Iona Ireland
Iona University's New Global Campus
Iona University’s roots reach back to nineteenth-century Ireland, where a successful local businessman named Edmund Rice devoted his wealth to educating the marginalized of society.
Since then, we have been proud to play a pivotal role in the City of New Rochelle, providing a high-quality education to students from our New York region and beyond, and being named a top school nationwide for return on investment.
In 2022, with the opening of the NewYork-Presbyterian School of Health Sciences, we extended our footprint to nearby Bronxville, NY.
Now, we are proud to share that we have returned to the country of Iona's humble but impactful beginnings.
We invite you to join us as we celebrate Iona Ireland, a Gael campus located in the charming town of Westport.
Experience Westport
Watch our exclusive Westport video series here!
President Carey on this Exciting Initiative
In this video from spring 2023, President Carey discusses the significance of Iona University returning to its Irish roots.
Students take courses in Westport House, one of Ireland's most beautiful historic houses.
Rich in history, Westport House transports visitors through time to an era of deep thought and inquiry. Students are surrounded by art, texts and antiques that connect this special structure to the past.
Nearby to Westport, Achill Island is home to Keem Bay Beach, one of the world's top 50 beaches.
Located on 400-acres of stunning beauty, students can explore the Westport House Estate along dedicated forest trails, walkways, restored pathways and more.
Front left: Seamus Carey, Ph.D., President of Iona University; Seamus Weir, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council; Eileen Ivers ’87, ’19H, a Grammy Award-winning Musician; Back left: Biddy Hughes, Head of Operations at Westport House; Kevin O'Sullivan, Se
The town of Westport is a popular tourist destination for its scenery, restaurants and beaches, attracting visitors from Ireland and around the world.
Class Overview & Experiential Learning
Class Overview
All classes are held at the Westport House Estate. Students are surrounded by its rich history, beautiful art and vibrant grounds. Local guest speakers are a cornerstone of each class, offering valuable and unique perspectives students are able to incorporate into their coursework and in their careers beyond the classroom.
Experiential Learning
While studying abroad is an impactful learning experience in itself, classes in Ireland also feature many experiential learning opportunities. A few examples include nursing students performing clinical observations in local hospitals and music students attending concerts and meeting local musicians. Students leave these experiences with an increased framework of the world at large and a wider set of skills: yet another instance of Iona students learning outside the lines.
J.J. O'Malleys is popular spot in Westport. Chicken with mashed potatoes in a savory cream sauce is a favorite choice.
Fish and Chips from The Quay in Gallway.
Salmon and mashed potatoes with hazelnut sauce from J.J. O'Malleys in Westport.
Seafood Chowder with brown bread from The Towers.
J.J. O'Malleys' take on Cod Mornay features a creamy cheese sauce topped with shrimp.
Leave room for dessert! Chocolate almond tart with ice cream from The Towers.
Experience Westport
Featuring a vibrant downtown brimming with restaurants, shops, music and more, Westport is also nearby to some of the most beautiful destinations in Ireland.
Hear from President Carey, Eileen Ivers ’81, 19H and members of the Westport community as they welcome you and show you around this captivating town.
Welcome
Allow President Carey to welcome and show you around.
Downpatrick Head
Grammy-award winner Eileen Ivers ’87, 19H introduces Downpatrick Head.
Wild Atlantic Wear
Stop by Wild Atlantic Wear for all of your Westport gear.
Kelly’s Tweeds & Knitwear
You’ll fit right in after a stop at Kelly’s Tweeds & Knitwear.
The Bookshop
Grab your next favorite page turner at The Bookshop.
Iona Ireland Interest Form
If you would like to receive information about opportunities in Westport Ireland, please complete the interest form below.
Westport House
Biddy Hughes from Westport House extends a warm “100,000” welcomes.
Krem: Gelateria & Café
Pop in for tasty gelato and crepes.
Matt Molloy’s
Hear the best traditional Irish music at Ireland’s #1 pub.
Cronin’s Sheebeen
Drop in for a pint and a bite.
The Helm
This cozy restaurant features both traditional Irish and contemporary cuisine.
About Westport, Ireland
Westport is a town within County Mayo and consists of roughly 7,000 residents. A popular tourist destination, Westport is well known for its beautiful scenery, restaurants, beaches and more.
Natural Beauty
Westport and its surrounding areas are home to some of the most gorgeous examples of Ireland’s natural beauty. Students will have many hiking opportunities, including Croagh Patrick, which is considered by many to be a holy mountain. Additionally, nearby Achill Island features Keem Bay Beach, one of the world’s top 50 beaches. In 2022, it was named the number one “Best Wild Swimming Spot in UK & Ireland.”
Getting Around
Like many European towns and cities, Westport is designed for both walkability and cyclists.
For those wishing to explore Ireland further, Westport’s railway station connects to Castlebar where visitors can make train connections beyond County Mayo.
Drivers can also take advantage of the N5, N4 and N59 routes, and the regional airport Ireland West Airport Knock is only 37 miles away.
Restaurants & Pubs
With roughly 40 pubs and restaurants to choose from, students will find plenty of options to enjoy the local cuisine. A few highlights include the An Port Mór Restaurant (“The Big Port”) or Matt Malloy’s which features live, traditional music seven nights per week.
Culture
Westport boasts many opportunities for those looking to explore culture. The Westport Town Hall Theatre is one popular destination and hosts events, artists, musicians, local theatre groups and even children’s puppet shows throughout the year.
Westport is also home to several festivals, including the music and arts festival “Westival,” a Croagh Patrick Walking festival and The Saltwater Festival of Music, Food, Art & Culture.