Sacred Heart University Renovates & Expands Campus In Dingle, Ireland

FAIRFIELD, CT — Sacred Heart University officially opened its newly renovated and expanded campus in Dingle, Ireland, on Friday, marking a milestone in the institution’s long-standing presence in the region.

Known locally as Ollscoil An Chroí Naofa and informally as SHU Dingle, the campus will provide students with updated facilities as part of the university’s continued academic and community engagement efforts.

The Fairfield-based university has operated study abroad programs in Dingle since 2004, initially hosting students at the Díseart Centre of Irish Spirituality and Culture. SHU Dingle now welcomes more than 500 U.S. college students annually, including participants from both Sacred Heart and other institutions. Students enroll in semester-long and short-term programs taught primarily by local faculty.

Course offerings include subjects such as Celtic religious traditions, Irish folklore, music, filmmaking, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, environmental studies, and nursing. The program contributes to the local economy and serves as a source of employment for faculty and staff, who also conduct research initiatives such as the Deep Maps Corca Dhuibhne project, the Dingle Watershed and Weather Tracking Project, and initiatives through the John Moriarty Institute.

Sacred Heart University acquired the former Christian Brothers School in Dingle in 2017 and undertook a comprehensive renovation to create a modern academic facility. The expansion allows for increased student enrollment and enhanced learning opportunities.

Norma Foley, Ireland’s minister for children, equality, disability, integration, and youth, presided over the formal dedication ceremony. Following the event, the public was invited to tour the new campus.

More information on SHU Dingle’s programs is available on the university’s website.