Westport, Ireland

While studying abroad is an impactful learning experience in itself, classes in Westport, Ireland also feature a variety of hands-on, experiential learning opportunities. Nursing students gain valuable experience through clinical observations in local hospitals, while CSD graduate students work closely with teachers and students in schools throughout Westport. Students enrolled in the FPA course have the opportunity to attend live performances, engage with Irish musicians and experience Ireland’s rich musical traditions firsthand. Business students gain real world insight through an immersive experience at Portwest, one of the world’s fastest growing workwear companies.

Beyond the classroom, all students come together for group excursions and cultural experiences, including trips to Achill Island, the Erris Peninsula, Galway and more. Students leave Westport with a broader understanding of the world, meaningful cross-cultural experiences and an expanded set of academic, professional and personal skills, yet another example of Iona students learning outside the lines.

Scholarship Opportunity: The Charles Patrick McCarthy Scholarship

The Charles Patrick McCarthy Scholarship, established in 2023 by Iona alumnus Dennis McCarthy ’82 and his wife Angie Metcalf, supports Iona University students studying abroad in Ireland. Created in memory of Dennis’s late brother Charles, who passed away in 1981 before starting at Iona, the scholarship honors his legacy and love for Irish heritage. 

• Scholarship Amount: Cost of Trip*
  *Not including airfare and summer tuition.

Read more about The Charles Patrick McCarthy Scholarship.

Dates and Costs

Dates: May 8–May 21, 2027 (Summer Session V) 

Estimated Cost: $2,900*

• *Includes housing accommodations, daily breakfast & lunch on class days, entrance fees to all Iona University planned excursions, and ground transportation to all excursions and classes on most days.
• Does not include:
  • Summer Tuition (Estimated cost: $2,000 for undergraduate tuition)
  • CSD graduate tuition may apply. Please see graduate tuition rates here.
  • Roundtrip Airfare (Estimated cost: $1,200 JFK – SNN)
  • Mandatory CISI International Health & Repatriation Insurance ($52)
  • Nonrefundable application processing fee ($50)

REQUIREMENTS

• Application Dates*
  • Nursing Students: Must complete NUR study abroad application by 5 p.m., October 20, 2026.    
    • NUR $500 Deposit due by November 20, 2026.
  • FPA/CSD/BUS Students: Students: Must complete FPA, CSD or BUS study abroad application by November 30, 2026.
  • *Note: Applications will close earlier if the course fills before the application deadline date.
• FPA/CSD/BUS Must pay $500 program deposit (amount goes towards total cost) by December 18, 2026.
• Must enroll in NUR 302/NUR 3020, FPA 237, BUS 491, or CSD 519. (Students may enroll once summer enrollment opens, provided they have completed the study abroad application and paid the $500 deposit.)
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
• Meet any additional prerequisites.
• Students under any active form of academic or disciplinary probation at the time of departure will not be permitted to participate in the program.
• Space is limited and is currently reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Completing the Study Abroad application does not guarantee a spot. Those who apply for a filled course will be placed on a waitlist.

Course Options

Music in World Cultures: The Music of Western Ireland (FPA 241)

Music in World Cultures is the study of music and its place in the lives of peoples around the world, with a special focus on Western Ireland during the Study Abroad.  Issues such as music and identity, music as a representation of a culture, and the role of music in daily life will be discussed as well as the variety of musical instruments and styles found throughout the region.  Students will also attend live performances and have the opportunity to work with Irish musicians as a part of their study.

APPLY NOW: FPA

Special Topics in Business: Portwest, Immersion (BUS 491)

For BUS Sophomores and Juniors only 

This course will provide Iona Business students a unique opportunity to learn and to gain hands-on experience at Portwest, the fastest growing workwear company in the world. With its corporate headquarters based in Westport, IRE, Portwest has invited Iona students to learn about each facet of its corporate operations. During a two-week transformative immersion experience, current sophomores and juniors will gain and reflect upon their first-hand experiences with this successful international corporation, culminating in a capstone project and preparing them for their future careers.

APPLY NOW: BUS 

Healthcare Perspectives (NUR 302; NUR 3020)

For nursing students only. 

This course fosters students to critically examine the nursing profession, historical and theoretical frameworks, moral and legal issues, and standards of nursing practice. Current issues and healthcare trends are examined through the interprofessional lens. Emphasis on disparities that exist in the health care system of the United States and in the world are identified. Students are provided with the information and tools to confront health disparities and challenges and taught how to navigate the health care system in a collaborative interdisciplinary partnership. 

Deadline to apply: 5 p.m., October 20, 2026.

Apply now: Nursing

Language Development and Disorders in School-Age Children (CSD 519)

For Graduate Students only

This course will explore the roles of the school-based speech-language pathologist and other professionals (ie: educators, occupational therapists, social workers, counselors) in Ireland. This experience will provide students with a deeper understanding of how professionals in a school must work together to assess and treat language disorders for school-age children and how cultural and geographic factors influence therapeutic practices. Additionally, the course will enrich students’ academic knowledge and practical skills in communication, focusing specifically on language development and disorders in school-age children and provide students with knowledge about school-based interprofessional practice. 

Please note that CSD graduate tuition may apply. Please see graduate tuition rates here.

Apply Now: CSD

Questions?

Visit our FAQ page here

Contact

Nursing Course: Sherylyn Watson Ph.D., swatson@iona.edu

CSD Course:  Dorothy Leone Ph.D., dleone@iona.edu 

FPA Course: Adam Rosado Ph.D., arosado@iona.edu 

Study Abroad: studyabroad@iona.edu 

Nearby to Westport, Achill Island is home to Keem Bay Beach, one of the world's top 50 beaches.