Where Are Programs Based?

Programs are based in the stunning Heritage Town of Birr, County Offaly – a hidden gem set against the majestic backdrop of the peatlands of midland Ireland and the quiet beauty of the Slieve Bloom Mountains (just 90 minutes from Dublin). Participants are housed in home-stay accommodation; home-stay is the preferred accommodation type of IHS as it supports opportunities for cultural exchange and immersion, all the while bringing tangible benefits to the communities of the provincial towns that host our programs

Upon successful completion what will students have achieved?
  • A working knowledge of the Irish flora that will provide a solid foundation for the study of the flora of other parts of the world
  • Familiarity with the orders of terrestrial and aquatic fauna
  • Familiarity with plant communities and the basic techniques of vegetation survey
  • Be familiar with an outline of the cultural heritage of Ireland
  • A good understanding of the basic elements of solid and glacial geology and geological mapping
  • Familiarity with the ecology of the principal natural habitats of central and western Ireland and their characteristic flora and fauna: woodland, peatlands (fen, raised and blanket bog), karst and limestone pavement, grasslands and freshwater aquatic habitats
  • Acquaintance with the basic principles of biological monitoring
  • Acquaintance with the environmental challenges of the contemporary world; in particular, those that relate to climate change – agriculture, food and water, and biodiversity
  • Undertaken an exercise in writing about the environment for a wider audience
What's Typically Included?
  • Two or Four weeks tuition – designed and delivered by a leading academic in their field
  • Homestay accommodation and most meals
  • Airport transfers
  • Field trips, experiential workshops and lectures
  • Full laboratory access
  • Welcome/project pack
  • Pre-departure advising and application assistance
  • In-country orientation and welcome event
  • 24/7 in-country support team
What's Not Included?
  • Airfare and spending money
Would You Like To Find Out More?

Our Environmental Science Programs are to some extent bespoke and cater individually for institutions based on their budget and desired length of stay. If you wish to discuss an individual program/fee, please contact us. Our Environmental Science Programs operate in the summer months (as the climate dictates the work that can be undertaken).  Typically, we ask for a minimum of six months notice to confirm details of any Environmental Science Program. For further information, you can print our Environmental Science Information Flier, or for general inquiries please contact us.