Choosing a college is one of the biggest decisions facing students and families this year. This Breaking News Ireland education guide brings together key dates, registration details, campus information and accommodation advice for undergraduate open days across the State.
University open days: what students need to know
Open days give prospective applicants the chance to compare courses, visit facilities and ask practical questions before making CAO choices. Dates are spread across October, November and spring 2027, with some events already completed and others subject to change.
Students should confirm times and registration requirements directly with each institution before travelling. This is especially important where events have been postponed or where places at workshops and portfolio sessions are limited.
Key open day dates for colleges in Dublin and surrounding areas
National College of Ireland
National College of Ireland will hold open days on Wednesday, November 18th, from 11am to 2pm, and Saturday, January 23rd, from 10am to 1pm. Visitors can meet lecturers and current students, learn about clubs and societies, and explore career opportunities connected to courses.
NCI offers sports clubs including GAA, badminton and basketball, alongside societies such as dance, film and mental health. Accommodation options nearby include private providers in Dublin’s docklands, including facilities close to the NCI campus.
NCAD and IADT
The National College of Art and Design undergraduate open day is scheduled for Wednesday, November 25th, from 9.30am to 3pm. The event will include department demonstrations, application information and opportunities to speak with students and lecturers. A calm hour will run from 2pm to 3pm.
Applicants to NCAD studio programmes should also note the portfolio information sessions taking place on October 20th and 21st. An online session was scheduled for October 19th for those unable to attend in person.
The Institute of Art, Design and Technology will host events on Friday, November 20th, from 4pm to 6pm, and Saturday, November 21st, from 10am to 3pm. Activities include campus tours, a portfolio masterclass and visits to the National Film School.
Students preparing CAO applications should compare course content, entry requirements, portfolio expectations, student supports and accommodation before making final choices.
Technological university open days across Ireland
Munster Technological University
MTU has events planned across Cork, Kerry and Ringaskiddy. The National Maritime College of Ireland event is scheduled for November 5th, followed by open days at Bishopstown, Crawford College of Art & Design and the Cork School of Music from November 13th to 14th.
The MTU Kerry Campus open day has been postponed because of scheduled national industrial action. Students should check the university’s official updates before making travel arrangements.
Visitors can expect student-led tours, workshops, demonstrations and course talks. MTU does not operate student accommodation but provides assistance through accommodation offices on its Cork and Kerry campuses.
Atlantic Technological University
Atlantic Technological University has open day activity planned at campuses in Galway, Sligo, Donegal, Connemara and Mountbellew. Remaining dates include Sligo on November 5th and 7th, Letterkenny on November 12th and 14th, Connemara on November 20th, Galway City on November 27th and Mountbellew on March 3rd, 2027.
Students can tour facilities, meet support staff and learn about programmes, careers and CAO routes. Accommodation is provided by private operators through options such as student villages, digs and private rentals; ATU and its students’ union do not manage accommodation directly.
Technological University Dublin
TU Dublin’s campus programme includes events at Tallaght on November 3rd, Blanchardstown on November 5th and Grangegorman in December. Further spring events are listed for Tallaght, Blanchardstown, Grangegorman, Aungier Street and Bolton Street.
The university offers a broad range of clubs and societies, including chess, cycling, snowsports, green volunteering and a neurodivergent society. Prospective students should use TU Dublin’s official events page to confirm exact dates and register.
South East Technological University
SETU’s Carlow autumn open day is scheduled for October 22nd, while its Waterford schools open day is planned for November 6th. The university’s events provide access to lecturers, current students and information about supports including HEAR and DARE.
Accommodation varies by campus. Waterford has on-campus and city-based student residences, while students in Carlow and Wexford can consider privately owned apartments and local rental options.
Technological University of the Shannon
TUS will hold events at its Clonmel Digital Campus on October 21st, Athlone and Thurles on November 7th, and a portfolio day in Clonmel on November 21st for applicants to digital animation, game art and design, or visual effects programmes.
Student ambassadors will lead tours and lecturers will explain course areas. TUS does not operate student housing, but its students’ union connects students with accommodation providers.
Other institutions holding undergraduate open days
St Patrick’s Pontifical University
St Patrick’s Pontifical University in Maynooth will host open days on November 20th and 21st, from 10am to 2pm. The programme includes campus tours, a university talk and conversations with students. On-campus accommodation is available through the university village, subject to the relevant expression-of-interest process.
Mary Immaculate College
Mary Immaculate College’s Thurles open day is scheduled for November 7th, from 10am to 1pm. Visitors can learn about courses, scholarships, studying abroad and alternative access routes. MIC provides accommodation for first-year undergraduates at its Limerick and Thurles campuses.
Dundalk Institute of Technology
DkIT will hold an undergraduate open evening on November 18th from 4pm to 8pm, followed by a schools group open day on November 19th from 10am to 1pm. Campus tours, admissions guidance, careers advice and information about financial considerations will be available.
Royal Irish Academy of Music
The Royal Irish Academy of Music open day takes place on Sunday, November 1st. Visitors can attend workshops and mini-masterclasses, meet faculty and explore the Whyte Recital Hall. Full-time RIAM students also have access to Trinity College Dublin’s clubs and societies through the academy’s accrediting university.
How to make the most of an open day
Students should arrive prepared rather than relying only on general presentations. Useful questions include:
- What subjects and modules are covered in the first year?
- What are the minimum entry requirements and portfolio expectations?
- How are placements, internships or work experience organised?
- What learning supports are available through HEAR, DARE or other access routes?
- What accommodation, transport and commuting options are realistic?
- Which clubs, societies and student services are available on the specific campus?
It is also useful to compare the atmosphere of different campuses. A course may appear attractive online, but visiting in person can reveal the size of classrooms, travel demands, specialist facilities and the level of support students can expect.
What happens next for CAO applicants?
Open day schedules can change, so applicants should check the official website of each university or higher education institution before attending. Registration may be required, particularly for portfolio events, workshops and limited-capacity sessions.
The 2027 CAO application booklet is available through the CAO website. Students should use official course information when checking requirements and should avoid relying on outdated social media posts or third-party listings.
Frequently asked questions
Do students have to attend an open day?
No. Attendance is not compulsory, but an open day can help applicants make better-informed choices about courses, campus life and accommodation.
Can parents or guardians attend?
Many institutions welcome families, although registration rules may differ. Applicants should check the event guidance before attending.
Are all open days held in person?
Most events listed are campus-based, but some portfolio information sessions and accommodation supports may be available online.
Conclusion
This Breaking News Ireland guide shows that prospective students have multiple opportunities to visit colleges before finalising CAO choices. The clearest takeaway is to register early, confirm dates directly with institutions and use each visit to ask practical questions about courses, supports, student life and housing.
