5 Best Student Cities in Ireland 2025

Known for its rich heritage, scenic landscapes, and a welcoming environment, Ireland is home to various student friendly cities, which offer a very warm and secure environment to international students. In this article, we have listed below the Best Student Cities of Ireland in 2025, the top universities based in these cities, facilities offered, and more.

Ireland is a fantastic choice for students, boasting a rich culture, friendly locals, and world-renowned universities.  The "best" student city really depends on what you're looking for, but here are some of the top contenders, each with its own unique universities and a few things you could do on the campuses at these top Irish universities.

Also Check: Fully-Funded Scholarships in Ireland

Top Student Cities in Ireland for Indian Students 2025

Check out the list of top student cities in Ireland below, each listed with its top universities and reasons to choose. 

1. Dublin

Dublin has some of the most popular and highly ranked colleges and universities in Ireland. The city is placed at 32nd position in the QS Best Student Cities 2025 rankings. 

Trinity College Dublin

When you are at Trinity, you do not need to worry about life outside the walls of the college. The campus is filled with benches, cafes, and there are a few dining places. Off campus, MacTurcails, the Gingerman, Doyles and the Longstone are regular haunts of students. Everyone on a student budget goes to Tolteca, Burritos and Blues, and Pablo Piccante’s for burritos, Costa for coffee, KC Peaches and O’Brien’s for sandwiches, Captain America’s and Yum Thai for lunch.

University College Dublin

The UCD student centre has a 3D cinema, a theatre, a radio hub, a debating chamber, a gym, fitness classes and a pool. ‘The Global Lounge’ has an indoor entertainment hub where you can watch 350 international TV stations, and is often the venue for gaming nights. Pulse café, which is on campus, has great food options.

Dublin City University

One thing about DCU you need to remember is that the clubs and societies are a big deal in this university. There are lots of clubs you can choose from – drama, dance, tea, debating, Harry Potter, etc. Students usually hang out in the canteen, Nubar, Mezz and the students' union. The canteen food is pretty good value. Aside from multiple on-campus restaurants, there is Weldons Bar as well as Andersons off campus.

DIT

DIT Aungier Street campus has a big students' union common area with pool tables, PCs, a cafe, etc. Off campus, Palace, D2, Coppers, the Village, Dicey’s Garden, Whelan’s, and Insomnia are all popular hangout places. At DIT Bolton Street, Bodkin’s Bar is a favourite traditional pub. Many campuses have canteens, but Bolton Street is considered the best.

Govinda’s on Aungier Street serves vegetarian food, which is a relief for Indian students. Near Bolton Street, the Saba Inn cafe (a small Hungarian café) is good for sandwiches and offers value student meals.

2. Limerick

Limerick Institute of Technology

There are over 70 societies and clubs to join here at this university. Off campus, there is a lot to do in the city of Limerick, from go-karting to bowling to shopping, etc. There are three cinemas which sell tickets at special student prices. You can go to the farmers’ market on a Tuesday or catch the University Concert Hall performances. The university campus has 19 cafes and restaurants open, and many more just off campus.

3. Cork

University College Cork

At UCC, students tend to stay on campus as there are many options available, including the student centre, sports centre and an amphitheatre. Popular spots off campus include Patrick Street and Fitzgerald’s Park. Everyone drinks at Bailey, Suas, Washington Inn and Sober Lane.  
Where to eat: Both on and off campus, food is priced keeping students in mind, and there are many deals available. On-campus eating spots include the student centre, Kylemore, Cafe Fresco and Kiwi.

Cork Institute of Technology

CIT is one of the best institutes of technology in Ireland. The campuses are scattered throughout Cork. The college offers business, science and engineering, and humanities courses, but music and art students perhaps provide the pulse of CIT’s bright student life.

There are a number of day trips you can take to picturesque and scenic spots. Youghal, Cobh and Kinsale are particularly pleasant spots around the city. The Nexus student centre is a popular spot, as are two gyms and a sports stadium. Cork’s reputation as a foodie city means students will find good, cheap meals wherever they go. Captain America’s, Subway, Gino’s and local bar food venues are much visited, but many students choose to eat in college canteens.

4. Galway

NUI Galway

Galway is a slightly cheaper place to live than many other student cities in Ireland. NUI campus is known to be hipster-ish, where art and culture take a front seat. Smokies, Róisín Dubh and the Crane Bar are best best-known locations for live gigs. The students’ union offers cheap €5 full dinners in the college bar. Finnegan’s, Boojum, and Supermac’s are popular places serving freshly made meals.
GMIT

GMIT has big campuses at Castlebar and Letterkenny. Castlebar is centrally located and offers lots of clubs and societies. Apart from these two, students at the Cluain Mhuire have forged a very creative reputation for the campus.
Students usually hang out in the student villages during downtime. The most popular eateries include the cafeteria on the Dublin Road campus, Cactus Jack’s, etc.

5. Waterford

WIT

Waterford Institute of Technology is the biggest college in the southeast. Waterford has a rich history and cultural life, given that it is one of the original Viking settlements. Student events and balls take place throughout the year. To get away from the city, students go surfing in Tramore, to the many different beaches of the southeast, or hike through the Comeragh Mountains.

The Hot House Bistro, the Gallery, Oscar's Cafe, and the arcade and pool room are busiest during lunch hours. The college canteen provides a range of meals priced to suit all budgets.

This was all about the best student cities in Ireland in 2025. If you wish to study abroad, then you can get assistance from Shiksha Counselling Services for free. You can also drop your queries in the comments section below.