Incoming Student Guide - University of Limerick

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Incoming Student Guide - University of Limerick
Incoming Student Guide
Incoming Student Guide - University of Limerick
Incoming Student Guide - University of Limerick
PRACTICAL INFORMATION                           1

1      UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK
       FACULTIES & DEPARTMENTS IN UL
                                                        2
                                                        2
#ONE   INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION DIVISION                 3
       ERASMUS CONTACTS                                 3
       ORIENTATION PROGRAMME                            4
       GETTING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK            4
       ■   By Air                                       4
       ■   Airport Collection – Shannon Airport Only    4
       ■   By Train                                     4
       ■   By Bus                                       4

       STUDENT SERVICES                                 6
       ■   Visa & Immigration Requirements              6
       ■   Health Insurance                             7
       ■   Student Counselling                          7
       ■   Chaplaincy                                   8
       ■   Student Health Centre                        8
       ■   Disability Services                          9
       ■   Cost of Living                              10
       STUDYING AT UL                                  11
       ■   Academic Calendar                           11
       ■   Public Holidays                             11
       ■   Enrolment                                   12
       ■   Module Registration                         12
       ■   SULIS                                       13
       ■   Examinations & Assessment                   13
       ■   Class Timetable                             13
       ■   English Language Requirements               13
       ■   UL Erasmus Academic Coordinators            13
       ■   Working in Ireland                          14
Incoming Student Guide - University of Limerick
FACILITIES ON CAMPUS           16

2        BUILDINGS ON CAMPUS
         LIBRARY
                                        18
                                        20
#TWO     COMPUTER FACILITIES            20
         E-MAIL                         20
         SPORTS                         21
         UNIVERSITY RESTAURANTS         22
         CAMPUS BARS/RESTAURANTS        22
         BANKING                        22
         CRECHE                         22
         USIT TRAVEL OFFICE             23
         BOOKSHOP                       23
         SMALL FOODSTORE                23
         OTHER FACILITIES               24
         STUDENTS UNION                 24
         ■   Clubs & Societies          24
         ACCOMMODATION                  26
         ■   On-Campus Accommodation    26
         ■   Off-Campus Accommodation   28

         LIVING IN IRELAND              30

3        GEOGRAPHY
         ■   Landscape
                                        32
                                        32
#THREE   ■   Climate                    32
         ■   Time Zone                  32
         ■   Currency                   32
         ■   Banking                    32
         ■   Credit Cards               33
         ■   Postal Service             33
         ■   Religion                   33
         ■   Safety                     33
         ■   Electricity                33
Incoming Student Guide - University of Limerick
■   Telephone                                          34
        ■   Radio & Television                                 34
        ■   Newspapers & Magazines                             34
        ■   Driving in Ireland                                 34
        ■   Public Holidays                                    34
        LIMERICK CITY                                          35
        ■   Limerick at a Glance                               35
        ■   Entertainment                                      37
        ■   Sport                                              38
        ■   Shopping                                           38
        ■   Eating Out                                         38
        ■   Cinema                                             38

        FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS                             40

4
#FOUR

        APPENDICES                                             44

5       APPENDIX 1: USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
        APPENDIX 2: MAP OF REGION
                                                               46
                                                               47
#FIVE   APPENDIX 3: CAMPUS MAP                                 48
        APPENDIX 4: CAMPUS RESIDENCES MAP                      49
        APPENDIX 5: COUNSELLING INFORMATION                    50
        APPENDIX 6: HOTELS AND BED & BREAKFAST ACCOMMODATION   51
        APPENDIX 7: ADMINISTRATION AND DEPARTMENT OFFICES      52
Incoming Student Guide - University of Limerick
Incoming Student Guide - University of Limerick
1 #ONE
Practical Information
Incoming Student Guide - University of Limerick
University of Limerick

     The University of Limerick is an independent university established as the National Institute for Higher
     Education by the Government of Ireland in 1972. It is located in the 600-acre National Technological
     Park on the banks of the river Shannon, 4km east of the medieval city of Limerick.
     A map of the region can be found in Appendix 2.

     The University was developed to help meet the rapidly changing economic and social needs that
     emerged on Ireland’s accession to the European Union in 1973. It is a dynamic institution, which plays
     a pivotal role in the economic development of the Mid-West region of Ireland.

     The University has also become a focus for a wide range of artistic activity and is home to the Irish
     Chamber Orchestra and the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance. Some fine collections of Irish
     Art are also housed in various locations on campus. The compact nature of the campus and the
     University’s size foster a close sense of community. The University believes strongly that the creation
     of a friendly, caring and cooperative atmosphere is essential to the successful pursuit of any study
     programme.

                        Faculties & Departments in UL

     The University of Limerick undertakes programmes of education and research in its five constituent
     faculties:

                                       Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
                                            Kemmy Business School
                                         Education & Health Sciences

                                            Science & Engineering
                                        Irish World Academy of Music &
                                                     Dance
     More information on the faculties can be found on www.ul.ie & www3.ul.ie/courses/
     Student enrolment is on average over 13,500 including undergraduate and graduate students;
     17% of these students are international.

02   ERASMUS+ INCOMING STUDENT GUIDE
Incoming Student Guide - University of Limerick
International Education Division

The International Education Division (IED) at UL was first established in 2001 and is responsible for:
• The European Union’s exchange programmes under: ERASMUS+
• International Student Exchanges with countries outside the European Union.
• The Study Abroad Programme which attracts students for one study semester or for a full academic
  year from the USA and other countries.
• The recruitment of international students from Non-EU countries on full-time undergraduate and
  postgraduate programmes at the University of Limerick.
• 3 week Summer Schools in Irish Studies and Engineering Studies.

IED provides information and assistance to all international students and University of Limerick
students undertaking a study placement abroad through Erasmus or International Exchange. It also
provides an orientation programme to give all incoming students further information, advice and
support on arrival at the University of Limerick.

              Erasmus Contacts

Dr. Patricia O’Flaherty                                         Dearbhla McNamara
Erasmus Institutional Coordinator                               Incoming Erasmus Administrator
T: +353 61 202304                                               T: +353 61 213133
F: +353 61 213062                                               F: +353 61 213062
E: patricia.oflaherty@ul.ie                                     E:   incoming.erasmus@ul.ie
www.ul.ie/international                                         www.ul.ie/international

Address:
International Education Division
Room EO-020, Main Building
University of Limerick
Limerick
Ireland

T: +353 61 213153                                               www.ul.ie/international
F: +353 61 213062

Office Hours: Monday to Friday – 9.30am – 12.30pm & 14.30 – 16.30

Erasmus Institutional Code: IRL LIMERIC01

                                                                                    ERASMUS+ INCOMING STUDENT GUIDE   03
Incoming Student Guide - University of Limerick
Orientation Programme

     An Orientation Programme, organised by the International Education Division, introduces students to
     services and systems in operation at the University of Limerick, e.g. academic regulations, enrolment
     and module registration as well as health services, sports facilities, arts and entertainment.

     The Orientation Welcome Week for students takes place the week prior (referred to as Week Zero) to
     the commencement of classes.

     The Thursday & Friday of Week Zero are specific to Erasmus Students, so are compulsory.

                        Getting to the University of Limerick

         By Air
     Shannon International Airport (SNN) is the nearest airport to Limerick City. Before leaving the airport
     ensure you have enough Euro (€) with you until more permanent banking arrangements have been
     made. There is an ATM in the Arrivals terminal.

     There are taxis available from the airport to the campus. The average cost is approximately €40-
     €60.Plassey Cabs (http://www.plasseycabs.ie/) a local taxi service will collect from the airport and
     bring to student accommodation. They offer a special student rate of €40 per car. Advanced booking
     is essential.
     There is a regular bus service from Shannon Airport to Limerick City outside the Arrivals terminal.
     Fares cost approximately €10.00 and the journey takes 45-50 minutes. Stay on the bus until it reaches
     Limerick Railway Station (Colbert Station). There are taxis at the station and they will take you to the
     University campus or to your residence. The cost is approximately €12.00. A regular bus service runs
     between the city centre and the University campus. A single fare costs €2 or €4.20 for a day saver
     ticket which allows you to use any Limerick City bus service for a full day. The City Centre-University
     Bus departs from lower William Street.

      Airport Collection
     You may be able to avail of Airport Collection offered by the International Education Division from
     Shannon Airport only on specific dates and times. Information regarding this collection system will
     be sent to you by e-mail.

          Airport Collection – Shannon Airport Only:
     The arrival guides will be dressed in yellow t-shirts and are very easy to identify in the Arrival Terminal
     in Shannon Airport.

04   ERASMUS+ INCOMING STUDENT GUIDE
By Train

Colbert Station is Limerick’s only train station and trains arrive regularly from Dublin and Cork. Train
timetables can be checked on the Irish Rail website: www.irishrail.ie

Taxis are available outside the station for transfer to the University, which will cost approximately
€10.00. See Appendix 1 for taxi telephone numbers.

  By Bus

The national bus company, Bus Éireann, operates daily services from all the major cities to Limerick.
Bus timetables can be checked on the Bus Éireann website: www.buseireann.ie

Weekly and Monthly Commuter tickets for students are available.
See link http://www.buseireann.ie/inner.php?id=271
These can also be purchased on the bus or at Limerick bus station, next to Colbert Railway Station.

Eir Eagle bus service provides a direct transport link from Dublin airport to Limerick with information
available at http://www.eireagle.com/routes/limerick-dublin-airport

Dublin Coach is also a reasonably priced and comfortable bus service to the University from Dublin
Airport. The N7 Service will bring you to the Red Cow LUAS stop. Change here and join to M7 Express
Service which will bring you directly to the University.

Please see www.dublincoach.ie
The JJ Kavanagh bus service leaves directly from Dublin Airport to the UL main entrance. See the
following link:
http://www.jjkavanagh.ie/images/stories/timetable/Shannon-Dublin.pdf

                                         “Shannon International
                                         Airport (SNN) is the
                                         nearest airport to
                                         Limerick City. ”

                                                                               ERASMUS+ INCOMING STUDENT GUIDE   05
Student Services

         Visa & Immigration Requirements

          Visa Applications

     Information about VISA requirements is available at the following website:
     www.educationinireland.com/en/how-do-i-apply-/get-your-student-visa/for-higher-education/
     registration-gnib-.html

     Further information about visa application is available at
     www.ul.ie/international/en/home/quicklinks/visa-and-immigration/

     If you are an EU citizen, there are no visa requirements when entering Ireland. International students
     who are citizens of a Non-EU country are advised to contact their local Irish Diplomatic Mission. Those
     who do not have an Irish Diplomatic Mission in their home country should apply directly for a visa
     application form, well in advance of their departure, to:

     Visa Section                                              T: + 353 1 6167700
     Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service                  (From 14h30 to 16h00 Monday to Friday)
     13-14 Burgh Quay                                          F: +353 1 4751201
     Dublin 2                                                  E: visamail@justice.ie
     Ireland

     Further information on student visa requirements for individual countries is available on the following
     web site: www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/Students

         Immigration

     All Non-EU students must register with the Immigration Authorities in Limerick within one month
     of arrival in Ireland. The International Education Division will organise an appointment with the
     Immigration Officer, details of which will be sent to you by e-mail. At this meeting you will be required
     to provide the following:

     • Registration Certificate Fee of €300 (payable by credit card or bank giro –
       the owner of the credit card must be present)
     • Valid passport
     • Recent passport photographs (4).
     • Proof of medical insurance.
     • Proof of financial security to cover your stay in Ireland. This can consist of a bank statement,
       letter from a parent or the home university guaranteeing financial support.
     • Completed UL immigration letter (sent to students by e-mail).

06   ERASMUS+ INCOMING STUDENT GUIDE
Non-EU students who wish to travel within Europe while on Erasmus in Ireland will be required
to obtain a re-entry visa or a multiple-entry visa. A letter of support can be requested from the
International Education Division and should be submitted to The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration
Service Office in Dublin accompanied by an application form, relevant documents and the appropriate
fee (Re-Entry Visa: €60; Multiple Entry Visa: €100).

It is not necessary for students from the EU/EEA to register with the immigration authorities.

  Health Insurance

All EU nationals are required to obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from the home
country. Please contact the Health Authorities in your home country for information. Further
information can be obtained from the following website: http://www.ehic.ie/ under Visitors to
Ireland. Please note that the card provides entitlement to public health care only. The EHIC is
available to all EU citizens without payment of a fee. A €120 charge applies to accident and
emergency treatment at hospitals in Ireland, unless a doctor’s referral letter is produced. Attendance
at a General Practitioner in Ireland normally carries a fee. The Castletroy Park Medical Centre
(opposite Castletroy Park Hotel) recognises the EHIC, so that the patient does not have to pay for
the service directly at this practice.

Non-EU nationals are required to hold medical insurance for the duration of their stay in Ireland.
This is an immigration requirement and the immigration authorities will require proof of medical
insurance. Students may extend medical policies from their home countries to cover the period
of study in Ireland or, alternatively, policies are available from the following Irish health insurance
companies:

• Voluntary Health Insurance:              www.vhi.ie
• Aviva:                                   www.avivahealth.ie
• Laya Healthcare:                         www.layahealthcare.ie

The International Education Division at the University of Limerick has negotiated special medical
insurance discounted rates for international students. Please see www.odon.ie/ul

  Student Counselling

Student counsellors provide a confidential counselling service, free of charge at UL. The service can
help students deal with a wide range of problems common to student populations.

Counselling also offers services for students, including Stress Management, Personal Development
and Study Skills. The drop-in times are 11 to 12 am and 3 to 4 pm every weekday. Mindfulness and
Positive Thinking sessions are available throughout the academic semester.

Counselling Service                        www.ul.ie/counselling
Room: CM073

Please see also Appendix 5: Counselling Information
ERASMUS+ INCOMING STUDENT GUIDE   07
Chaplaincy

     Chaplains are available to provide help and support to students of all denominations. Various
     activities, including a Community Outreach Programme, are organised to foster student interest in
     both spiritual and personal development. A wide range of religious services are provided on campus
     on a scheduled basis. The courtyard area of the Student Centre houses a contemplative space. This
     area is designed for quiet contemplation and prayer.

     Chaplains are located near the Student Health Centre on campus:

      Roman Catholic Chaplain

     Fr.John Campion                                                Sr. Sarah O’Rourke
     Room: CM-071                                                   Room: CM-071
     University of Limerick                                         University of Limerick
     Limerick                                                       Limerick
     Ireland                                                        Ireland
     T: +353 61 202180                                              T: +353 61 213635
     E: john.campion@ul.ie                                          E: sarah.orourke@ul.ie

     www.ul.ie/chaplain

     Teach Fáilte, Student Welcome Centre, in the courtyard outside the Students’ Union (061-233635)

         Student Health Centre

     An acute care advisory service is provided to all registered students. There is a fee to use this service.
     There is a full time nursing service and appointments may be made to see a doctor. A consultant
     psychiatrist and chartered physiotherapist are available through internal referral. All students are
     recommended to register with a local General Practitioner to cover minor ailments and ‘non-office’
     hours/emergencies. The Student Health Centre is open Monday to Friday from 09h00 to 16h00.

     For further information contact:

     Student Health Centre
     Room CM-060
     University of Limerick
     Limerick
     Ireland

     T: +353 61 202534
     www.ul.ie/medical

08   ERASMUS+ INCOMING STUDENT GUIDE
There is a private clinic, Castletroy Park Medical Centre, situated opposite the Castletroy Park Hotel
(opposite UL).

    Castletroy Appointments:

No appointments are necessary although priority will be given to those who have called in to make
an appointment.

Castletroy Park Medical Centre                                   15 Pery Square,
Castletroy,                                                      Limerick
Limerick

T: +353 61 507200                                                T: +353 61 314810

E: info@cullenhanlyfamilydoctors.ie

    Disability Services

The Disability Services Office provides support for students with learning, physical, sensory and other
disabilities. Students with a disability who require assistance during their period of study at the
University of Limerick should notify the Disability Services Office before their arrival.
Website:
www2.ul.ie/web/WWW/Services/Student_Affairs/Student_Specialised_Supports/Disability_
Support_Services/Disability%20Support%20Services%20Staff

Brenda Shinners-Kennedy                                          Peter Dooley
Disability Officer                                               Disability Officer
Room GL0036                                                      GL0014 (ground floor, Main Library)
University of Limerick                                           University of Limerick
Limerick                                                         Limerick
Ireland                                                          Ireland

T: +353 61 202346                                                T: +353 61 234191
E: Brenda.Shinners-Kennedy@ul.ie                                 E: peter.dooley@ul.ie

Additional financial support to meet the student’s needs is available on application through the
home University to the EU Commission. This additional financial support should be sought well in
advance (one year preferably) of the Erasmus placement. A quotation on cost of services (personal
assistant, technical support, hire or purchase of equipment, etc) may be sought in advance from the
Erasmus Administrator or Coordinator at UL.

                                                                                     ERASMUS+ INCOMING STUDENT GUIDE   09
Cost of Living

     The estimated cost of living for students in Ireland is at approximately €800.00 per month.

        Estimated Cost of Living for an Academic        Year:                  E

        •     Books and other academic requisites                            450
        •     Campus accommodation (Plassey Village)                         3,380
        •     Food                                                           2,630
        •     Immigration registration fee                                   300
        •     Health Insurance                                               120
        •     Airfare                                                        1,000
        •     Clothing                                                       800

              Total                                                          8,680

     * On-campus accommodation includes electricity and heating charges.
     ** Based on cheapest accommodation option. This does not include travel within Ireland or social
     expenses.

                                            “The University of
                                            Limerick operates
                                            an academic year
                                            which consists of
                                            two semesters... ”

10   ERASMUS+ INCOMING STUDENT GUIDE
Studying at UL

  Academic Calendar

The University of Limerick operates an academic year which consists of two semesters, the Autumn
semester (September to December) and the Spring semester (January to May). Students are advised
to arrive at least a week before classes commence to allow time to settle in, prepare for courses and
participate in orientation.

Autumn and Spring Semesters (Weeks 1 – 15):
• Teaching Semesters/Terms take place over a 12-week period (referred to as Weeks 1 - 12),
• Followed by a reading week (Week 13) before examinations.
• Examinations take place over a two week period (Weeks 14 – 15).

For exact examination times, please see exam timetable, published online in week 9. Examination
dates and times are not available before this date. The link for this timetable is available at
www.saa.ul.ie

* Students may remain in their accommodation during holiday breaks.
There is a one week holiday during Spring semester for Easter, subject to calendar.

 Please note:

Reserve departure arrangements for after the final date of the examinations.

  Enrolment

Prior to your arrival at the University of Limerick, you will receive an e-mail advising you to enrol
online using your student ID number. The link and procedure for online enrolment will be sent to
you by e-mail some weeks prior to Orientation. Once you complete the online enrolment, you will
receive an email confirmation which should be printed and signed by you. This confirmation must
be presented during Orientation in order to receive the University of Limerick Student Identity Card.

                                                                                      ERASMUS+ INCOMING STUDENT GUIDE   11
Module Registration

     In order for ERASMUS students to register for the modules they wish to study at the University of
     Limerick, the following procedure should be followed:

     • A Module Registration Form will be provided at Orientation.
     • This form is to be completed by the student and signed by the Erasmus Academic Coordinator
       (details below) for your subject area.
     • The completed and signed form is submitted to the International Education Division by the end
       of week 2.

        N.B. ERASMUS students are required to take a minimum of 3 modules (from within the subject
        area under which the student is nominated) and a maximum of 5 modules (2 may be taken from
        any other subject area) per semester but restrictions apply within Journalism, Psychology and
        Sport Sciences. A bilateral agreement must exist between universities, within these subject
        areas, in order for students to be nominated and study at the University of Limerick.
        .

     Each module is awarded 6 ECTS credits (there may be some rare exceptions). Registration must be
     completed by the end of week 2 of each semester.
     Every ERASMUS student is assigned an Academic Coordinator who will assist students on their module
     selection and sign their Module Registration Form. During the first week of the semester all students
     will have an opportunity to meet with an Academic Coordinator from the specific subject area.

     It is very important to note that the initial selection of modules is by its very nature provisional. It is
     advisable to make a provisional selection of six or seven modules, in order to deal more efficiently with
     inevitable clashes or unsuitability of modules. The module booklet is only a guide to courses, because
     the timetable depends on the availability of certain modules and the availability of specialised
     Lecturers. It is also highly likely that certain modules will clash and that the student will be obliged to
     choose an alternative. It is not possible to change the timetable. Once it is published, it is definitive. It
     takes at least one week and usually two to make a final decision about which modules to register for.
     Students are entitled to attend as many modules as they wish in the initial two-week period of the
     semester, in order to ensure that modules are suitable for studies at the home University.
     Failure to submit the Module Registration Form to the International Education Division by the end of
     Week 2 will result in a €20 fine. Please note that all students are expected to sit examinations in all
     subjects for which they have registered.

12   ERASMUS+ INCOMING STUDENT GUIDE
SULIS                                               Language Requirements

SULIS is an on-line teaching and learning           As ERASMUS students are required to possess
platform used in UL, which lecturers use to         sufficient language skills to attend lectures and
communicate course material with students.          sit examinations at the University of Limerick,
Information will be given at the beginning of the   students should be competent to communicate
semester on how students are entered onto the       through the medium of English.
SULIS system.
                                                    Courses are offered by the University of Limerick
Studentsareadvised toretaininformationon USB        Language Centre situated in the Languages
memory sticks and photocopy all assignments         Building. The courses are optional and are not
submitted to the lecturers (professors).            regarded as part of the ERASMUS programme.
                                                    For further information refer to the website:

  Examinations & Assessment                         www.ul.ie/languagecentre
                                                    It is possible to register for a module in English
Assignments, reading lists and assessment           as a Foreign Language as part of studies at the
procedure for each course are usually described     University. A test is conducted at orientation to
and documented at the first lecture. Assessments    determine the student’s level of English, so that
vary from class to class. Assessment may consist    they may be allocated to the right level of class.
of a 100% exam or a division of marks between       If a recent IELTS or TOEFL test has been taken by
assessments and final examination. Past             the student, this certificate will serve as criteria
examination papers are a source of information      for allocation to a class and it is not necessary to
and can be accessed on SULIS.                       take the test.

  Class Timetable                                      Erasmus Academic Coordinators

The class timetable is published just before the    An Erasmus Academic Coordinator is appointed
beginning of the semester and will be e-mailed      to students for each subject area.
to students once it is released. It contains the
                                                    This Coordinator will:
lecture, tutorial and laboratory times and room
for each module. The number of teaching hours       • Provide a more detailed overview of modules
per module varies, depending on the subject         • Assist in module selection
being covered and the size of the class. Lectures   • Sign the Module Registration Form and
and tutorials are usually of 50 minutes duration      Learning Agreement
(beginning on the hour and ending 10 minutes        • Assist in and advise on academic matters
to the hour), with laboratory classes lasting for
2-3 hours.                                          The student will have the opportunity to meet
                                                    with the Erasmus Academic Coordinator during
                                                    the first week of the semester. Details of this
                                                    meeting will be sent to students by e-mail.

                                                                                    ERASMUS+ INCOMING STUDENT GUIDE   13
Working in Ireland

     EU/EEA students are allowed to work in Ireland without restriction on the number of hours or on
     the type of work. Non-EU/EEA students are not permitted to work during the course of their stay in
     Ireland.
     Before starting employment, a PPS number is required. The application is made at the Social Welfare
     Office in Limerick.

     Social Welfare Office
     Dominic Street
     Limerick
     Ireland

     T: +353 61 414799

     Office Hours: Monday to Friday from 09h15 to 12h00, 14h00 to 16h00

     Applicants must present the following documents in person, fill out an application form and return to
     the office two weeks later to collect the PPS number:

     •   Offer of Employment
     •   Completed application form
     •   Passport + one other form of identification
     •   Proof of address in Limerick
     •   Support letter from the University of Limerick which may be requested online from the International
     •   Education Division at
         www.ul.ie/international/en/index.php/information-for/current-ul-students/online-letter-request-form

14   ERASMUS+ INCOMING STUDENT GUIDE
ERASMUS+ INCOMING STUDENT GUIDE   15
2 #TWO
Facilities on Campus
Buildings on Campus

     There are sixteen buildings on campus: Main Building, Foundation Building, Glucksman Building
     (Library), Lonsdale Building, Schrödinger Building, Schumann Building, Physical Education Building
     (PESS), Languages Building, Computer Science Building, Kemmy Business School, Health Sciences,
     Engineering Research, Irish World Academy, Medical School, Millstream and the University Sports
     Arena. The administrative services (Admissions, Student Academic Administration, International
     Education Division, etc.) are all located in the Main Building. The Foundation Building houses a 1,000-
     seat concert hall. For a full list of administration and department offices refer to Appendix 7.

         BUILDINGS                          SERVICES

         Main Building                      Admissions, Student Academic Administration, Fees,
         Block designation:                 International Education Division, Student Health Centre,
         A, B, C, D, E                      Restaurants, Computers, Laboratories, Classrooms

         Foundation Building                Concert Hall, Restaurant/Café, Classrooms
         Block designation: F

         Glucksman Building                 Library, Restaurant/Café, Computers
         Block designation: G

         Lonsdale Building                  Chemistry/Physics Laboratories, Classrooms
         Block designation: L

         Schrödinger Building               Life-Science Laboratories, Computers, Classrooms
         Block designation: SR

         Schuman Building                   Computers, Restaurant/Café, Classrooms
         Block designation: S

         Physical Education Building        Restaurant/Café, Classrooms
         Block designation: P

         Computer Science Building          Restaurant/Café, Computers, Classrooms
         Block designation: CS

         Engineering Research Building      Classrooms, Research areas
         Block designation ER

         Health Sciences Building           Restaurant/Café, Computers, Classrooms
         Block designation HS

18   ERASMUS+ INCOMING STUDENT GUIDE
Irish World Academy                    Restaurant/ café, Music rooms, Classrooms,
  Block designation IW                   Practice rooms, Performance spaces

  Millstream Building                    Restaurant, Staff Common Room

  Medical School
  Block designation GEMS                 Classrooms, GEMS Administration, Computers, Café

  Languages Building                     Classrooms, Language Resource Area
  Block designation: LC

  Kemmy Business School                  Restaurant/ Café, Classroom, Lecture Theatres,
  Block designation KB                   Simulated Trading Floor, Computer Labs

  University Sports Arena                50m Swimming Pool, Gym, Sports Hall, Sports Bar/Café

Classrooms in the university are designated by letters and numbers e.g. if Chemistry 1 is timetabled
to be in classroom A1-050, the room can be found as follows:

• Building designation:                   Block A, Main Building
• Floor designation:                      Level 1
• Classroom number:                       050

(For a full map of University Buildings refer to Appendix 3)

                                                                                  ERASMUS+ INCOMING STUDENT GUIDE   19
Library

     The University Library, which is fully computerised, is a designated European Documentation Centre
     and receives all official publications of the European Union.

     The current collections in the library number 200,000 books and 7,250 audio-visual items. There
     are subscriptions to approximately 5,500 journals and periodicals and seating for 1,450 people. The
     library is open:

           Term Time Opening Hours

                                           Library Building
                    Days                                                         Staffed Service
                                             Self Service

         Monday – Friday                      08.30 – 23.00                      09.00 – 21.00
         Saturday                             10.00 – 19.00                      10.00 – 16.30
         Sunday                               11.00 – 18.00                      Closed

     Please also check the screens in the library foyer and the library website for extended opening hours
     prior to exams and non-term time opening hours.

                        Computer Facilities

     The Information Technology Department (ITD) provides computer facilities for all University of
     Limerick staff and students. PCs are available to students on an open-access basis, except when they
     are booked for classes. Most PCs are heavily booked between 09h00 and 17h00 during the semester.
     However, the biggest PC cluster (Room A0-060) is not block booked, and is open 24 hours a day on a
     ‘first-come, first-served’ basis. ITD PC clusters are open from 09h00-22h00 during the semester.

     The software applications available to students are based on Microsoft Windows. Students do not
     require their own software copies as all software is centrally maintained on file savers. The same
     group of applications is available in all PC clusters. Some familiar Windows software applications
     available are: MSWord, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, SPSS, CD-ROM database access, etc. More specialised
     applications on offer are outlined on the ITD website: www.ul.ie/ITD. Network connections are
     available in all on-campus accommodation at a charge of €68.00 per semester.

                        E-mail

     ITD issue all students with a personal email account which can be set up after online enrolment.
     Instructions will be sent to students by e-mail after successfully enrolling online. This is the email
     account to be used by students for the duration of their stay at the University of Limerick.

20   ERASMUS+ INCOMING STUDENT GUIDE
Sports

The University of Limerick offers extensive and first class on-campus sport facilities. The diverse
range of facilities is unmatched anywhere else in Ireland. People from Olympic class athletes to staff
and students can avail of all facilities, which include the following:

•   Olympic size 50m indoor swimming pool           • Indoor diving pool
•   Steam room                                      • Sauna
•   Four full sized indoor courts                   • Cardio-fitness suite
•   Elite training facility                         • Aerobics studio
•   60m six-lane indoor sprint track                • 2 squash courts
•   225m suspended three lane indoor jogging track • Indoor climbing wall
•   4 outdoor tennis courts                         • 8 lane 400m outdoor athletics track
•   Over 40 acres of playing fields                 • Floodlit astro turf
•   Extensive changing facilities

A detailed description of all sport facilities is available at: www.universityarena.com.
In addition, students can enjoy horse riding, orienteering, sailing, canoeing and windsurfing at the
University of Limerick Activity Centre in Killaloe, Co. Clare.

                                        “The diverse
                                        range of facilities
                                        is unmatched
                                        anywhere else in
                                        Ireland. ”

                                                                               ERASMUS+ INCOMING STUDENT GUIDE   19
University Restaurants

     There is a wide choice of restaurants and bars on campus, The student centre complex has the Stables
     bar and The Paddocks restaurant, two restaurants are located in the Main Building and a further
     six in other buildings on campus. These restaurants are open all day with a basic meal costing
     approximately €5.00 - €6.00.

                        Campus Bars/Restaurants

     There are three bars on campus: the Stables Club, the Sports Club and Scholars. Each bar provides hot
     food daily, there is free entertainment nightly in the Stables bar, in the form of live music, comedy,
     table quizzes etc.

                        Banking

     The University has one bank on campus: Bank of Ireland (BoI). The Bank of Ireland offers free student
     banking, Bureau de Change and ATM facilities. Two mobile banking ATM units are in place on campus
     between the Glucksman Library Building and the Stables Complex and the other on the North side of
     the campus near the Medical School Building.

     Permanent ATMs – two in the student courtyard outside the bank and one each at the Arena and
     Pavilion buildings and in the Red Raisins Café, Main Building.

                        Crèche

     Silver Apples is a custom-built crèche situated on the university campus. The crèche has been built to
     comply with the relevant childcare regulations in Ireland. The crèche caters for children in a happy,
     relaxed environment. A number of places are available to students with families each year. For
     further information contact:

     Oliver Moloney                                                  T: +353 61 213468
     Silver Apples Crèche                                            E: silverapplescreche@ul.ie
     University of Limerick
     Limerick
     Ireland                                                         www.ul.ie/creche

22   ERASMUS+ INCOMING STUDENT GUIDE
USIT Travel Office

An International Student Identity Card can be obtained at the USIT travel office, which is located at
the student centre courtyard on the university campus. To receive up to 50% discount on trains and
buses in Ireland, students will need to purchase a Travel save Stamp. This stamp entitles students to
discounts on Bus Éireann, Irish Rail and Irish Ferries. When applying for the USIT Student Identity Card
and the Travel save Stamp, students will need to bring their UL student identity card, one photograph
and €13.00. A colour passport photograph machine is located in the travel office. The USIT travel
office is open Monday to Friday from 10h00 to 17h00.

               Bookshop

O’Mahony’s Bookshop is located in the student centre complex on campus. It stocks all academic
course titles, novels, stationery, newspapers and magazines. The bookshop is open Monday to Friday
from 08h30 to 17h00.

               Small Foodstore

Spar Foodstore is located in the Student Centre Complex. The store sells fruit, vegetables, frozen
foods, dairy, and also has a delicatessen section where sandwiches and rolls are made to order, along
with hot food.

 Academic Semester Opening Hours

Monday to Thursday        from 08h30 - 18h00
Fridays                   from 08h30 - 17h00
Saturdays                 from 10h30 - 14h00

  Other Facilities

Other facilities on campus include:

• Laundrette
• Farmers Market every Tuesday 12-5pm
• Snap Printing

                                                                                     ERASMUS+ INCOMING STUDENT GUIDE   23
UL             Students Union

     All students’ of the University of Limerick automatically become members of the students union on
     enrolment. The purpose of the union is to represent students’ views within the university and on
     local and national issues. It is also responsible for providing a variety of services to students, such as
     entertainment events, clubs and societies. The union is run by students for students, independent of
     the university. The Student Union Offices are located in the Student Centre.

     For further information refer to the website: www.ulsu.ul.ie

         Clubs and Societies

     The Clubs and Societies Office is located in the Student Centre and is fully equipped to facilitate
     exclusively the development of student activities by its students. Clubs and societies are administered
     by the Students Union and their full time Clubs and Societies Development Officer. There is a wide
     variety of clubs and societies on campus such as the Drama Society, GAA Club etc.

     Students can join during weeks 1 and 2 of each semester and there is a small fee for membership:
     wwwulsu.ie/ulwolves

                                                “There is a wide
                                                variety of clubs
                                                and societies on
                                                campus...”

24   ERASMUS+ INCOMING STUDENT GUIDE
Clubs

   American Football                                    Ladies Rubgy
   Archery                                              Men’s Hockey
   Athletics                                            Men’s Rugby
   Badminton                                            Mountain bike
   Basketball                                           Outdoor Pursuits
   Boxing                                               Parkour
   Capoeira                                             Rowing
   Chess                                                Sailing
   Dance UL                                             Skydive
   Darts                                                Soccer
   Equestrian                                           Sub-aqua
   Fencing                                              Surf
   GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association)                    Swim
   Handball                                             Tae-kwon-do
   Karate Shotokan                                      Trampoline
   Kayak                                                Ultimate Frisbee
   Krav Maga                                            Windsurfing
   Ladies Hockey

   Societies

   Africa Club                                          Marketing
   Animal Welfare                                       Medical
   Anime and Manga                                      Mature Student
   Architecture                                         Music
   Christian Union                                      Ogra Fianna Fail
   Comedy                                               Out in UL
   Computer                                             Photographic
   Cumann Gaelach                                       Poker
   Debating Union                                       Psychology
   Drama                                                Racing/Motorsport
   Enactus UL                                           Science
   Engineering                                          Sinn Féin
   Fan Forum                                            Surgical Club
   Games                                                Tea Appreciation
   History                                              UL Give Club
   International Society                                ULFM
   Law                                                  Young Fine Gael
   Literary

The International Society offers international students an opportunity to meet and participate in
cultural events, e.g. International Food Fairs, and organises weekend excursions to various parts of
Ireland. The society is open to both international and Irish students, with the aim of encouraging
integration and creating an atmosphere from which students will benefit.

                                                                                 ERASMUS+ INCOMING STUDENT GUIDE   25
ACCOMMODATION

         On-Campus Accommodation

     A number of single rooms have been reserved for ERASMUS students in the five student villages on
     campus. On-Campus Accommodation at UL consists of:

            Thomond Village                          4 and 6 bedroom apartments
            Plassey Village                          8 and 4 bedroom houses
            Kilmurry Village                         6 bedroom houses
            Dromroe Village                          mainly 6 bedroom apartments
            Cappavilla Village                       6 bedroom apartments

     These residences are of a very high standard.
     All houses, unless otherwise requested, are mixed, with Irish and non-Irish students. The shared
     amenities of each house are a fully equipped kitchen/living room with cable TV and two shower/
     WCs. Houses also contain a card-phone, credit for which can be bought in the village reception. All
     bedrooms in Dromroe, Thomond and Cappavilla Villages are ensuite. Individual study-bedrooms
     contain a bed, desk, wardrobe and washbasin. Duvets are supplied. However, bed linen and pillows
     are required. The Village Centre also has a mini-supermarket, hairdressing salon and launderette.

                                                     “These residences
                                                     are of a very high
                                                     standard.”

24   ERASMUS+ INCOMING STUDENT GUIDE
Please note that on-campus accommodation is very limited and is allocated on a‘first come first served’
basis. Furthermore, priority is given to full-year students. There are various off-campus residences
as an alternative: for example Parkview Hall and Groody. The on-campus online accommodation
application must be accompanied by a €250.00 booking deposit to confirm the reservation. Students
requiring on-campus accommodation should select more than one option in order of choice. Every
effort will be made to allocate students their first preference.

 Enquiries and applications should be submitted to:
Ms. Deirdre Ryan                            T: +353 61 202433
International Bookings                      E: Deirdre.ryan@ul.ie
Accommodation Office
University of Limerick
Limerick
Ireland

Prices are for the semester (15 weeks), and are inclusive of an estimate of heating and electricity and
a service charge.

If you secure a room on-campus, you are advised to arrive during office hours Monday to Friday from
09h00 to 17h00. If this is not possible, arrangements must be made by you to have your keys left at
the University’s Main Reception, which is open 24 hours a day. You will need to inform the Village
Manager of your date and time of arrival approximately a week in advance in order to avail of this
facility. Please confirm with your village their arrival dates for each semester.

 Please note:
• All payments must be made payable to Plassey Trust Co. Ltd.
• The total rent for one semester plus the deposit must be paid on or before arrival.
  Students will not have access to their accommodation until full payment has been made.
• It is not possible to pay by instalments.
• Payment can be made by Credit Card, where a surcharge of 2% will be added,
  or by Bank Wire Transfer. See accommodation form for more information.
• International Postal Money Orders are not accepted.
• Euro cheques and Personal cheques are not accepted.
• Once village accommodation has been assigned, living arrangements may not be changed upon
  arrival at the University.
• Students may remain in village accommodation during holiday breaks.

                                                                                    ERASMUS+ INCOMING STUDENT GUIDE   27
If you are a resident in one of the villages, your address is:

          Name                               Name                                Name
          House No., Room No.                House No., Room No.                 Apt. No., Room No.
          Plassey Village                    Kilmurry Village                    Dromroe Village
          Plassey Park Road                  Castletroy                          Castletroy
          Castletroy                         Limerick                            Limerick
          Limerick

          Name                               Name
          Apt. No., Room No.                 Apt. No., Room No.
          Thomond Village                    Cappavilla Village
          Castletroy                         Castletroy
          Limerick                           Limerick
          Ireland                            Ireland

          (For a full map of on-campus accommodation refer to Appendix 4)

         Off-Campus Accommodation

     (outside of and not affiliated with the University)

     There are 2 options in this regard:

     1. student residence (Parkview, Groody, etc) in which private rooms are provided, usually with
        bathrooms and communal kitchens and living rooms

     2. privately (landlord) owned house, rented with other students.

     Students are advised to be cautious about reserving private off-campus accommodation prior to their
     arrival in Limerick. Private sector accommodation, where a house is rented with other students, should
     be viewed before reservation. This is not always practical, especially as accommodation is increasingly
     difficult to find. The best is often taken well before the start of the semester.

     If at all possible, it may be prudent to travel to Limerick to reserve accommodation well in advance.
     Students are advised to book a room in temporary accommodation (bed & breakfast, hotel) in order
     to look for suitable accommodation on arrival. A list of bed & breakfast and hotel accommodation is
     available in Appendix 6.

     Alternatively, call any Irish Tourist Board Office or visit the following website:
     www.shannondevelopment.ie/Tourism/

     The accommodation office or the international office provides a list of off-campus accommodation,
     owned by private landlords.

28   ERASMUS+ INCOMING STUDENT GUIDE
Accommodation Office                       T: +353 61 202331
Room D0-035                                F: +353 61 202827
University of Limerick                     E: accommodation@ul.ie
Limerick
Ireland

www.ul.ie/international/en/home/quicklinks/accommodation/

Office Hours: Monday to Friday from 9h00 to 13h00, 14h00 to 17h00.

Rooms in private accommodation are of a varying standard, but are generally clean and comfortable.
They are usually in houses with non-resident landlords. Duvets and bed linen are not provided and
study desks are not always available. Students share all other facilities. Kitchens are normally fully
equipped. Weekly or monthly terms as agreed with the landlord, are currently approximately €250-
€350 per month. Electricity, heating and refuse collection charges are additional to rent.

 Please note:
A deposit of one month’s rent and an electricity deposit are generally required.
It is advisable to inspect a number of properties carefully before reserving a room.
Students may remain in self-catering accommodation during holiday breaks.

                                                                                   ERASMUS+ INCOMING STUDENT GUIDE   29
3 #THREE
Living In Ireland
Geography

     Ireland is the most westerly country of the European Union, separated from Great Britain by the
     North Channel on the northeast and the Irish Sea on the east. Ireland is an island of 84,430 sq.
     km (32,598 square miles). Its greatest length is 485 km (302 miles), its greatest width 304 km (189
     miles), and its coastline extends for over 5,631 km (3,500 miles). The highest mountain Carrantuohill
     (1,040 metres/3,414 feet) is part of the Macgillacuddy Reeks range near Killarney in County Kerry. The
     longest river is the Shannon (370 km/230 miles). The largest lake is Lough Neagh (396 sq. km/153
     square miles) in Northern Ireland.
     The country is divided into four historic provinces; Ulster (9 counties) in the north; Munster (6 counties)
     in the south; Leinster (12 counties) in the east; and Connacht (5 counties) in the west. The population
     of the 32 counties of Ireland is approximately 6.3 million.

         Landscape                                             Currency
     The landscape varies from bogs and lakes in the        The currency of the Republic of Ireland is the Euro
     central lowlands to mountains and rocky islands        (€). Euro notes come in seven denominations:
     in the west. Between these two extremes, the           5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euro. There is
     island has abundant lush, green pastureland but        100 cent to the Euro and coins are in eight
     little natural woodland.                               denominations: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent, and 1
                                                            and 2 Euro. As Northern Ireland is part of the
                                                            United Kingdom, the pound sterling (£) is in use
         Climate
                                                            and denominations are similar to that of the
     Winters in Ireland are mild and summers                Euro.
     temperate due to the prevailing south- westerly
     winds and the influence of the warm waters                Banking
     of the North Atlantic Drift. Ireland has a mild
     climate all year-averaging 2°- 7°C (35°- 45°F)         There are five retail banks in Ireland, the Bank
     in winter and 18°- 24°C (65°- 75°F) in summer.         of Ireland (BOI), the Allied Irish Bank (AIB), the
     May and June are the sunniest months with an           Ulster Bank, the Danske Bank and Permanent
     average of over 7 hours of sunshine per day.           TSB Bank. The bank on campus is Bank of Ireland.
                                                            Most banks are open from Monday to Friday
                                                            from 10h00 to 12h30 and from 13h30 to 16h00,
         Time Zone
                                                            with some branches open through lunch. There
     Ireland is in the same time zone as Great Britain,     is extended opening until 17h00 on one day per
     Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). The clocks change           week (the choice varying from place to place).
     twice yearly for summer time. The summer time          ATM facilities are available is most towns and
     period starts the last Sunday in March at 1.00am       villages.
     GMT, i.e. the clock goes forward one hour. The
     summertime period ends the last Sunday in
     October at 1.00am GMT, i.e. the clock goes back
     one hour.

32   ERASMUS+ INCOMING STUDENT GUIDE
“Ireland is the most
                           westerly country
                           of the European
                           Union,...”

  Credit Cards                                           Safety
All major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard and Euro      In the Republic of Ireland the Police are called
Card) are accepted in the majority of services         the Gardaí (Guards). In the case of an emergency
and retail outlets. Some outlets may accept            dial 999 or 112 to contact the Gardaí, Ambulance
Diners Club and American Express cards. Most           or Fire Brigade services. Ireland is a relatively
credit cards can be used in ATMs, especially the       safe place to live, however it is advisable to take
Bank of Ireland and Allied Irish Bank (AIB) ATMs.      suitable precautions, such as avoiding poorly lit
                                                       or back streets in the cities and larger towns at
                                                       night. If you feel intimated or frightened in an
  Postal Service
                                                       area, it is best to avoid eye contact and leave the
Post Offices are open from 09h00 to 17h30              scene as quickly as possible.
during the week and from 09h00 to 13h00 on             Always remember to lock your room and
Saturdays. They offer full postal services to all      windows before you go out. Always be careful
countries and often offer banking facilities. The      with your personal belongings and don’t leave
closest Post Office to the University is situated at   valuables unattended.
Castletroy Shopping Centre.
                                                         Electricity
  Religion
                                                       In Ireland, the standard electricity voltage is
Ireland is a predominantly Christian state with        between 220 – 240 volts, and frequency is 50
approximately 84% of the population professing         Hertz the same as in most parts of Europe. If
to the Roman Catholic faith. In addition there are     your electrical items are not suited to work under
Church of Ireland, Presbyterian, Methodist and         these conditions you should equip yourself with
Baptist Churches, as well as Eastern Orthodox.         a transformer. Buildings in Ireland have sockets
In addition to the Christian denominations there       for 13 amp square pin fused plugs. Adaptors can
are centres for Buddhists, Hindus, Bahais. There       be bought in most hardware shops to adapt your
are also Mosques and Synagogues catering for           plugs to fit 3 pin sockets.
those of the Islamic and Jewish faiths.

                                                                                      ERASMUS+ INCOMING STUDENT GUIDE   33
Telephone                                            Newspapers and Magazines
     Public telephones have become less common in           Popular national daily newspapers include
     Ireland in recent years. Most people in Ireland        the Irish Times, Irish Independent and the
     have a mobile phone and students are advised           Irish Examiner. There are also daily tabloid
     to purchase a mobile phone on arrival in Ireland.      newspapers. Most towns have a local or regional
     A cheaper option is to purchase a SIM card to use      paper. The local paper for Limerick is the Limerick
     in your own phone. There are four mobile phone         Leader. The Limerick Post is a free newspaper
     companies in Ireland, Vodafone (www.vodafone.          that is published weekly and is a good source of
     ie), O2 (www.o2.ie) Meteor (www.meteor.ie) and         information for services and entertainment. All
     3 (www.three.ie) offering these services.              good newsagents sell a wide variety of special
                                                            interest magazines, from sport to business.
     The international dialling code for Ireland is +353
     and the area code for Limerick is (0) 61.
                                                              Driving in Ireland
                                                            In Ireland, cars are driven on the left-hand side of
         Radio and Television                               the road. In towns and cities the speed limit is
                                                            normally 50 kilometres per hour but on certain
     Ireland has three state controlled television
                                                            roads higher limits may apply. A general speed
     channels, RTE1, RTE2 and the Irish language TG4
                                                            limit of 100 kilometres per hour applies on all
     Teilifís na Gaeilge, and two privately run channels,
                                                            roads except for motorways where a speed limit
     TV3, which also has a sister channel 3E and UTV
                                                            of 120 kilometres per hour applies.
     Ireland. There are six national radio stations
     and many local ones. British TV channels can be        The laws regarding speeding, drink-driving and
     picked up in most parts of Ireland on Cable TV         wearing seatbelts in Ireland are very strict. There
     and satellite.                                         is a penalty point system in operation, whereby
                                                            points will be added to your driving licence for
                                                            road safety offences. Full details on all road safety
                                                            offences can be found at www.penaltypoints.ie

         Public Holidays

         October Bank Holiday                     Last Monday in October
         Christmas Day                            25th December
         St. Stephen’s Day                        26th December
         New Year’s Day                           01st January
         St. Patrick’s Day                        17th March
         Good Friday                              As per calendar
         Easter Monday                            As per calendar
         May Bank Holiday                         First Monday in May
         June Bank Holiday                        First Monday in June
         August Bank Holiday                      First Monday in August

34   ERASMUS+ INCOMING STUDENT GUIDE
“Limerick City...is a
                           lively, interesting
                           and attractive place
                           to live and study.”

               Limerick City

  Limerick at a Glance                                 The Hunt Museum houses an eclectic and
                                                       interesting collection. Collected by John and
The Vikings founded Limerick over a thousand
                                                       Gertrude Hunt, the paintings and artefacts were
years ago. The third largest city in the Republic
                                                       originally housed in the University of Limerick
of Ireland, Limerick City (population 90,000) is a
                                                       before moving to their new home in the old
lively, interesting and attractive place to live and
                                                       Customs house in Limerick City. The Museum is
study. The city is magnificently sited on one of
                                                       open Monday to Saturday from 10h00 to 17h00,
Europe’s finest rivers, the Shannon. Limerick is a
                                                       on Sunday from 14h00 to 17h00.
city of many contrasts, illustrated in the form of
a medieval core with a later Georgian addition.        The recent pioneering programme of urban
                                                       renewal has transformed Limerick, into a thriving,
Of particular importance are:                          energetic and all-embracing modern city. The
                                                       Mid West Region, which comprises the greater
King John’s Castle, built in the 12th Century, to
                                                       Limerick/Shannon area, is one of the leading
defend the river frontier between the Gaelic
                                                       growth centres of the country. The proximity of
West and Norman Munster and Leinster. It is
                                                       Shannon International Airport ensures that the
open daily from 09h30 to 17h00 (Last Admission
                                                       Region’s important trade links with the global
16.00).
                                                       market place are maintained.
St. Mary’s Cathedral, built c.1172. Originally the     Limerick offers an unequalled base from which
seat of Donal Mór O’Brien, King of Munster, the        to explore the Southwest and West of Ireland.
palace was later donated to the church. It is still    Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Adare, Lough Gur,
in use today as a place of worship.                    the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, Killarney, and the
It is open daily from 09h00 to 17h00.                  lakes and mountains of Galway and Kerry, are all
                                                       within easy driving distance.

                                                                                      ERASMUS+ INCOMING STUDENT GUIDE   35
“Limerick has long enjoyed a reputation as
 a major cultural and artistic centre, having
 contributed to the world of entertainment
 through its many achievements in theatre,
 music and the visual arts.”

34   ERASMUS+ INCOMING STUDENT GUIDE
Entertainment

Limerick has long enjoyed a reputation as a major            Limerick was the National City of Culture in
cultural and artistic centre, having contributed             2014 and is bidding for the European City of
to the world of entertainment through its many               Culture 2020 - www.limerickcityofculture.ie/
achievements in theatre, music and the visual arts.
Every year the city is home to the EV+A arts festival.       At night the city comes alive with music
Information about this event can be obtained from            and entertainment, and during the summer
www.eva.ie. The Belltable Theatre usually hosts a            months an almost continental atmosphere
variety of artistic events all year round, including         is generated among the diners at the many
theatre, film, exhibitions, poetry readings and music.       street-side cafes, bars and restaurants.

Limerick city is host to a wide variety of internationally   By night, old-world pubs ring to the sound
acclaimed groups and organisations, including the            of traditional Irish music, or to the sounds
Irish World Music Centre, the Irish Concert Orchestra,       of rock, folk and jazz. The many wonderful
Daghdha Dance Company, and the Island Theatre                pubs include Dolan’s, Nancy Blake’s, The
Group. The Lime Tree Theatre, situated on the                Locke, Mickey Martin’s, The White House and
grounds of Mary Immaculate College in Limerick City,         Tom Collins.
plays host to a wide range of performances, including
theatre, music, comedy, traditional arts, schools’
performances. More information about upcoming
events can be found at www.limetreetheatre.ie.

                                        “At night the
                                        city comes alive
                                        with music and
                                        entertainment... ”

                                                                                 ERASMUS+ INCOMING STUDENT GUIDE   35
Sport                                                There are plenty of supermarkets and
                                                              grocery stores in the city, and include many
     For a city of its size, Limerick can take pride in its   multinational companies such as Aldi, Dunnes
     sporting achievements. New students arriving in          Stores, Tesco, Debenhams, Lidl and Centra. There
     the city will have a wide range of sporting outlets,     is a lively farmers market on Saturday mornings
     with all the mainstream sports well represented.         in the Milk Market. Fresh vegetables, fruit, meat,
                                                              fish, and gourmet foods along with many other
     Rugby Union is a major sport in the area, with
                                                              items can be purchased at reasonable prices.
     Limerick now universally acknowledged as
                                                              International food stores are located throughout
     Ireland’s unofficial “Rugby Capital.” Thomond
                                                              the city centre. These cater for the growing
     Park is the home of Munster Rugby in Limerick.
                                                              multicultural population that is now a welcome
     The Limerick hurling team is always a powerful           aspect of modern Ireland. These include Afro/
     force in the national game and Gaelic football is        Caribbean, Eastern European, and Asian Stores
     gaining in stature. Horseracing is well catered          offering a wide variety of produce and regional
     for with a new racecourse nearby. There are four         specialities
     top-class golf courses within a six-mile radius of
     the city centre.                                           Eating Out
     Tennis and hockey facilities are also well               There are several places in Limerick where you can
     developed, and the river Shannon provides                dine, with various price ranges to suit depending
     a permanent backdrop for many rowing and                 on your choice of venue. Restaurants in hotels
     angling clubs with a long tradition of successful        can be more expensive and offer classic French
     activities.                                              cuisine to international contemporary dishes.
                                                              Casual dining in pubs is very popular in Ireland.
                                                              Lots of pubs in Limerick have restaurants that
         Shopping
                                                              offer either à la Carte or fixed menus. Limerick
     Shopping in Limerick offers a wide variety of            is well catered for by numerous fast food outlets
     choice and caters for all tastes and ages. The           offering a range of foods that mirrors its ethnic
     city has a reputation for its fashion design and is      diversity. All have seating arrangements and
     renowned for its lace industry. There are several        many are open throughout the day till late in
     shopping malls in Limerick city and surrounding          the evening.
     suburbs as well as many outlets offering all
     sorts of items from jewellery to the latest
                                                                Cinema
     fashion, sports gear and games to antiquities
     and handmade crafts. Main shopping hours                 There are three cinema theatres situated in
     in Limerick city are Monday to Saturday from             Limerick. The closest one to the University, Odeon
     09h30 to 17h30 with some department stores               Cinema, is located in the Castletroy Shopping
     staying open late at midweek and weekends.               Centre complex. The second, The Omniplex, is
                                                              located in Dooradoyle adjacent to the Crescent
                                                              Shopping Centre. There is a third cinema,
                                                              Showtime, located on the Ennis Road outside of
                                                              the city at the Jetland Shopping Centre.

38   ERASMUS+ INCOMING STUDENT GUIDE
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