University College Cork

University College Cork

University College Cork - © iuliia_n

Visiter University College Cork.

University College Cork is a Cork-based university that opened in 1849 and now welcomes over 17,000 students from all over the world. Highly recognized for the excellence of its teaching, the University of Cork has gradually come to specialize in science, medicine and mathematics…

University College Cork: a university center of European stature

History of the University of Cork

University College Cork - © AlexMastro

University College Cork – © AlexMastro

University College Cork (Coláiste na hOllscoile Corcaigh in Irish) first opened its doors in 1849, at the wish of Queen Victoria. Through the “Advancement of Learning in Ireland” program, the latter wanted to improve education in Ireland, and thus develop the excellence of Irish education. As a result, the University of Cork was originally named “The Queen’s College Cork”, in homage to the British sovereign.

Gothic/Tudor in style, the university was built on an ancient archaeological site, where St Finbarr, considered the Patron Saint of Cork, is said to have founded a monastery and a renowned school… The university has also made Saint Finbarr a veritable icon of the school (there’s a statue of the saint on the roof of the main building, and a slogan has been created for the occasion: “Where Finbarr taught, let Munster learn”).

When it opened, the university had 23 professors and welcomed around 180 students. But as the years went by, the university gradually gained in reputation, becoming one of Ireland’s most sought-after universities. Excelling mainly in the sciences and mathematics, the university acquired new buildings between 1860 and 1880, dedicated to the teaching of medicine.

In 1908, the University of Cork joined the Irish Universities Act, a group of Ireland’s leading universities. To mark the Irish desire for independence from the British, the university changed its name from “The Queen’s College Cork” to “University College Cork”.

University teachings…

Today, the University of Cork is home to more than 17,000 students from Ireland and abroad, either specializing in science and mathematics or preparing for the baccalaureate. The program is as rich as it is varied, with specializations in the following areas:

  • Medicine and Health – Médecine et santé
  • Science, Engineering and Food Science – Sciences, génie et agroalimentaire
  • Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences – Arts, études celtiques et sciences sociales
  • Business and Law – Droit et commerce

Famous people from University College Cork

Here are just a few of the high-profile Irish personalities who once studied or taught at the University of Cork:

  • George Boole, mathematics professor and creator of Boolean mathematics
  • Jack Lynch, student who was elected fourth Taoiseach of the Irish Republic
  • Cillian Murphy, student and now actor (Le Vent se Lève…ect)

University College Cork
Practical information

Adresse Adresse :
on Western Road in Cork, Cork, (County Cork) - Republic of Ireland

Coordonnées GPSGPS :
51.892066, -8.493246
Horaires d'ouvertureOpening hours :
  • daily from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm


University College Cork on a map



Hotels and B&Bs nearby

Planning a trip? Download our free guide!

Free Ebook

Subscribe to our newsletter and receive our free ebook!

Discover the essentials of the country, its culture, history and must-see sights!

So much more to discover...