Choosing a university is one of the biggest decisions facing sixth-year students, and visiting a campus can make the options far clearer. This guide to Breaking News in Irish education outlines the confirmed open-day dates, registration details and what prospective students can expect at major universities across Ireland.
Several autumn events have already taken place, while more opportunities are scheduled in Dublin, Limerick and elsewhere before the 2027 CAO deadline. Students and families should check each institution’s website before travelling, as arrangements and registration requirements may change.
Irish university open days: key dates
The remaining 2026 open days include events at University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Maynooth University and Dublin City University. Other institutions have scheduled spring or January events for students seeking a second visit.
- UCD: Saturday, November 14th, 2026
- DCU: Friday, November 13th and Saturday, November 14th, 2026
- Trinity College Dublin: Saturday, November 21st, 2026
- Maynooth University: Friday, November 20th and Saturday, November 21st, 2026
- RCSI: Friday, January 8th, 2027
- University of Limerick: Saturday, January 16th, 2027
- University of Galway: Saturday, March 13th, 2027
- UCC: Spring undergraduate open evening expected in March 2027
What happens at an Irish university open day?
Open days usually combine course presentations with campus tours, information stands and conversations with current students. They are designed to help applicants understand both academic life and the practical realities of attending a particular institution.
Visitors may be able to:
- Attend talks about specific courses and subject areas
- Meet lecturers, admissions teams and student ambassadors
- Tour libraries, laboratories, lecture halls and sports facilities
- Learn about access routes, scholarships and student supports
- Ask questions about accommodation, clubs and societies
Some events also provide information on application procedures and, for certain programmes, additional requirements such as the HPAT.
University College Dublin and Dublin City University
UCD open day
UCD’s open day takes place on Saturday, November 14th. The programme includes course talks, information sessions, campus tours and opportunities to speak with academic staff and current students. Registration is available through the university’s MyUCD events page.
UCD offers a broad range of clubs and societies, including sports such as sailing, football and rugby. On-campus accommodation includes facilities such as laundry services, bicycle storage and a gym.
DCU open days
DCU will host an event on its Glasnevin Campus on Friday, November 13th, from 10am to 3pm. A further open day will take place on Saturday, November 14th, from 10am to 2pm at both the Glasnevin and St Patrick’s campuses.
Prospective students can meet staff from faculties and support services, explore the campuses and learn about clubs and societies. Information is available at dcu.ie/openday.
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Trinity College Dublin and Maynooth University
Trinity open day
Trinity College Dublin’s open day is scheduled for Saturday, November 21st. Attendees can join course talks, tour the historic campus and meet professors and students. Registration is available through tcd.ie/openday.
Trinity has more than 120 societies, alongside clubs covering sports including netball, ultimate frisbee and American football. First-year undergraduates can apply for Trinity Hall, while other accommodation options are available through partner residences.
Maynooth open days
Maynooth University will welcome prospective students on Friday, November 20th and Saturday, November 21st. Visitors can attend course talks, tour the campus and speak with staff and students.
The university offers almost 1,200 on-campus rooms, arranged in apartments. Half of these rooms are allocated to new first-year undergraduates. Registration is available through the university’s open-day campaign website.
Open days in Cork, Limerick and Galway
University College Cork
UCC’s autumn open day took place on October 10th, but the university expects to hold a spring undergraduate open evening in March 2027. Students can register their interest in future events through UCC’s undergraduate events page.
The event format includes talks, information stands and conversations with academic staff and students. UCC has more than 100 societies and sports clubs including GAA, tennis and rowing. Its student accommodation is spread across six complexes, with applications handled through an annual lottery.
University of Limerick
UL held open days on October 15th and 16th, with another undergraduate event planned for Saturday, January 16th, 2027. The programme is expected to include subject talks, faculty and library tours, and student-support information.
A dedicated quiet space will be available in the Glucksman Library for visitors who may experience sensory overload or fatigue. UL accommodation applications for incoming CAO first-year students use a lottery system, with priority for applicants living more than 60 kilometres away.
University of Galway
The University of Galway’s autumn open days took place on October 2nd and 3rd. Its spring open day is scheduled for Saturday, March 13th, 2027.
Visitors can attend faculty and course talks, take campus tours and learn about access routes. The university has more than 50 clubs and 110 societies, while campus accommodation includes Corrib Village, Goldcrest Village and Dunlin Village.
RCSI open day and professional courses
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland will hold its open day on Friday, January 8th, 2027. Students can explore the facilities, meet ambassadors and receive guidance on undergraduate access routes, the HPAT, applications and scholarships.
Mercer Court, which includes Mercer Court Apartments and Millin House Student Residence, is located close to the RCSI Library and main campus.
How students should prepare
An open day is most useful when students arrive with specific questions. Before attending, applicants should:
- Review course requirements and subject combinations.
- Prepare questions about placements, assessments and graduate pathways.
- Compare accommodation costs, availability and application processes.
- Ask about disability, academic and mental-health supports.
- Check travel routes and allow enough time to explore the campus.
Students should also consult the CAO application booklet and confirm details directly with each higher education institution. Some dates, programmes and registration arrangements may be updated during the application cycle.
Frequently asked questions
Which Irish universities have open days in November 2026?
UCD, DCU, Trinity College Dublin and Maynooth University have open-day events scheduled in November 2026.
Are there further open days in 2027?
Yes. RCSI and the University of Limerick have January events, while the University of Galway has a spring open day. UCC also expects to hold a spring undergraduate open evening.
Where can students register?
Registration is handled by each university through its official website. Applicants should use the institution’s own event page for the latest information.
What students should take away
University open days offer more than a look around a campus: they help applicants compare courses, accommodation, supports and student life before making CAO choices. For the latest Breaking News and education updates, students should monitor official university websites and CAO.ie, confirm dates before travelling and use each visit to make informed decisions about their future.
