10 best universities in Ireland in 2026
Ranking based on the average of the three main global rankings: Shanghai (ARWU), Times Higher Education and QS.
Trinity College Dublin
Average rank: #149
No. 1Trinity College Dublin
Ireland's most prestigious university, founded in 1592 in the heart of Dublin and globally recognised for research.
No. 2University College Dublin
Ireland's largest university: research-intensive, spanning business, law, engineering, agriculture and veterinary medicine.
No. 3University College Cork
An Irish research university founded in 1845 in the heart of Cork, renowned for its green campus and world-class standing.
No. 4Dublin City University
A young, dynamic public university in north Dublin, renowned for employability and excellence in education and business.
No. 5University of Galway
A research university founded in 1845 on the Atlantic coast, recognised for sustainability and its international community.
No. 6University of Limerick
A public university on the Shannon, pioneer of cooperative education, with a campus renowned for its quality of life.
No. 7RCSI University of Dublin
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, a leading health sciences institution founded in 1784 and based in central Dublin.
No. 8Maynooth University
A public research university in Maynooth near Dublin, known for its welcoming campus and social sciences.
No. 9Technological University Dublin
Ireland's first technological university (2019): engineering, business, arts and sciences across Dublin campuses.
No. 10Atlantic Technological University
A public technological university of Ireland's west and northwest, formed in 2022 through the merger of technological institutes.