St Mary's University College - Belfast

Sharing our culture through sport
As part of our St Mary’s International Summer School, our U.S. visitors got to experience Irish culture by learning some Irish dancing steps, introducing them to the Irish language and allowing them to experience the skills of Gaelic games.
It was wonderful to share our love of sport with students from U.S. Colleges, while showcasing the unique blend of learning and cultural experiences on offer at St Mary’s.
No visit to St Mary’s is complete without an introduction to Gaelic games session! ☘️

Come along to our Open Days on 8th, 9th and 10th September to learn more about our College & degree programmes;
⚫️BEd (Hons) Primary/Post primary
⚫️BA (Hons) Liberal Arts
SIGN UP to find out why you should study at St Mary's using this link https://webapps.smucb.ac.uk/wap/openday.aspx

BEST WISHES to everyone receiving their results tomorrow.
Important information for applicants is available on our website:
https://www.stmarys-belfast.ac.uk/study/information-for-applicants/

From Wounded Knee to Gaza
Students and faculty participating in our International Summer School had the unique opportunity to visit From Wounded Knee to Gaza, an exhibition of paintings by J. B. Vallely on display at St Mary's University College as part of Féile an Phobail.
Through a powerful and deeply reflective body of work, Vallely explores injustice, conflict and resilience, drawing connections between the 19th-century Wounded Knee massacre and the lived realities of present-day Gaza.
The exhibition invites viewers to confront uncomfortable truths while reflecting on innocence, loss, human dignity and the enduring strength and hope of those who suffer.
Thank you to our College Principal Prof. Peter Finn for leading the tour.

JOB OPPORTUNITY:
Technology and Design (Control Systems) Technician
Closing date 12:00 noon on Thursday 27th August 2026
➡️ Superb opportunity to work in a modern environment as part of a great team.
More for information visit our website https://www.stmarys-belfast.ac.uk/jobs/job-opportunities/

Warm Derry Welcome
Our International Summer School students and faculty from the U.S. enjoyed unforgettable highlights in Derry as part of their visit:
- Meeting Derry Mayor Cllr Grace Uí Niallais, who connected with our Wisconsin university visitors ahead of her trip to the Milwaukee Irish Fest this week
- Exploring the Derry Walls to uncover the history of the Siege of Derry, then visiting the Bogside to learn about the Civil Rights movement and its U.S. origins
And, of course, capturing the essential Derry experience: a photo in front of the iconic Derry Girls mural.
A huge thank you to everyone who helped make their visit so special.

Congratulations to our St Mary's graduates on their All-Ireland success on Sunday:
Armagh - Eimear O'Kane & Ciara Hill
Antrim - Nicole McAtamney (née O'Neill) & Maeve Kelly

From Mayobridge to 'Madden'
Best wishes to Charlie Smyth as he prepares for the new NFL season with New Orleans Saints.

Mayobridge to Madden – Smyth enjoying next level in 🏈

Read more 👉 https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/american-football/articles/c0m7kl42grlo

International Summer School at St Mary’s 2026

Students and faculty from seven universities in the USA attended the St Mary’s International Summer School and were fortunate to experience the positivity of Belfast as the city hosted the historic Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026.

St Mary's International Summer School coincided with Belfast's first hosting of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world’s largest celebration of traditional Irish music and culture which transformed the city into a vibrant festival of sound, colour and craic, allowing the American students and academics to experience Belfast at its most dynamic.

Delivered in association with Féile an Phobail, the Summer School continues to showcase Belfast to an international audience while highlighting the city’s diversity, community spirit and cultural
confidence. The timing of the programme offers participants a unique opportunity to experience the excitement of a city taking centre stage on a global cultural platform.

Participating U.S. instutitions :
James Madison University, Virginia
Merrimack College, Massachusetts
Bellarmine University, Kentucky
Alvernia University, Pennsylvania
Saint Martin’s University, Washington
Edgewood University, Wisconsin
Carroll University, Wisconsin