisions of my whole gap year experience. I learned so much about art—not only practical skills, but also the values of unjudged creativity and perseverance. Seeing the natural beauty of Ireland through hikes was wonderful, and though covid prevented us from visiting as many cities as I would like, I’ll remember the places we did visit forever. Anyone who enjoys nature, art, or is even just open to pushing themselves into something new (I wasn’t much of an artist myself before I came here) will love this program.

Going on IGY's arts and culture program this spring was the best thing I did this gap year! Our program leaders were so lovely and welcoming (s/o Phil and Fiona!), and the arts tutors are amazing at what they do. The program is kept exciting (even during covid) with lots of hikes, arts workshops, day trips out to different cities, and group activities around Bundoran. I met some of my favorite people while getting to enjoy all the beauty of county Donegal--I'd definitely recommend this program to anyone who's excited about art or Ireland :)

My time with Irish gap year has been so valuable and fun despite COVID restrictions. The arts program is focused around workshops with local artists, and in the beginning everyone tries out the various mediums before focusing on a few for the final expo. All of the tutors are incredible; my favorite workshops were painting with Lani and charcoal with Michael. I learned a lot and made some pieces I’m really proud of. If drawing and painting aren’t your thing, there’s also leather working, jewelry making, creative writing and more. Plenty of chance to challenge yourself regardless of prior experience. Some other highlights of the trip were hiking (we explored an abandoned mine shaft!), exploring cities like Belfast and Derry, cliff jumping, surfing, and just hanging out at home with everyone. I appreciated that the program leaders trusted us to manage our own house and free time. I’ve made so many long-lasting memories & friends on this trip, and would recommend it to anyone looking to stretch their wings, make art, explore a new place and learn a bit about yourself along the way.

I had a great time at IGY! Despite some unfortunate let downs due to Covid, It was an overall amazing experience. I made many new friendships, saw some beautiful places, tried new things, and learned a lot about myself along the way. The staff was fantastic; they were friendly and supportive and truly made the experience what it was. The tutors who taught our art classes were super talented and I think I improved my art skills greatly, especially in the mediums I was unfamiliar with. My time at IGY will stick with me forever and I will look back on it with fondness.

Living in Ireland for the past few months has been so much fun despite COVID restrictions. The arts program focused on workshops with local artists, and we all tried every medium before choosing several to focus on for the final exhibition. I especially loved painting with Lani and charcoal with Michael, and made some pieces I’m really proud of! This program is for people of any art level; there's plenty of opportunity to challenge yourself and have fun no matter your experience. If drawing and painting aren’t your thing, there’s also leather working, jewelery-making, or creative writing.
Some other highlights of the trip were beautiful hikes, (once we explored an abandoned mine shaft!!) dips in the ocean, surfing, making our own short films, and just having time to hang out together at home. I made so many lasting memories & friendships with the people in my group, and I appreciated that IGY gave us the freedom to manage our own house. I recommend this program for anyone looking to stretch their wings, make art, explore Ireland, and learn a bit about yourself along the way.

My experience with Irish Gap Year was so much more than I ever could have expected. I felt respected as an adult in every instance, which made a perfect bridge between high school and college. The staff was personable and welcoming, making me feel comfortable to share my needs and issues no matter what while still maintaining a friendly relationship that allowed us to have a bit of, as the Irish would say, craic.

This was my first experience abroad and never once did I feel isolated or unbearably homesick. The environment that was fostered both by my peers and staff was second to none.

The activities got me into a routine that I never would have been able to develop or expect of myself before, and I left a changed, more mature person.

Irish Gap Year gives students a lot of individual freedom to grow as a person and as an artist in their art program. It is a great way to experience life while still having a safety net. There are so many opportunities to meet new people and create bonds that can last long past the program's end. There are so many skills learned both from the art tutors and each other. The staff is also wonderful and makes sure we are safe and happy. It is one of the most valuable experiences I have had in my life.

I had an incredible time with Irish Gap Year. I was able to meet amazing people who I intend to have life long friendships with and also had the opportunity to get to know myself better as well. With wonderful art instructors I was taught how to make art I felt truly proud of and not only learned helpful techniques but got the chance to explore my own artistic process. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone who is passionate about art and life itself, the opportunities with IGY are nearly endless!