Program Reviews

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!*

This was one of the most important and meaningful experiences of my life, and something I know I’ll remember forever. I could spend hours speaking highly about the program, the leaders, and the people I met along the way.

Before coming, I honestly didn’t know what I wanted from my gap year, but this program gave it so much meaning. From hiking and surfing to volunteering and the social aspect of living alongside people from different backgrounds, every part of the experience pushed me outside my comfort zone in the best way possible.

The environment itself was phenomenal and honestly healing in a way. Even something as simple as walking to the grocery store felt special because everywhere you looked there were incredible views, mountains, wildlife, beaches, and sunsets. The house we stayed in was only a few minutes from the beach and beautiful coastal views, which made everyday life feel peaceful and exciting at the same time. The scenery had such a positive impact on my experience and allowed me to slow down, appreciate where I was, and fully enjoy every moment. Even the weather ended up feeling perfect for everything we were doing.

One of the best parts of the program was seeing not only my own confidence grow, but also watching everyone around me become more comfortable, independent, and open throughout the experience. I learned so much about myself and the things I’m capable of pushing myself toward. Throughout the program, I felt endlessly supported and truly included. I’ve always considered myself a shy person, but the welcoming environment made it easy to come out of my shell and fully enjoy the experience.

I came into the program with some hiking experience, but I’m leaving with so much more: surfing, bushcrafting, greater independence, and a stronger sense of self-reliance. This experience genuinely changed me for the better, and I’m leaving feeling more confident, capable, and prepared for the future.

This program was the most unforgettable and amazing experience. This program provided me with all the necessary tools in order to rediscover myself and also gain confidence. The activities were fun and allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone in a way that felt good for me. I could not speak more highly about the leaders on this program, they were knowledgable of the activities we did such as bushcrafting and surfing and were supportive to the students no matter what the need was. I would recommend this program to anyone who needs a "reset".

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...

I absolutely loved my time with Irish Gap Year this spring, I had such an amazing experience. This program really helped me grow as a person, step outside of my comfort zone, and build connections with other people. This was also extremely helpful in providing me more independence and helping me feel more prepared to head off to college in the fall. I made so many great memories through all of the adventures that we had, and the people I met along the way. If I had the chance to do it again, I would do it in a heartbeat. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone!

The European Explorer program is a great way to get a taste of what backpacking looks like! You will be able to explore a wide variety of places. I got to stay in cities such as Munich and Prague! I also got to experience the mountains in Austria and live in a house in Italy! I loved the museums and palaces! This program is truly amazing and I would recommend it to anyone! The staff are very supportive and helpful. Even though it was only three weeks, I learned and grew as a person!

I attended the Irish Gap Year Arts and Culture Program in the fall of 2025, and it was by far one of the most amazing adventures of my life. The experience was truly transformative. I learned so much about myself and discovered how much joy there is in living, learning, and creating alongside my peers.

Throughout the program, we worked across a variety of artistic mediums with an incredible team of professional local artists. Their guidance and passion made the creative process both inspiring and accessible. In addition to the art component, we explored many parts of Ireland, immersing ourselves in its rich culture and artistic heritage. We even learned how to bake and cook delicious traditional Irish food, which was such a fun and memorable part of the experience.

I can’t say enough wonderful things about the staff. They are some of the kindest, most caring people you will ever meet, and they truly make you feel like part of a family. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking for a meaningful, enriching, and unforgettable experience.

While this program isn’t for everyone, it involves a lot of team work/cooperation and some hard physical work, this is great program, and I would absolutely recommend it. It has a great amount of fun, hard work and rest/down time. The people running it genuinely care about the student, and will try to make sure you have a good time. That shouldn’t be a worry though because this program seems to attract lovely, high energy, and caring. Not everything will go according to plan, but almost everything will end with find memories.

IGY was overall an amazing experience, with unforgettable memories as much as lessons. There is extreme support from the staff and leaders. Each leader has unique vibes and characteristics that make them fully suited for this. We step out of our comfort zones, we learn about ourselves, we learn to coexist with people of our ages, as well as being given the independence to try to judge right from wrong ourselves. Any leader would be there to help at the drop of a dime, at the ring of a phone. Ryan Allen truly knows how to run a business and make it feel as if it is a family, and every single person he selects is absolutely cut for the job. I’d say the gap year taught me many valuable lessons about coexistence, independency, and understanding myself. Weaknesses as well as strengths. I felt safe, looked after, glad to have food in my fridge and pantry at all times, and comfort in being checked on every single weekday morning. Not to mention we had extremely fun tasks and activities to do every single day, and then freedom on the weekends, with constructive cleaning on Saturdays. The Irish Gap Year was great fun, I cannot speak highly enough of those in charge, and I will be taking many things home with me that I will remember for the rest of my entire life.

Wanted an English-speaking program to kick off my year away from what I knew. Ireland is full of fun (“Craic”), kind people, and breathtaking views. Irish Gap Year is the perfect mix of structure and freedom, and has exceeded my expectations in almost all categories. My one qualm is that the “leadership” part was certainly secondary to the “adventure” part of my specific program. However, this also creates a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for people of all stages of life. The support is wonderful, Portbeg Holiday Homes is great, and the people IGY attracts are on the whole lovely. I have made some good friends, with great ease.