On Day 3 of International Week, our visiting colleagues had the chance to experience some of Ireland’s most iconic heritage sites, with the sun shining and the landscape at its finest!
The day began with a journey to Brú na Bóinne, where the group explored the extraordinary Neolithic tombs of Knowth and Newgrange. The tour offered a glimpse into over 5,000 years of history, from the intricate carvings at Knowth to the chamber at Newgrange - a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its ancient engineering and alignment with the winter solstice.
In the afternoon, the group continued on to Trim Castle, the largest Anglo-Norman fortification in Ireland. With its commanding views and rich medieval history, the tour gave participants a sense of the castle’s former influence and a nod to its cinematic past as a filming location for Braveheart.
We were delighted to be joined on the excursion by colleagues from the Maynooth University International Office: Emma Ward, Angela McKenna, Lauren Matthews, and Dr Mary Leenane, Associate Dean for Internationalisation, Faculty of Arts and Humanities.
Meanwhile, our in-country Maynooth University representatives followed a dedicated programme of sessions throughout the day.
The morning began with an in-depth discussion with Shannon Doyle, Admissions Manager, followed by faculty-specific briefings with the Associate Deans for Internationalisation:
These sessions offered valuable insight into the academic landscape across Maynooth.
In the afternoon, the ICRs took part in a strategic session with Bridget Carey and Niamh Kavanagh, focusing on next steps, collaboration opportunities, and shared priorities for student recruitment and engagement. The day concluded with individual meetings between ICRs and academic departments, rounding out a full and productive schedule.