Explore UCD

UCD Home >

Irish Folklore

BA/BSc (NFQ Level 8)
I am an
Study Abroad

This course is available through the following application route(s)

Contact UsContact Us

Studying folklore involves the exploration of traditional popular culture, in the past and in the present. It is primarily concerned with the history and culture of ordinary people, and with the evolution and role of tradition at a vernacular level. As an academic discipline, Folklore (or ethnology) involves the exploration of oral literature, social tradition, material culture, popular belief and practice, as well as traditional music and song. It explores the dynamics of communal memory and of culture as a collective phenomenon. It looks at the nature of popular tradition and the way in which such tradition is transmitted, usually outside of official channels and often across vast distances of time and space.

This course investigates Irish Folklore as a local expression of international cultural phenomena, making the subject particularly suitable for international students.

About This Course

Studying folklore involves the exploration of traditional popular culture, in the past and in the present. It is primarily concerned with the history and culture of ordinary people, and with the evolution and role of tradition at a vernacular level. As an academic discipline, Folklore (or ethnology) involves the exploration of oral literature, social tradition, material culture, popular belief and practice, as well as traditional music and song. It explores the dynamics of communal memory and of culture as a collective phenomenon. It looks at the nature of popular tradition and the way in which such tradition is transmitted, usually outside of official channels and often across vast distances of time and space.

This course investigates Irish Folklore as a local expression of international cultural phenomena, making the subject particularly suitable for international students.

The educational values are centred on the promotion of a spirit of enquiry regarding the nature, persistence and dynamics of tradition in everyday life. They encourage students to develop a reflective approach to their studies, while also emphasising the centrality of fieldwork and archival sources to their research and learning. Teaching is carried out in lectures, in small-group tutorials, and in seminar-style participatory classes.

First Year

In first year, modules allow you to explore the nature and context of Folklore and provide you with a general introduction to the wide range of topics involved. You will be introduced to key texts on Irish Folklore and to some of the principal sources of information on the subject. Modules include: Introduction to Folklore • Folklore & the Imagination

Second & Final Year

Irish Folklore is taught in lectures, with additional tutorials in several modules. Classes are in English. Prior knowledge of the Irish language is not required, however, students will find it beneficial in some areas of the subject. Modules include: The Study of Folklore: Origins & Development • Material Culture • Social Life & Legend • The Narrative Art • Healers & Healing • Music & Words: Identity in the Irish Context

Assessment in all modules involves a combination of in-trimester assignment work and an end-of-trimester exam.

Study Irish Folklore

Celtic Civilisation Irish/Gaeilge
Drama Studies Irish Studies
English Italian
Film Studies Latin
French Mathematics
German Music
Greek Spanish
History
Study Irish Folklore (BSc Social Sciences) as a minor with:
Archaeology

There are opportunities for students to spend a year studying abroad while pursuing a BA Arts in Irish Folklore. Possibilities include Europe, Canada and the United States.

A degree in Irish Folklore is relevant to anyone interested in popular culture, tradition and society, and their interconnections. It provides an excellent basis for careers in: • Heritage Bodies and Institutions • Community Organisations and Local Development Initiatives • Media and Journalism • Teaching • Areas related to Irish Studies, Local Studies and Ethnic Studies • Communications

Graduates are prepared to pursue MA and Diploma courses in Irish Folklore at graduate level, as well as MLitt and PhD studies, specialising in one of the many areas of the subject.

UCD School of Irish, Celtic Studies and Folklore
p. +353 1 716 8385
e. bairbre.nichonchuir@ucd.ie


Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
IRFL10010 Introduction to Folklore Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
IRFL10040 Ethnography of the Everyday Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
IRFL20010 The Study of Folklore: Origins and Development Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
IRFL20090 Folklife & Ethnology Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Select minimum three modules
IRFL20030 The Narrative Art Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Select minimum three modules
CCIV20070 Poets, Power and Performance Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Select minimum three modules
IRFL20050 Healers and Healing Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Select minimum three modules
IRFL20100 Oral history and tradition Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 0 of:
This is a College of Arts and Humanities module. It is the equivalent of an elective. You can take it instead of taking one of your Stage 2 electives. This is not one of your required options. Please make sure that you have selected the correct number of programme options from the list above.
HUM20010 Career Readiness for Arts Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 5 of:
Select all 5 modules
CCIV30110 Early Irish Myths & Sagas Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 5 of:
Select all 5 modules
GRC30080 The Oedipus Myth Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 5 of:
Select all 5 modules
GRC30330 Death and the Afterlife in the Ancient World Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 5 of:
Select all 5 modules
IRFL30030 The Life Cycle Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 5 of:
Select all 5 modules
IRFL30090 Collectors of Song and Music Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 5 of:
Select all 5 modules
GRC30290 Magic in the Ancient World Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 5 of:
Select all 5 modules
IRFL30020 Calendar Custom Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 5 of:
Select all 5 modules
IRFL30100 Popular religion and belief Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 5 of:
Select all 5 modules
CCIV30110 Early Irish Myths & Sagas Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 5 of:
Select all 5 modules
GRC30080 The Oedipus Myth Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 5 of:
Select all 5 modules
GRC30330 Death and the Afterlife in the Ancient World Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 5 of:
Select all 5 modules
IRFL30030 The Life Cycle Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 5 of:
Select all 5 modules
IRFL30090 Collectors of Song and Music Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 5 of:
Select all 5 modules
GRC30290 Magic in the Ancient World Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 5 of:
Select all 5 modules
IRFL30020 Calendar Custom Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 5 of:
Select all 5 modules
IRFL30100 Popular religion and belief Spring  5

I chose to study Irish Folklore because of the expertise offered here at UCD. The subject has inspired me in so many ways. It has revolutionised the way I perceive the world around me, which is so full of detail, when you take a closer look. Many of us have heard old tales, and played old games in our childhood, and through studying Folklore, we can develop a much greater appreciation for these modes of expression. I love the atmosphere of the classroom and our professors are always open to a chat in the corridor. I also thoroughly enjoy the independent learning environment at UCD. A lot of my work is completed through my own reading and self guided research. You get out what you put in!

Caolan Maher, Student

General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Irish Folklore:

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceInt BAU5
Arts
Bachelor of Arts
Full-Time
Commencing September 2024
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates
Closed
showAudience-audienceInt SBU3
Social Sciences
Bachelor of Science
Full-Time
Commencing September 2024
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates
Closed
showAudience-audienceInt BAU5
Joint Honours
Bachelor of Arts
Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates
Apply
showAudience-audienceInt SBU3
Social Sciences
Bachelor of Science
Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates
Apply
showAudience-audienceEU DN520
Joint Honours
Bachelor of Arts
Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Application through CAO Apply via CAO
showAudience-audienceEU DN700
Social Sciences
Bachelor of Science
Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Application through CAO Apply via CAO
* you can change options at the top of the page

Additional special entry route(s) to Irish Folklore:

These options have additional eligibility requirements to cater for specific applicant cohorts. You should not apply via these routes before consulting the requirements or contacting the responsible UCD office.

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt BAU5
Joint Honours
Bachelor of Arts
Full-Time

Commencing September 2025
Access Progression Pathway
Access Progression Pathway
Application to this Non-EU Access Progression Pathway is by invitation only. If you are not currently enrolled on an Access programme at UCD, your application will be marked as invalid.
If you are not a current Access student, but you are a non-EU applicant seeking admission to an undergraduate degree, please submit an application via the "Undergraduate Degree (Non-EU)" course type.
Apply
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt SBU3
Social Sciences
Bachelor of Science
Full-Time

Commencing September 2025
Access Progression Pathway
Access Progression Pathway
Application to this Non-EU Access Progression Pathway is by invitation only. If you are not currently enrolled on an Access programme at UCD, your application will be marked as invalid.
If you are not a current Access student, but you are a non-EU applicant seeking admission to an undergraduate degree, please submit an application via the "Undergraduate Degree (Non-EU)" course type.
Apply