Ollscoil na Gaillimhe - University of Galway
AC-5: Immersive Experience

Ecology: Living landscapes in the West of Ireland

This summer school course offers students practical experience of the natural environment in the west of Ireland. It provides students with survey skills to identify natural resources, and develops their skills to evaluate the  sustainableuse and conservation of Ireland’s ecological resources.

County Galway, on Ireland’s Atlantic West Coast is a land of contrasts. Influenced by its oceanic climate, glacial history, hydrology, geology and human habitation, it has developed a variety of beautiful landscapes with unique and fascinating habitats and species. From the fertile rocks of the Burren karst limestone, to the raised bogs of the midlands, the sheer cliffs of the Aran Islands to the salt marshes of Galway Bay, there is a wealth of natural history to explore.

The summer school is an intensive three-week course. It is largely field-based, and students will visit a variety of landscapes to learn about the environment, habitats and species of the region. Focal points for learning are the Burren region,  Connemara and Lough Corrib.

The course adopts a multi-disciplinary approach to studying ecology so the learners engage with all aspects of how these ecosystems are created and maintained through natural processes and anthropogenic activity.  It will also consider conservation and sustainability issues and how a sound understanding of these ecological processes is used to combat the challenges facing the environment.