Program Reviews

I couldn’t be happier that I chose to do this Irish Gap Year program. I have grown so much as a young adult on this trip and it has also strongly informed my college decision and aspirations for the future.

The surfing in Bundoran is so good and the town itself has a lively yet chill beach town vibe.

I also met several cool people that I hope to stay connected with in the future. Because it was such a small group of gappers, it gave me the opportunity to really get to know my peers and build meaningful connections.

Great craic!!

I was on the spring adventure & leadership program 2025. Nature in Donegal (& all of Ireland) is absolutely beautiful! Weather not so much (cold!! rainy!!) but it gets better in late April/into May. The hikes are mainly off trail, but I think they are suitable for most people as long as you are relatively athletic. Surfing is cold, and waves unpredictable, wetsuits are provided though and you are well supported in the water by staff!

Speaking of staff— everyone is absolutely amazing! Everyone is so friendly and genuine, I felt very supported and I will miss them all a lot. Shoutout to the legends themselves Joe, Sheelagh (and her very cute very sweet dog Ludene), Andrew, and Jules!!!!

The housing in Portbeg is kind of far from town, it’s a long walk (15 minutes to the closest buildings) but they might move the houses so idk how relevant this will be. The wifi and hot water go out a lot. Rooms are very nice, and some people have their own.

Bundoran is small, there’s not much nightlife here, especially because it’s off-season. Some good live music at a couple of pubs!

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.

I think it’s definitely an exciting program, with each day being very packed. If you enjoy the outdoors and want to see the beautiful scenery of Ireland, this program is definitely for you. I was pushed outside of my comfort zone many times, from cold plunging to cliff jumping. While these things seemed daunting, they refreshed me afterwards. I also learned the importance of being self reliant when it came to preparing for activities for the day.

While I certainly enjoyed this program, it may not for everyone.

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.

My experience with IGY has been overwhelmingly positive. From the thrilling adventures that constantly push me out of my comfort zone to the incredible surf days that leave me feeling energized and connected to nature, this program has offered so many unforgettable moments. Beyond the excitement, what truly makes IGY special is the sense of community, personal growth, and the opportunity to explore new perspectives. There’s so much to appreciate, and it’s an experience I’ll carry with me for a long time.

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 really enjoyed the three months I spent here. I had a great time on the Adventure and Leadership program, made lifelong friends, and explored Irish cities. Most people are social and are down to go out to the pubs every weekend. I loved surfing and playing in the water. The program leaders were awesome (especially Joe and Sheelagh). The houses are cool, and the food is just okay (a little repetitive sometimes). I would recommend this program to anyone adventurous and willing to spend time outside.

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!