Winter Short Term


December 28/29th 2025 – January 12th 2026


Application Deadline: September 15th 2025

Term overview

Discover Ireland’s Magic This Winter: Join Our Intensive Program in Dingle!

Imagine spending two unforgettable weeks at the end of December and beginning of January in the picturesque coastal town of Dingle, one of Ireland’s top New Year’s Eve destinations. This charming town bursts into life with fireworks and a lively marching band parade, attracting thousands of visitors to celebrate the New Year in style.

Experience authentic Irish culture in a vibrant setting filled with traditional music, language, food, and ‘craic’ (the Irish Gaelic term for ‘fun’). You’ll be warmly welcomed by our SHU in Dingle team, offering world-class teaching in the stunning backdrop of Dingle’s festive spirit.

Ireland’s winter boasts a mild climate, perfect for exploring the wild Celtic landscape. Outside the classroom, enjoy activities like hiking, beach horseback riding, and touring ancient ruins. While Dingle is a summer hotspot, our Winter program offers a unique, immersive experience without the crowds.

Dingle is a renowned ‘Gaeltacht’, a traditional Irish Gaelic-speaking area, known for its rich character and charm. Join students from around the world and make Dingle your Winter home with SHU in Dingle. Don’t miss this chance to dive into Irish culture and create lasting memories in one of the world’s most enchanting locations!

Courses

AN 230 – Culture, Community & Folklore
 
 
DESCRIPTION
This course takes students on a deep dive into Irish cultural identity and history through an immersive experience living within the West Kerry Community, learning how the historical and contemporary communities of the Dingle Peninsula live, work and play. 
 
This course examines the complex history of Ireland, the links between The US and Ireland through centuries, and what Irish culture really is. 
 
Using the peninsula itself as our classroom we will visit important sites throughout the area, and meet with cultural practitioners,  so students can immerse themselves in the life of this rural Irish Community, and delve a little deeper into their own cultural identity. 
 
There is more to Irish Culture than Shamrocks, Green Guinness and Bacon & Cabbage!
FACULTY
Daithi DeMordha Ph.D.
CH 108 - Druids & Alchemy
 
 
DESCRIPTION
 Explore the development of natural chemistry in pre-Christian Ireland through druidry and alchemy!
 
Druids were central to ancient Irish and Celtic culture, with of vast knowledge of medicinal plants, herbal antidotes, astronomy, and mathematics.
 
By examining and comparing ancient and current techniques and instrumentations used in the preparation of antidotes, potions, and remedies, students’ understanding of natural chemistry will be historically and functionally enriched. Students will critically analyze primary alchemical texts, assess historical laboratory techniques, and connect ancient and medieval concepts of natural chemistry to modern chemistry and medicine.
FACULTY
Rodney Versace PhD
CM 103 - Producing an Irish Short Film
 
 
DESCRIPTION
Make a movie in Ireland – no previous experience required!
 
Students will work in teams to produce a short film on-location in Dingle. The course will include screenings, field trips, guest speakers, and hands-on filmmaking. Immerse yourself in the vibrant arts and cultural community of Dingle while gaining real-life experience in media production.
 
Students may work in front of and/or behind the camera, developing an idea into a screenplay that is then shot and edited entirely in Ireland. 
 
Skills developed include writing, budgeting, scheduling, location scouting, production management, camera work, sound recording, acting, editing, distribution and marketing. 
 
FACULTY

Todd Barnes PhD

CMD 335/SLP 533 – Cultural & Structural Linguistics
 
 
DESCRIPTION

The connections between language, culture and social identify are strong. Cross-cultural variations in language are noted in differences in pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary by speakers of the same language. We will use structural and cultural linguistic frameworks to identify and understand differences in dialects of English spoken in Ireland and the United States.

FACULTY
Ciara Leydon Ph.D., CCC-SLP
ENG 299 – Poets and Madmen: Writing and Health in Ireland
 
 
DESCRIPTION
Become inspired by the writing of great Irish poets on themes of nature and wellbeing to produce your own new, creative work against the stunning backdrop of the Dingle Peninsula.
 
This course investigates the intersection of writing, space, place, and health – which is mental, physical, and spiritual – through reading, cultural immersion, and writing practice. 
 
Explore how Irish poets’ relationship to nature has been troubled by colonialism, violence, and loss, at the same time as the nation’s landscape has remained a potent symbol of “home”. Soak in the landscape’s “terrible beauty” while developing a critical perspective on art, identity, and health that enriches your own creativity.
FACULTY

Rick Magee Ph.D.

MK 299 – Sustainable Tourism Marketing
 
 
DESCRIPTION

Worldwide tourism is continuing to grow and has been identified as a critical industry for the economies of many different countries, each linking their attractions primarily to cultural identities. Ireland is one of the leading tourist destinations and the country’s tourist leaders have developed this position over decades as Ireland relies heavily on revenue generated from this source. It is estimated that overseas visitor numbers reached 6.29 million in 2011, a 7% increase from 2010. How does Ireland go about creating their specific brand image in marketing Ireland as a ‘holiday destination’? How have they created the Irish mystique that attracts so many tourists each year?

This class will explore these questions in developing a better understanding of tourism marketing and how Ireland has become a leader in this sector. The class will utilize a readings list, case studies, social media and site visits to explore this topic.

FACULTY
Enda McGovern Ph.D.
PH 271 – Bioethics: Philosophical Approaches
 
 
DESCRIPTION

Spend 2 weeks learning about ethical issues in health care by exploring compelling scenarios and case-studies. Study the role of ethics and the importance of Philosophy to the Irish Catholic Intellectual Tradition and investigate how health care concerns impact the lives of patients and health-care providers throughout southwestern Ireland.

Among the central topics to be covered include informed consent, medical futility, reproductive ethics, privacy, cultural competence, and clinical trials

FACULTY
Kevin J. Power Ph.D
TRS 271 – Celtic Religious Traditions
 
 
DESCRIPTION

Study the ancient religion of Ireland, of gods and goddesses, ancestors and rituals, holy places and sacred rulers. Learn about the Celtic origins of Halloween, and the great seasonal festivals of the druids. Walk through the landscape and discover traditions and customs from ancient times that are reflected in the modern world, through myth, place names and customs.

FACULTY
Billy MagFhloin Ph.D.

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How to Apply

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