College Highlights
Historic University
Originally known as the Catholic University of Ireland and subsequently as the Royal University, the university became UCD in 1908 and a constituent college of the National University of Ireland (NUI).
Research Funding
UCD is a national leader in research funding, attracting quality investment that has helped the university to establish a reputation as a world-class destination for leading researchers. The university has won over €480m in externally funded research contracts in the last five years.
Diversity of Students
With over 6,000 international students, from 121 countries UCD can boast a wide mix of cultures. Many of these students are full degree undergraduate or postgraduate students spread across UCD’s full range of subjects.
Amenities
Sports
UCD is the only Irish University to compete in both the major Irish leagues for rugby and soccer with University College Dublin A.F.C. and University College Dublin R.F.C. competing in the top leagues of their respective competitions. UCD GAA have won the most Sigerson Cup's (Gaelic Football) whilst they have the second most Fitzgibbon Cup (Hurling) wins.
Student Life
There are currently over fifty student societies in the university. Many UCD societies engage in voluntary work on-campus and across Dublin. For example, the UCD Student Legal Service is a student-run society that provides free legal information clinics to the students of UCD.
Students’ Union
The Students’ Union is run for students by students. It’s the place to go if you have a query or need some extra support, as well as having lots of extra information pertaining to education and welfare.
Public Transport
Bus
Dublin Bus provide services to the Belfield campus. Click here for a guide to buses serving the campus or see Dublin Bus' own timetables.
Train
Dublin is served by two main railway stations: Connolly Station and Heuston Stations. It is a short walk from Connolly Station to O'Connell Street, where the Dublin Bus numbers 2, 11 and 46A can be boarded for UCD. The route 145 provides a direct route from Heuston Station to Belfield via the city centre.
Taxi
There are usually an adequate number of taxis in operation in the city centre at any given time. It is possible to hail a taxi from the street, but convenient taxi ranks are located on O'Connell Street, Middle Abbey Street, Dame Street and St Stephens Green.