Building Upon Its Heritage, Iona University Launches New Campus in County Mayo, Ireland
Connecting to its Irish Catholic heritage and expanding opportunities for students to engage even more deeply abroad, Iona University is proud to be opening a new campus in County Mayo, Ireland. Located within the historic, 400-acre Westport House Estate along the Atlantic coast, classes are set to begin May 2024.
“Iona University’s legacy in Ireland dates back many centuries. From St. Columba in 563 A.D. to Blessed Edmund Rice in the early 1800s to the Christian Brothers who opened our doors in New Rochelle in 1940, this is a legacy we proudly carry forward to this day,” said Iona President Seamus Carey, Ph.D. “To return to our spiritual homeland is not only extremely rewarding; it is also full of potential. As we embrace our past, we are building our future, and together with the people of County Mayo, we look forward to the journey ahead.”
Iona announced the news on September 19 as part of its 83rd birthday celebration on the Murphy Green, complete with performances from the pipe band, Irish dance team and other student spirit groups. It was
also on that day just one year ago that the campus community came together to celebrate Iona’s transition from a college to a university.
“It’s always a great day to be a Gael, but now more than ever, especially as we continue to expand opportunities both inside the classroom and beyond, the energy across campus is infectious,” said Kevin O’Sullivan, senior vice president for Enrollment and Student Affairs. “Iona’s Irish heritage plays such an integral role in our identity and inspires us every single day. I cannot wait to see how our students flourish abroad. It is sure to be a transformative experience with memories that will last a lifetime.”
As a leading attraction along the 1,600-mile Wild Atlantic Way—one of the longest coastal routes in the world—Westport House is not only breathtakingly beautiful, but also deeply committed to building a sustainable future. Strikingly, the estate’s majestic, waterside location provides a stunning view of Croagh Patrick, a holy mountain where St. Patrick is said to have banished the serpents from Ireland. Westport House is also within walking distance to the center of the town of Westport, which has been voted the best place to live in Ireland by the Irish Times newspaper.
“Westport House has a bold vision for the future—and we are excited to be a part of it,” Carey said. “The fertile seeds we have planted in Westport are borne out of the spirit developed over many centuries for us as Gaels. We look forward to growing with the people, land and communities of Westport for generations to come.”
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