St Mary’s has built its reputation for high standards of teacher education for over a century; and more latterly, for its liberal arts degree programmes. These high standards are complemented by the pastoral care that our students experience. Teaching is often hailed as the foundational profession through which all other professions are built.
Why Belfast?
Belfast is a vibrant and culturally exciting city. St Mary’s is located at the junction of the Falls Road and Broadway, an area rich in history at the heart of west Belfast. You will find that people are friendly, enthusiastic and will help you feel at home here. It’s a small, neighbourly community and is known as The Gaeltacht Quarter of the City.
A Rich History in Raising Standards
Belfast City of Culture
As a UNESCO City of Music and a place of European historic interest, Belfast has become a major center for cultural heritage. As a hub for the film industry, it has been the location for Lift, Game of Thrones, The Fall, Line of Duty and other major productions. It was the hometown of writers C.S. Lewis, Jonathan Swift and Seamus Heaney, and is the site of the world renowned Titanic Experience.
Cost of Living in Belfast
Belfast is an affordable place to study. Accommodation for students is not expensive, and there are a lot of cafes, restaurants and other places to eat offering a wide variety of exciting and delicious food. In addition, Belfast has a buzzing nightlife with live music and entertainment in bars and clubs. But, of course, living costs depend on your budget and choices, preferences, and lifestyle.
About West Belfast
West Belfast has transformed itself into a vibrant centre for Gaelic sport, the Irish language and culture. With local museums and regular festivals, this part of the city is a lively and unique alternative to the bustling city centre. Restaurants, pubs and churches line the historic Falls Road. An Cultúrlann, which is just across the road from the College, is the closest social hub, with its performance space, Irish classes, dancing, a bookshop and a café where everyone is welcome.
Experience Our City
Things to do – Belfast Bucket List
| ● | Visit St George’s Market for delicious food, market stalls, jewellery, and clothes; |
| ● | Walk around the city centre and check out the shops; |
| ● | Visit the City Hall seasonal markets, the Continental Market in summer and the Christmas market in winter. It is ranked one of the best city markets in the UK and Ireland; |
| ● | Watch the hurlers or footballers of Antrim GAA at Corrigan Park; |
| ● | During the course of the rugby season, you can see some of the best players in the world, including Ireland’s stars, just across the city at Ulster Rugby; |
| ● | In the Gaeltacht Quarter you can visit Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich or Áras Uí Chonghaille, James Connolly Visitor Centre; |
| ● | Elsewhere in the City go to the Opera House, the Lyric Theatre, the Waterfront Hall or the recently renovated Ulster Museum; |
| ● | Titanic Belfast is a self-guided museum offering nine interactive galleries that re-tell the iconic story. |