Erin Go Bragh! Expanding College Options in Ireland

Mr. Brian Ford '05, Assistant Principal for School & College Counseling, recently toured universities throughout Ireland that could serve as strong options and great opportunities for our students.

This is one of the many ways the Counseling Team is looking to expand the university options for our students!

As part of the 2026 Education in Ireland Counselor Tour, Mr. Ford visited:

• Queen's University - Belfast, Northern Ireland
• Ulster University - Belfast, Northern Ireland
• Maynooth University - Maynooth, Ireland
• South East Technological University - Waterford, Ireland
• University of College Dublin (UCD) - Dublin, Ireland

"Ultimately, Ireland and Northern Ireland present great alternatives for our students who are looking for an affordable, research-based, and global opportunity," stated Mr. Brian Ford '05.

"Many programs, such as law and medical-based majors, take less time and allow for more real-world opportunities earlier in the educational career."

"All of the schools have something unique to offer and plan on visiting CCHS in the near future."

In This Article

• Mr. Ford's Travel Notes
• Education Ireland
• Raiders Going International
• The Counseling Team Takes to the Road
• Ireland at CCHS: Trinity College Dublin

 

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Mr. Ford's Travel Notes

Mr. Ford shared updates from his journey!

Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast Northern Ireland

"While Boston deals with the snow, I am incredibly lucky to be on the Education in Ireland Counselor Tour representing Central Catholic High School. First stop is Queen's University Belfast - an incredible campus with real hands-on learning. The city has been so welcoming to us as well. Keep track for more visits throughout the week!"

Queen's University of Belfast Website

Ulster University - Belfast, Northern Ireland

"Another great day in Belfast! We spent the day at Ulster University, which brings hands on to a new level, particularly in its screen and architecture majors! With three campuses, they have a ton to offer. Maynooth University is on deck tomorrow!

Ulster University Website

Maynooth University - Maynooth, Ireland

"Absolutely in awe of Maynooth University. After getting to hear their world-famous choir last evening, we saw a perfect mix of a centuries old seminary mixed with a modern campus. Incredible arts programs in a true collegial town - and only a short drive/train ride to Dublin. Cheers to Niamh Kavanagh and the Maynooth team for welcoming Central Catholic High School!

Maynooth University Website

South East Technological University - Waterford, Ireland

"Great visit to South East Technological University today to see a brand new university in the Sunny South of Ireland. A wide variety of programs and an excellent athletic facility. Excited to see their growth!"

South East Technological University Website

University of College Dublin (UCD) - Dublin, Ireland

"Our last stop on our college tour in Ireland was University College Dublin. A large, research intensive yet intimate university right next to downtown with endless possibilities and a growing campus. A perfect way to end the tour."

"It was bittersweet for all of us. I am excited to return home tomorrow, but I am once again reminded of why our profession is unique - it’s the people who serve within it. Thank you to Sara Dart (Senior Vice President, Education in Ireland) for this wonderful opportunity, and I hope to see all of my new friends and colleagues, and to return to Ireland, very soon."

University of College Dublin 

"Culturally, I saw a tour of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, watched a global choir performance in Maynooth, played Hurling in Waterford, and performed Irish step dancing in Dublin (there are pictures of that but those will not be shared)."

"I also got to cheer on Ireland's national Rugby team with locals and see the passion they have for athletics, similar to here in the states."

"I saw Trinity College Dublin and Dublin City University on an informal basis when I first arrived."

 

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About the Education in Ireland Counselor Tour

The 2026 Education in Ireland Counselor Tour (Feb 21-27, 2026) is a premier, invitation-based professional development opportunity for U.S.-based high school counselors to visit Irish universities. Participants tour campuses, meet international office teams, and explore cities like Dublin, Galway, and Belfast to gain firsthand knowledge of undergraduate opportunities in Ireland. 

Education Ireland Website

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Raiders Going International

Over the past 10 years, Raiders have been accepted to the following international universities:

Australia

• University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia

Canada

• Bishop's University, Sherbrooke, Canada
• Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada
• McGill University, Montréal, Canada
• McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
• Trent University, Peterborough, Canada
• University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
• University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
• University of Prince Edward Island (D), Charlottetown, Canada
• University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
• University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
• Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Canada

England

• Bath Spa University, Bath, England
• Brunel University London, London, England
• Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design, London, England
• University of Bath, Bath, England
• University of Leicester, Leicester, England
• University of the Arts London, London, England

Germany

• Bard College Berlin, Berlin, Germany

Italy

• John Cabot University, Rome, Italy
• The American University of Rome, Rome, Italy

Japan

• Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Beppu, Japan

Scotland

• The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
• University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland

Spain

• Saint Louis University, Madrid, Madrid, Spain

Switzerland

• Franklin University Switzerland, Lugano, Switzerland

Wales

• Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, Wales

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The Counseling Team Takes to the Road

Members of the Counseling Team continue to visit and explore colleges and universities in the United States and beyond.

Upcoming trips include:

• Mrs. Laura Reid: Hofstra University Counselor Program (NY)
• Mr. Shawn Dumas: John Carroll University Counselor Program (OH)
• Dr. Evelyn Hidalgo: Wales (United Kingdom) Counselor Fly-In
• Mr. Brian Ford '05: The Worcester (MA) Consortium - College of the Holy Cross, WPI, Assumption University, and more

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Ireland at CCHS: Trinity College Dublin Info Session

On Saturday, March 21, students will have the opportunity to learn more about Trinity College Dublin Ireland right on the Central Catholic campus!

Have you ever wanted to explore college options in Ireland but didn't know where to start?

Here's your chance!

Trinity College Dublin Ireland will have admissions representatives to meet with accepted students from the region.

They will also provide campus, application, and general program information to prospective students and families.

This is a public event.

The information session is free, but registration is required using this link.

More Info: Reserve a Spot

Contact:

• Dr. Evelyn Hidalgo, School Counselor, ehidalgo@centralcatholic.net

About Trinity College Dublin

Founded in 1592, Trinity College Dublin is Ireland's oldest and top-ranked university, consistently ranked among the top 100 institutions in the world. As a student at Trinity, you’ll be part of a vibrant academic community that has been shaping minds for centuries.

During this event, you'll learn everything about Trinity College Dublin—from our rich history to our wide range of programs, international student support services, and much more.

Our US Team, alongside staff from our Dublin campus, will be available to answer any questions you have.

We look forward to welcoming you to our Spring events and hope to see you there!

Please contact our New England Representative Mrs. Laura Kelly should you have any questions on this event. Email Laura.Kelly@tcd.ie.

You can also contact School & College Counselor Evelyn Hidalgo at ehidalgo@centralcatholic.net.