Medicine and Pharmacology in Ireland

Pharmacology – Ireland

12 days Dublin, Galway & Cork

Pharmacology

The Pharmacology Faculty-Led Program in Ireland offers students a unique opportunity to explore drug discovery, molecular therapeutics, and industrial pharmaceutical manufacturing across one of the world’s leading hubs for the pharmaceutical sector, spanning Dublin, Galway, and Cork.

Over 12 days and 11 nights, participants will engage with top-tier research institutions, pioneering university laboratories, and multinational manufacturing facilities, gaining an international perspective on the full lifecycle of modern therapeutics. The program blends academic seminars, industry site visits, and cultural immersion for a comprehensive, interdisciplinary study abroad experience.

Through expert lectures and industry access, students will trace the journey of a drug from discovery to commercial production. Academic highlights include a lecture on drug discovery and design at the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, a toxicology session at University College Dublin, a seminar on innovative biomaterials and drug delivery systems at the University of Galway, and a current topics lecture at University College Cork’s School of Pharmacy. Industry visits bring the science to scale: students will tour Chanelle Pharma — a global supplier operating in over 90 countries — and Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals in Cork, one of Ireland’s largest pharmaceutical employers and a key global manufacturing base for active ingredients, vaccines, and biopharmaceuticals.

Beyond the lab and lecture hall, students will enjoy rich cultural experiences including walking tours of Dublin, Galway, and Cork, a Gaelic games introduction, a guided walk along the UNESCO-recognized Cliffs of Moher, and a visit to Blarney Castle.

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Depart from the USA

    Flight

    Depart from the USA on an overnight flight to Dublin.

    Overnight:

    In flight.

  • Day 2: Arrival in Dublin

    Morning

    Arrive in Dublin and make your own way to the accommodation. Meet your TLAC group leader for check in. Transit passes will be distributed.

    Remainder of the day

    Free day to rest after arrival.

    Overnight

    Dublin.

  • Day 3: Dublin: Walking tour

    Morning

    Free time.

    Noon

    Lunch break.

    Afternoon

    Walking tour of Dublin to discover some of the absolute ‘must sees’ in Dublin, like Dublin Castle, Christchurch Cathedral and Trinity College, and also some of the city’s forgotten corners and hidden gems.

    Evening

    Welcome dinner at The Church.

    Overnight:

    Dublin.

  • Day 4: Dublin: Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute and University College Dublin

    Morning

    Visit to the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, the future of Ireland biomedical research. By partnering with industry and applying cutting-edge science, they aim to turn discovery into real-world solutions that improve lives. Here students will attend a lecture on Drug discovery and design.

    Noon

    Lunch break.

    Afternoon

    Visit to University College Dublin Pharmacology Department. Here students will have a lecture on Toxicology.

    Overnight:

    Dublin.

  • Day 5: Dublin to Galway

    Morning

    Check out previous accommodation.

    Depart by private coach from Dublin to Galway.

    Noon

    Lunch break.

    Afternoon

    Check in new accommodation.

    Walking tour of the city where students can step into the history of Galway through the most iconic streets and Landmarks.

    Overnight

    Galway.

  • Day 6: Galway: University of Galway’s Pharmacology and Pharmacy labs

    Morning

    Visit to the University of Galway's Pharmacology and Pharmacy labs. Their purpose is to develop innovative therapies that improve health through advanced drug delivery systems and biomaterials research. Here students will attend a lecture on new biomaterials.

    Noon

    Lunch break.

    Remainder of the day

    Free time.

    Overnight

    Galway.

  • Day 7: Galway: Chanelle Pharma and Gaelic Games Experience

    Morning

    Visit to Chanelle Pharma, a global pharmaceutical leader in human and animal health. The company supplies high-quality, reliable, and affordable products to more than 90 countries, underpinned by a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and differentiated customer value.

    Noon

    Lunch break.

    Afternoon

    Gaelic games experience where students will get an introduction to Gaelic games and connect with local culture. After an introduction to sports like Gaelic football and hurling, students can join in on the fun and get out on the field to give these Gaelic games a try.

    Overnight:

    Galway.

  • Day 8: Galway to Cork: Cliffs of Moher

    Morning

    Check out previous accommodation.

    Day trip:

    Depart by private coach from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher

    Guided walk of the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher are a visually spectacular natural wonder situated along the coast of County Clare on the Wild Atlantic Way. Bordered by the striking, rocky landscape of the Burren on one side and the vast Atlantic Ocean on the other, the sheer stone walls stretch for nearly 14 kilometers (8 miles) and soar to heights of over 700 feet (214 meters) near the historic O'Brien's Tower. Formed more than 320 million years ago from ancient river delta sediments, this dramatic coastline is recognized globally as a foundational part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark. Beyond their immense geological significance, the cliffs serve as a protected Special Protection Area (SPA) for Birds and Wildlife, hosting internationally significant colonies of nesting seabirds and standing as one of Ireland's most important seasonal bird-breeding sanctuaries.

    Depart by private coach from Cliffs of Moher to Cork.

    Remainder of the day

    Check in to new accommodation.

    Overnight:

    Cork.

  • Day 9: Cork: Walking tour and University College Cork

    Morning

    Walking tour of the city. Explore the vibrant heart of Cork through its rich history and intriguing tales. This tour brings the city to life as you discover key sites like St. Finbarr's Cathedral, St. Anne's Church, and the English Market. Learn about Cork's influential figures such as Michael Collins, while uncovering the stories that have shaped this unique community.

    Noon

    Lunch break.

    Afternoon

    Visit to University College Cork School of Pharmacy. It aims to educate their students to the highest professional and ethical standards. Here students will have a lecture on current topics in Pharmacology.

    Overnight:

    Cork.

  • Day 10: Cork: day trip to Blarney Castle

    Day trip:

    Depart by bus from Cork city center to Blarney Castle.

    Visit to Blarney Castle and Gardens. Blarney Castle is a partial ruin with some accessible rooms and battlements. At the top of the castle lies the Stone of Eloquence, better known as the Blarney Stone. Students visiting the castle may hang upside-down over a sheer drop to kiss the stone, which is said to give the gift of eloquence. Surrounding the castle are extensive gardens.

    Depart by bus from Blarney to Cork city center.

    Overnight:

    Cork.

  • Day 11: Cork: Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals

    Morning

    Visit Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals, where students can observe large-scale drug formulation and validation processes. Pfizer is one of Ireland’s leading employers and its largest pharmaceutical-sector investor and employer. Ireland is a key global manufacturing base for Pfizer, producing active pharmaceutical ingredients, solid-dose medicines, sterile injectables, vaccines, and biopharmaceuticals for export worldwide.

    Noon

    Lunch break.

    Afternoon

    Free time.

    Evening

    Farewell dinner at 51 Cornmarket.

  • Day 12: Cork: Free day

    Students depart individually from Cork. Must checkout of accommodations by 10am.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

  • Drug Discovery & Molecular Design
  • Toxicology & Pharmacological Principles
  • Biomaterials & Advanced Drug Delivery Systems
  • Industrial Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Processes
  • Global Pharmaceutical Industry Exposure
  • Regulatory & Ethical Standards in Pharmacy
  • Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Healthcare & Innovation
Support for Faculty

Support for Faculty

At The Learning Abroad Co., we collaborate with faculty to design custom programs that align with their academic vision. We provide comprehensive support in curriculum development, logistics and resources for promoting and recruiting students for these unique global learning experiences.

  • Online faculty-led program website for consultation by faculty and students pre- and during the trip
  • Expertise from the local team who developed the program proposal
  • Collaborative planning for a unique and customized program
  • Feedback forms for continuous evaluation
  • Pre-departure webinar

Contact Information

We would be delighted to work with you to facilitate a rich experience for your group in Ireland. If you would like to discuss any of the details in this proposal please do not
hesitate to contact us.

Contact us

What’s Included

  • Housing

    • Students and faculty will be housed in 3-star hotel accommodation with daily breakfast included.
    • Students will share rooms: 2 students per room, each with a separate bed. Each room has its own bathroom.
    • The faculty will be provided with private bedrooms with bathrooms.
  • Meals

    • Breakfast in the hotels is included daily.
    • Two group meals are included as part of the program: a Welcome Dinner and a Farewell Dinner.
  • Transport

    • Students will primarily explore destinations on foot. A private coach is provided for the transfer from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher and from the Cliffs of Moher to Cork. All other transit is completed by the use of public transportation, which is included in the program fee. Local transit cards are provided where necessary.
  • On-Site Support

    • A TLAC team member in Ireland will be assigned to your group for the duration of the program.
    • A 24-hour emergency contact number will be provided for support throughout the stay.

Contact Information

We would be delighted to work with you to facilitate a rich experience for your group in Ireland. If you would like to discuss any of the details in this proposal please do not
hesitate to contact us.

Contact us