20 public universities in Ireland in 2026
The public universities in Ireland offer accessible education to as many students as possible, with recognised programs and a strong tradition of academic research.
20 public universities
Ireland has public institutions offering a wide range of programs, often with government-regulated fees and a strong tradition of academic research.
Royal Irish Academy
Ireland's national academic institution, founded in 1785, promoting excellence in research across the sciences and humanities.
Royal Irish Academy of Music
A historic Dublin music conservatoire founded in 1848 offering world-class instrumental and vocal training.
Dublin City University
A young, dynamic public university in north Dublin, renowned for employability and excellence in education and business.
National College of Art and Design
Ireland's leading art and design college in central Dublin, founded in 1746, spanning fine art, design and visual culture.
Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology
Ireland's public campus for the creative industries in Dún Laoghaire: art, design, film, media and psychology.
Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies
A public fundamental-research institute founded in 1940, active in physics, geophysics and Celtic studies.
Dundalk Institute of Technology
A public technological institute halfway between Dublin and Belfast, known for its welcoming international community.
Mary Immaculate College
A Limerick college founded in 1898 specialising in teacher education and liberal arts, linked to the University of Limerick.
RCSI University of Dublin
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, a leading health sciences institution founded in 1784 and based in central Dublin.
Trinity College Dublin
Ireland's most prestigious university, founded in 1592 in the heart of Dublin and globally recognised for research.
University of Galway
A research university founded in 1845 on the Atlantic coast, recognised for sustainability and its international community.
University of Limerick
A public university on the Shannon, pioneer of cooperative education, with a campus renowned for its quality of life.
Maynooth University
A public research university in Maynooth near Dublin, known for its welcoming campus and social sciences.
Technological University Dublin
Ireland's first technological university (2019): engineering, business, arts and sciences across Dublin campuses.
Atlantic Technological University
A public technological university of Ireland's west and northwest, formed in 2022 through the merger of technological institutes.
Technological University of the Shannon
The public technological university of Ireland's Midlands and Midwest (2021), anchored on the Shannon economic corridor.
Munster Technological University
The public technological university of Ireland's South (2021), with campuses in Cork and Kerry, strongly industry-focused.
Technological University South East
Ireland's South East technological university, established in 2022, with campuses in Waterford and Carlow.
University College Cork
An Irish research university founded in 1845 in the heart of Cork, renowned for its green campus and world-class standing.
University College Dublin
Ireland's largest university: research-intensive, spanning business, law, engineering, agriculture and veterinary medicine.